How do you handle design-build changes and variations without compromising schedule and budget?

2 Plan for contingencies

Even with a well-defined scope and expectations, changes and variations are inevitable in design-build projects. They can arise from various sources, such as client requests, design errors, site conditions, regulatory changes, or market fluctuations. Therefore, you should plan for contingencies and include them in your budget and schedule. Contingencies are allowances that cover the potential risks and uncertainties of the project. They can help you absorb the cost and time impacts of changes and variations without compromising your project goals.

3 Collaborate and communicate

Another essential factor for managing design-build changes and variations is to foster a culture of collaboration and communication among all stakeholders. Design-build projects require a high level of coordination and integration between the design and construction teams, as well as the client and other parties. You should communicate regularly and transparently, share information and feedback, and resolve issues promptly and constructively. By collaborating and communicating effectively, you can reduce conflicts, errors, and delays, and enhance trust, innovation, and quality.

4 Evaluate and prioritize changes and variations

Not all changes and variations are equal. Some may have a significant impact on the project scope, quality, cost, or schedule, while others may have a minimal or negligible effect. Therefore, you should evaluate and prioritize changes and variations according to their importance, urgency, feasibility, and value. You should also consider the implications and trade-offs of each change and variation, and how they affect the project objectives and expectations. By evaluating and prioritizing changes and variations, you can make informed and rational decisions that balance the needs and interests of all stakeholders.

5 Document and track changes and variations

One of the most important steps to handle design-build changes and variations is to document and track them throughout the project lifecycle. You should record the details, reasons, approvals, and impacts of each change and variation, and update the scope, budget, schedule, and contract accordingly. You should also monitor and report the progress and performance of the project against the baseline and the revised plans. By documenting and tracking changes and variations, you can ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance, and avoid disputes, claims, and litigation.

6 Learn and improve

Finally, you should learn from your experience and improve your design-build practices for future projects. You should conduct a post-project review and analysis to identify the causes, effects, and lessons of changes and variations. You should also solicit feedback from all stakeholders, and evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your design-build process. By learning and improving from your design-build changes and variations, you can enhance your skills, knowledge, and reputation, and deliver better outcomes for your clients and yourself.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?