There are three different approaches of running a construction project. There is always the best approach for your case, depending on cost and schedule constraints and team members involved.
Classic
(Design-Bid-Build)
ADVANTAGES:
Extended control over the process
Limited hidden costs
Better choice for fixed cost contract
DISADVANTAGES:
Requires serious project management
Relatively higher design fee
Usually takes longer than other approaches
DESCRIPTION:
Key stages performed one after another: first design, than cost estimation, and finally fit-out works. Design-Bid-Build approach imples that after design is finished there usually will be a tender for General Contractor. After cost is presented Client may review the design and select the best General Contractor for the project. This approach is ideally suited for high-creativity projects, where independant designer is required.
Complete General Contracting
(Design and Build)
ADVANTAGES:
Relatively fast
Requires less effort from Client's side
DISADVANTAGES:
Less transparent
Higher contingencies (20+%)
Requires independent cost control
DESCRIPTION:
Design and Construction are made concurrently. This makes process faster, but also makes it susceptable to error. To make this approach successful it is essential to delegate maximum amount of work to General Contractor, usually including design.
General Contractor as a Customer
(Construction Manager in Charge)
ADVANTAGES:
Minimal control is required
Fixed cost
DISADVANTAGES:
Limited use
Rarely used on interior projects
DESCRIPTION:
This approach is about making General Contractor in charge of process. Client will fix cost, deadline, sometimes team members, but then he'll step out from the project. This approach is used for simple typical repeating projects. Rarely used for interiors.
