Comparing the Performance Quality of Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build Delivery Methods

Abstract

AbstractThe choice of delivery method is one of the most important decisions that can determine the quality of construction projects. Two basic delivery methods, design-bid-build and design-build, have been compared in terms of project quality; however, an important quality dimension, performance quality, has generally been ignored in previous studies. In this study, the authors used existing economic theories to develop a model to examine the performance quality and project profits of these two delivery methods. The equilibrium points of the model were analyzed with consideration given to influencing factors such as cost coefficient, cooperation efficiency, and coordination cost. Four propositions were made to facilitate the quality-profit comparisons between design-bid-build and design-build. The first proposition showed that to maximize personal profit, the project coordinator should always keep a balance between design quality and construction quality, regardless of the delivery method. The other thre...