What is one disadvantage of the Design-Build approach?

The Design-Build approach integrates design and construction services under one contract, which can streamline project delivery and improve collaboration between stakeholders. However, one notable disadvantage is the potential loss of quality control by the owner. This occurs because the owner might have less direct involvement in the design process compared to a traditional design-bid-build scenario, where designers and the owner collaborate closely before construction begins. In the Design-Build model, the contractor often has more autonomy over design decisions, which can lead to compromises in quality if the owner does not have sufficient oversight or clear standards established from the start.

In this context, while collaboration between the owner and contractor may improve efficiency, it may inadvertently limit the owner's ability to enforce their vision for quality, potentially resulting in a final product that does not fully meet their expectations. This aspect is essential for owners to consider when selecting a project delivery method, as maintaining quality control is often a key priority in construction projects.