Early Contractor Involvement: Transforming Construction Projects
How Involving Contractors Early Reduces Costs and Speeds Up Delivery
Choosing the right project delivery method can make or break a construction project. Early contractor involvement, especially through models like Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR), is proving to deliver major cost, quality, and speed advantages over traditional approaches like Design-Bid-Build.
- Early contractor input lowers the risk of design-related errors and costly changes.
- CMAR projects typically see 6–10% less cost growth.
- Faster project completion: up to 13% quicker than traditional methods.
- Enhanced communication and project transparency.
- Adaptability to supply chain or industry challenges.
Why Early Contractor Involvement Matters
Collaboration Over Traditional Delivery
The traditional Design-Bid-Build process separates the design and construction phases, often leading to miscommunication and costly change orders. In contrast, models like CMAR foster collaboration as contractors join the project during the design phase, offering practical expertise from the start.
Significant Cost Savings
Studies show that CMAR projects typically experience a 6–10% reduction in cost growth. This is largely because contractors can spot potential design problems early, saving both money and time.
| Project Delivery Method | Average Cost Growth | Average Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Design-Bid-Build | +10% | Standard |
| CMAR | +4% | 13% Faster |
Reducing Change Orders and Design Errors
According to Navigant Consulting, design errors account for 38% of all change orders. Early contractor involvement helps catch these errors in design, leading to smoother construction with fewer disruptions and further cost savings.
Accelerating Project Delivery
The Design-Build Institute of America reports CMAR-led projects are completed about 13% faster. This is a crucial advantage, especially with tight timelines or market demands.
Enhancing Communication and Adaptability
When contractors are involved early, teams can communicate directly about constructability and quickly adapt to industry challenges, such as supply chain issues. This flexibility is invaluable in today’s changing construction landscape.
Integrated Approach: The Varsity Way
At Varsity Construction Company, our integrated design-build service mirrors the collaborative principles of CMAR. From seismic retrofitting to sustainable building, we provide hands-on expertise from day one, ensuring successful, cost-effective, and timely projects for every client.
Conclusion: Make the Smart Move for Your Next Project
Early contractor involvement isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven strategy for better, faster, and more affordable construction. Contact our expert team at Varsity to see how early collaboration can ensure your residential or commercial project’s success.
Ready to work smarter, not harder? Reach out to Varsity Construction Company today for a free project consultation!