Masonry Magazine January 2008 Page. 52
Design Build
Mason contractors might see an advantage to design build in timing. Short lead times allow for early starts and faster completion by masons.
building wrap is one of the last phases of a project, is merely a myth. "A good general contractor isn't going to let that happen," Ziolkowski says. "If you're a good masonry contractor, you should be selective of the general contractor you work with. Budget numbers coming in from the subcontractors should be iron clad. You're going to be held to that [bid]. No masonry contractor should be given the short end of the stick." Mason contractors might also see an advantage to design build in timing. Since the walls are constructed from readily available materials, short lead times allow for early starts and faster completion by the masons, which shines a positive light on their contributions to the overall projects. Additionally, software can be key to the design-build process, and a number of programs exist to assist with every aspect of this method, says Clint Auderer, product manager for Dubuque, lowa-based software developer and vendor Digital Canal Corp. "Design-build software has been around for quite a while," he says. "Our clients are mostly engineers and architects, but also contractors, builders and even lay people." Among Digital Canal's most popular programs are Digital SolidBuilder, a design software, and BidBuilder, an estimating software. The company also offers training on the programs.
Looking ahead
LIKE ALL ASPECTS of the development and construction industries, design build is facing increasing needs to define and adhere to green building regulations and standards, many of which are sketchy at best, while others are yet to be established. "Green and LEED are top on the list of hot topics today," says Greer. "If you want financing, permits and zoning changes, you must be prepared to go green and [become LEED certified]. It only makes sense that building by conserving is next for the generation of structures to come. From alternate power sources to recycled materials, the green and [LEED-certified] items will become more and more desirable to the owners. "The contractor must be educated in these areas to compete in today's market," Greer continues. "Masonry is a tremendous green product and has tremendous capabilities for heating and cooling. Masonry materials can use recycled products, making them more cost effective and desirable." The DBIA estimates that more than 50 percent of non-residential design and construction will happen via design build by the year 2015. Today's design-builders want full accountability for architecture, engineering and construction. By knowledgeably pursuing design quality, and effectively controlling costs and scheduling, a mason design builder assures that concept-to-completion is more than idle discourse. IMAS