CMAR vs DBB in the Process

To see how the Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) delivery model compares to Design-Bid-Build (DBB), you have to look at the architectural phases of the project starting with programming.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
D. Brown Management
January 17, 2019 2 minute read
Share

Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) and Design-Bid-Build (DBB).

CM at Risk: Project Delivery Comparison - Design-Bid-Build vs CMAR.

All projects must go through the same stages. The difference with CMAR is that the GC and CM roles are combined, with the contractor being selected based on qualifications and brought into the project early, often near the last part of the programming phase.  

This allows a more accurate feasibility estimate to be completed at the end of the schematic phase with continuous value engineering (VE) throughout the design development phase.  

While this takes longer than the DBB method, time is quickly made up because bid packages for early construction work can get created quickly and work started. 

For the DBB method, the GCs and subs won’t see the bid packages until after the construction document phase is completed. With no involvement in the design, the VE process is rushed and drawing revisions are often poorly coordinated.  

While competitive bidding often leads to an initial low price, studies show that DBB projects frequently have cost and schedule overruns.  

Managed effectively, the CMAR is one of the best delivery methods for many different project types.

CM at Risk
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....
Previous Next Go To Series
Related Insights Series
CM at Risk
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....
Previous Next Go To Series
Related Insights Series
Building Ships and Vision
There is a lot of work in building projects and building a construction company. It is easy to get mired down in endless to-do lists, processes and problems. The one thing that holds this all together accelerating performance is the company’s vision.
Related Article
Impacted Productivity - Dilution of Management
Dilution of management will compound an already impacted construction project. It is important for teams to realize the full costs of impacts as they start to occur.
Related Article
Succession - There is No One Best Way
As systems become more complex (or V.U.C.A.), such as operating a company or succession planning, there is not a single “One Best Way” that will work in all situations.
Related Article