DBIA Executing Design-Build Projects Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

What is the recommended approach for managing subcontractor procurement in design-build?

Accepted Answer

Subcontractors should be engaged progressively as design develops, with key trade partners potentially involved early for their technical input

Answer

All subcontractors must be selected before design begins

Answer

Only the lowest bidder for each trade should be selected

Answer

Subcontractor selection is the owner's responsibility in design-build

Question 2

How should design reviews be conducted during design-build project execution?

Accepted Answer

Through collaborative over-the-shoulder reviews at defined milestones, focusing on criteria compliance rather than prescriptive design direction

Answer

The owner should not review any design documents

Answer

Only at 100% design completion

Answer

Design reviews are not necessary in design-build

Question 3

What is the significance of 'substantial completion' in a design-build contract?

Accepted Answer

It is the point at which the project is sufficiently complete that the owner can occupy and use it for its intended purpose

Answer

It means all punch list items have been resolved

Answer

It occurs when 50% of construction is finished

Answer

It only applies to the design portion of the contract

Question 4

What is commissioning, and why is it particularly important in design-build?

Accepted Answer

Commissioning is a systematic process of verifying that all building systems perform according to the design intent and owner's operational requirements

Answer

Commissioning is the same as a building inspection

Answer

Commissioning only applies to HVAC systems

Answer

Commissioning is optional in design-build projects

Question 5

How should design-build teams handle unforeseen site conditions during construction?

Accepted Answer

The contract should define the process for identifying, documenting, and allocating responsibility for differing site conditions based on what was reasonably foreseeable

Answer

Unforeseen conditions are always the owner's financial responsibility

Answer

Ignore unforeseen conditions and continue as planned

Answer

Stop all work indefinitely until conditions are resolved

Question 6

What is the recommended approach for project scheduling in design-build?

Accepted Answer

Develop an integrated master schedule that coordinates design milestones, procurement, and construction activities into a unified timeline

Answer

Use separate schedules for design and construction

Answer

The owner should develop the schedule independently

Answer

Scheduling is only needed for the construction phase