Design and construct
Design and construct is the contract form under which Calibre Construction Group delivers most of its apartment projects. The developer engages Calibre under a single contract that covers the design consultants, the coordination of approvals and the construction itself, with one contract sum and one programme. Calibre appoints and manages the architect, structural and civil engineers, services consultants and the certifier, develops the design from the approved development application through to construction documentation, and carries the design risk that would otherwise sit with the developer. The developer deals with one party from the pricing stage to handover, and the contract sum is fixed against a documented scope rather than a preliminary drawing set. Calibre has delivered projects this way since 2004, from 36 apartments at Wolli Creek to 182 at Arncliffe, and the process below is the one it follows on every design and construct engagement.
Under a design and construct contract, Calibre takes the project from an approved development application, or from an earlier concept where the developer prefers, and carries it through design development, construction certificate, construction and handover under one agreement.
The value to a developer is the single point of responsibility. Design coordination problems, consultant delays and buildability issues are Calibre's to resolve inside the contract sum rather than variations to be argued about.
How it runs
Feasibility and pricing
A site visit, a review of the development consent or concept, and a priced proposal against a defined scope, with the programme and the assumptions written down.
Design development
Calibre appoints and manages the design team. The approved design is developed to construction documentation, coordinated across disciplines and checked for buildability before it is priced in detail.
Approvals and certification
Construction certificate, regulated design declarations under the Design and Building Practitioners Act, and the conditions of consent are managed by Calibre with the certifier.
Construction
Structure, envelope, services and fit-out delivered against the programme, with a director on the project and a construction manager on site.
Completion and handover
Occupation certificate, defects inspection, handover documentation and the start of the defects liability period.
Questions developers ask
What does design and construct include?
Design consultants, design coordination, approvals after the development application, construction and handover, under one contract with one contract sum.
Can Calibre take a project from a development application?
Yes. Most engagements start from an approved development application. Calibre can also be involved earlier, at concept stage, where a developer wants buildability and cost input before lodging.
Who carries the design risk?
Calibre does, under the contract. Design coordination and documentation are Calibre's responsibility once the contract is signed.
How is the price set?
Against a documented scope and a programme, before the contract is signed. Changes to scope are priced as variations; coordination and buildability issues within the scope are not.
Discuss a site.
Send the address and the stage the project has reached. A director reads every enquiry and replies within one business day.