At DCG, we offer various contracting methods, tailored to meet your needs and expectations for your
project.

Design-build Contract
The design-build method of construction helps meet your expected budget and schedule for your
project. DCG will assemble a design team comprising of experts that have proved themselves to us on
previous projects. You get the benefit of our practical and pricing inputs; DCG will offer preliminary
estimates and cost-saving design options during the design process.
This eliminates unnecessary design
fees for re-design if your project needs to be value-engineered to lower costs. This method of
contracting insures that, as your contractor, DCG understands your expectations and requirements
fully. DCG always keeps design-build and negotiated projects competitive by bidding the project to
several subcontractors in each trade, while making sure that quality is never compromised. We would be
happy to give you specific references for successful design-build projects we have completed.

Negotiated Contract
Another method commonly used is a negotiated contract. This allows you to bring DCG in later in the
design process. DCG will work with you and your architect to ensure that costs are kept down. Again,
working as a team, you, your architect, engineers, contractor, and subcontractors, help accomplish your
goals for your project at minimum cost, maximum quality and the shortest schedule.
Many times, a
competitive bid results in unexpectedly high costs, which leads to an owner's request for value
engineering. In these cases on a commitment from the owner, DCG will work on cost saving ideas; re-
design specific project aspects and propose alternates that help you maintain your budget requirements.

Competitively Bid Contracts
For many projects, DCG is involved only after design is complete and the project is competitively bid to
general contractors. Be assured that DCG does not compromise on quality or service on a competitive
bid project.

Contract Structures
Once you have decided the overall method of contractor involvement in your project, there are different
contract structures to choose from.
The most common contract form is a lump sum contract. Under this contract, the contractor provides
a set contract amount for a pre-determined scope of work. Changes to the bid documents and the
associated costs are addressed by way of a Change Order, approved by the owner.
Many of our clients prefer the guaranteed maximum price contract. The guaranteed maximum
contract provides for an open-book policy: you can review the costs associated with your project at any
time. The owner has a fixed contract amount which simplifies issues greatly - it helps to ensure that you
are aware of and understand all costs.
Whatever method you choose and whichever contract structure you decide is best for your project, DCG
remains committed to integrity and value.