A project delivery method wherein the construction manager commits to completing the project within a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). This individual or firm undertakes the dual role of advisor to the owner during the development and design phases, then transitions into the role of general contractor during construction. For instance, a hospital expansion project may utilize this method. The construction manager works with the hospital from initial design discussions, offering cost-saving suggestions and constructability reviews, and then assumes responsibility for building the expansion within the agreed-upon budget.
The value of this approach lies in its collaborative nature and the potential for cost control. Engaging a construction manager early in the process allows for integration of construction expertise into the design, mitigating potential problems and optimizing project efficiency. The GMP provides financial certainty for the owner, while the construction manager has an incentive to manage costs effectively. Historically, this approach evolved to address complexities and cost overruns associated with traditional design-bid-build methods.