Design/build methods for electrical contracting industry

This paper reports on a project sponsored by the Electrical Contracting Foundation that examined the design/build (D/B) approach and the various dimensions of the decision process that electrical contractors consider before entering this emerging marketplace. Electrical contractors were surveyed regarding many different aspects of D/B and how those factors impact their business. The survey revealed several important trends and preferences among electrical contractors. One area identified in the survey worthy of note is that many of the electrical contractors felt ill prepared to embark on D/B with their current understanding of the issues.