Why Choose Design-Build Construction for Senior Housing?

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An Integrated Approach That Outperforms Traditional Methods

Owners and developers often ask why design-build construction is better than the traditional design–bid–build process for senior housing projects. The answer is clear: With one accountable partner managing both design and construction, you have greater transparency, maximize your investment, reduce risk, gain cost and schedule certainty earlier, and create communities that meet resident needs while delivering strong financial performance.

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Benefits of Design-Build for Senior Housing

  • Save money — projects using a design-build approach have a 6.1% lower unit cost and 5.2% less cost growth than those using the traditional design-bid-build model.
  • Earlier cost certainty — design-build integrates predevelopment and preconstruction, so you know costs sooner and avoid late-stage budget surprises.
  • Earlier & faster schedules — with design-build, the project schedule is known early in the life of the project. Also, design and construction can overlap, reducing the overall project duration.
  • Stronger collaboration — architects, engineers, and builders work together with the provider or investor from the project start, addressing challenges and saving time and money for improved outcomes.
  • Transparency — provider-driven decision-making. Providers are around the table for decisions that impact costs and who is on the build team for your project.
  • Improved compliance — senior housing codes and healthcare regulations are addressed early, streamlining approvals and minimizing delays.
  • Better outcomes — communities are designed to enhance quality of life while meeting financial and operational goals.

Design-Build vs. Traditional Design-Bid-Build

Design Focus What It Includes Provider and Developer Benefits
Resident-Centered ArchitectureDesigns focused on resident socialization, independence, wellness, and life as usual.Improves marketability, supports occupancy, and enhances resident satisfaction.
Interior Design with PurposeFirst impressions that wow, featuring senior-friendly furniture, purposeful, on-trend color palettes, durability, and easy maintenance. Welcoming common areas, functional care stations, finishes that feel like home.Improves marketability, drives occupancy, strengthens brand identity, and creates a homey atmosphere.
Future-Ready DesignConstruction systems, flexible layouts, and unit configurations designed with knowledge of regulatory and code trends.Minimizes capital investments required to remain relevant as markets, codes, and regulatory environments change.
Operational EfficiencyDesigns that align with staff routines and facilitate efficient workflows, with compliance-focused planning.Improves recruitment, retention, and staff productivity. Lowers staffing costs and enhances quality of care.
3D Modeling & VisualizationRevit modeling and 3D renderings that ensure accuracy and transparency.Reduces costly change orders, builds stakeholder consensus, and accelerates decision-making.
Balancing Revenue and Non-Revenue SpacesAmenities (non-revenue) drive marketability and consumer preference, while resident units drive revenue.Balances the need and value of amenity spaces with financial sustainability.

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What Our Clients Say About DBS Group
The people at DBS Group really worked together as a team, not just with each other but with me as well. They’re very knowledgeable, and their customer service is excellent. They kept me organized and updated, making the entire process easier — which was especially helpful as I was still running another facility. And while they’re very professional, they also brought good humor to our interactions, making the project more enjoyable. If I were to build another facility, I would hire them — hands down.
— Jamie Smith Beehive Homes of Eau Claire
What Our Clients Say About DBS Group
Working with DBS Group has been a wonderful experience. They listened to our vision, goals and aspirations and took it to heart. And they helped us every step of the way, connecting us with stakeholders and people who have the resources to help. They also did all the legwork to make it easy for the city to approve our project. From the bankers to the city and others involved in the project, all said DBS Group is on top of their game and knows their stuff. They did an amazing job of making it a smooth process and went far beyond what we expected. We are already recommending them to others and will definitely work with them again on our next project.
— Ettafa and Dee Boka Boka Haven

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