A recent study of construction projects by the University of Texas at Austin found that collaborating with design-build teams can improve project outcomes. When design and construction teams collaborate early in the process, they are better able to focus on the end-user's requirements, review buildability, and optimize efficiencies. The collaborative process also reduces the likelihood of adversarial relationships, which are damaging to the success of the entire project. Here's Construction partnering can benefit you and your business.

A partnering process emphasizes a cooperative approach between project participants and is a proactive process that breaks the traditional adversarial relationship. In the private sector, partnering began with E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co., Inc., while in the public sector, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was a pioneer. While successful partnering relationships are based on luck, a partnering process increases the odds of a successful project.

A partnering process also increases the chances of a successful contract relationship. A partnering process will increase the likelihood of a successful working relationship. If a project is large enough, one contractor may be incompetent and will have difficulty completing the project. In addition, a partnered team will benefit from the increased expertise of the other. In a joint venture, each partner will benefit from the other's knowledge and experience.

A partnering agreement is essential to successful partnering. All participants should sign a project charter to acknowledge the agreement and make their commitment to the project. Furthermore, the contract should specify that a monthly or bimonthly evaluation is necessary. This process should be open and honest, and it should be done regularly to prevent an adversarial relationship. Further, a partnering agreement should be formal and include all parties. The construction partnering charter should state that a partnering agreement is required, so that all parties are willing to work together on the project.

The benefits of partnering are clear: it fosters open communication and reduces surprises. By partnering, parties can anticipate problems and resolve them more efficiently. This process has become a popular practice in North America, where it is only just beginning to catch on. However, construction partnering does not have legal implications and is not a contractual relationship, but rather an agreement between two parties that is beneficial for both of them. The two sides may work better together if they have mutually agreed upon a partnering contract.

A project charter is a crucial document in construction partnering. It outlines the benefits for all parties and establishes an understanding between the different roles and responsibilities of each party. Whether partnering is a formal partnership or a loosely-defined, informal relationship, it is a good idea to have a partnered contract. These contracts should be transparent and clear about the roles and responsibilities of both parties. This helps ensure that all parties are satisfied with the final project and avoid the risk of a costly conflict of interest.