Top 5 Reasons to Choose a Design/Build Firm Like Merit Contractors, Inc. for Your Next Commercial Build
When embarking on a commercial building project in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, whether it’s a new construction, major renovation, or a full interior build‑out, the approach you choose can greatly influence cost, timeline, coordination and quality. That’s where selecting a true design/build firm rather than simply a general contractor can make a meaningful difference. Based in Plano, Texas, Merit Contractors, Inc. has been delivering design/build and general contracting services since 1988. With decades of experience in overseeing commercial construction sites, managing trades and vendors, and keeping communication clear between all parties, Merit offers a compelling model for owners and developers. Here are the top five reasons why choosing a design/build firm like Merit Contractors for your next commercial build is a smart move.
Reason 1: Single‑Point Accountability
One of the biggest advantages of working with a design/build firm is that you get a single entity taking responsibility for both the design and the construction phases of the project. At Merit Contractors, Inc., this means the same team (or highly aligned teams) owns the project from schematic through completion. Because of that:
- The owner only has one contract (or closely coordinated contracts) rather than separate contracts with an architect, then a separate general contractor.
- Design decisions are made with construction realities in mind from the outset—so fewer surprises, gaps or costly change orders.
- Scheduling, budgeting, and trade coordination are managed under one umbrella, reducing finger‑pointing and ambiguity.
- For example, if a trade delay occurs or a design conflict emerges, the design/build firm handles problem resolution rather than shifting blame between architect and builder.
In short: single‑point accountability brings clarity and efficiency. With Merit Contractors, Inc., their decades of experience in design/build commercial construction in the DFW area means you benefit from a streamlined chain of command and fewer silos.
Reason 2: Integrated Design and Construction Efficiency
With a traditional design‑bid‑build model, the project timeline often has distinct phases: design complete, bid period, contractor selection, then construction. This model can leave gaps, duplicate effort, or lead to design decisions that are inefficient to build. A design/build firm like Merit Contractors, Inc. allows for overlapping phases and better integration:
- Designers and constructors collaborate early, often during schematic design, to ensure constructability, cost control and schedule alignment.
- Materials, systems and trades are selected with both aesthetic and cost/constructability in mind from the start.
- Value‑engineering happens early rather than being applied after major design documents are complete.
- Because the contractor is involved earlier, the team can propose alternatives, optimize layouts, reduce waste, and avoid budget creep.
This integrated model frequently leads to faster start‑to‑finish, fewer change orders, and tighter budget adherence. Owners then benefit from better predictability and fewer surprises mid‑project.
Reason 3: Cost Control & Predictability
When you choose a design/build firm, you benefit from clearer cost visibility and fewer hidden risks. Merit Contractors’ long tenure in the industry—serving the DFW region since 1988—demonstrates a mature understanding of how commercial construction costs behave. Some of the cost‑control advantages include:
- Early budgeting: Because the contractor is involved during design, cost estimates can be developed concurrently with design decisions, allowing for real‑time adjustments.
- Fewer change orders: With constructability vetted during design, fewer surprises cause budget overruns once construction begins.
- Trade coordination: A seasoned design/build firm already has vendor/trade networks, which can translate into competitive pricing, fewer delays, and fewer escalations.
- Risk mitigation: Liability for budget overruns or schedule slips is more clearly defined under the design/build contract structure, rather than splitting responsibility among multiple parties.
For owners and developers in the commercial space, having cost predictability and fewer mid‑project shocks is a major benefit. Merit Contractors’ experience in general contracting and project management reinforces that benefit.
Reason 4: Streamlined Communication & Project Management
Large commercial builds involve a significant number of stakeholders: owners, investors, architects, engineers, trades, inspectors, and more. Communication breakdowns are a common source of cost overruns, delays and quality issues. Working with Merit Contractors, Inc. as a design/build firm offers distinct advantages:
- Single team leadership means fewer hand‑offs and less information loss between design and construction phases.
- Project management, trade vendor oversight, scheduling and cost tracking are handled internally rather than via separate firms with loose coordination.
- Owners receive more concise reporting, fewer duplicate meetings and more direct access to decision‑makers.
- Because Merit has managed general construction sites with vendor/trade management in the commercial space for decades, they bring tools, processes and communication practices that keep stakeholders aligned.
Put simply: better coordination equals fewer disruptions, smoother workflow, and a higher‑quality outcome.
Reason 5: From New Construction to Fit‑Out — Versatility and Continuity
Commercial projects vary widely: from ground‑up new construction to interior fit‑outs, remodels, or tenant improvements. A design/build firm like Merit Contractors, Inc. can deliver across this spectrum. Some of the key benefits of this versatility:
- Whether you’re breaking ground on a new commercial facility or renovating an existing structure, the same firm supports you through design, procurement, construction and hand‑over.
- Continuity of ownership reduces risk. Rather than bring in a new contractor for the build phase after design is done, Merit continues seamlessly.
- Ability to optimize existing structure, systems and finishes because the firm understands both the design side and the construction side.
- For clients seeking long‑term property strategy (e.g., phased build‑outs, facility expansion, multi‑tenant occupancy), the firm is positioned to manage ongoing work without interruption.
For owners in the DFW region looking for a partner who can handle everything from core‑shell construction to tenant fit‑outs and finish work, the consistent team at Merit offers peace of mind.
Comparison Table: Traditional Design‑Bid‑Build vs. Design/Build (with Merit Contractors)
| Feature | Traditional Design‑Bid‑Build | Design/Build with Merit Contractors, Inc. |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Structure | Separate contracts for architect and general contractor | Single or tightly coordinated contract covering design + build |
| Timeline | Sequential: design → bid → construction | Overlapping phases: design and construction integrated early |
| Cost Visibility | Final budget often set after bidding | Early cost input; Contractor involved in design decisions |
| Risk Allocation | Architect designs, contractor builds → risk hand‑offs | Contractor accountable from design through construction |
| Communication Complexity | Multiple parties, many hand‑offs | Centralized team coordination and communication |
| Change‑Order Frequency | Higher risk of change orders during construction | Lower risk of changes due to constructability review early |
| Ideal For | Simple builds or well‑defined scope | Complex commercial construction, tight budgets, fast schedules |
How Merit Contractors, Inc. Makes These Advantages Work for You
Now that we’ve covered why the design/build model offers significant advantages and how Merit Contractors aligns with that model, let’s walk through how they operationalize these benefits.
Proven Experience
Founded in 1988 and based in Plano, Texas, Merit Contractors, Inc. has served the Dallas–Fort Worth area for decades, giving them deep local market knowledge. Their leadership team includes seasoned professionals—such as the firm’s president and estimator—who bring longstanding industry experience to every project.
Full‑Service Capabilities
From initial design consultation to “turnkey” hand‑over, Merit handles both new construction and major renovations. They manage every aspect of the build: site management, trade coordination, vendor oversight, schedule tracking and budget control. Whether you’re developing a new commercial facility or renovating an existing one, Merit offers end‑to‑end support.
Collaboration with Architects and Engineers
Although Merit handles construction, their role in the design/build model means they collaborate early with architects and engineers to influence design for buildability, cost‑efficiency and schedule. This collaboration leads to fewer surprises in procurement and construction, and smoother transitions between project phases.
Proven Process & Communication
Merit emphasizes clear communication and project management discipline. With one team responsible for both design and construction, they reduce the risk of miscommunication, duplicate efforts or timeline slippage. Owners receive consistent updates, streamlined decision‑making, and a predictable workflow.
Commitment to Quality & Local Reputation
Being based in Plano and operating in the DFW area allows Merit Contractors, Inc. to maintain local relationships with subcontractors, vendors and regulatory bodies—an important factor in commercial builds. Their long‑term presence speaks to a commitment to quality, timely delivery and maintaining professional standards.
When to Engage a Design/Build Firm
For owners and developers considering a commercial project, here are some scenarios where choosing a design/build firm like Merit makes especially good sense:
- Tight timeline projects: If you need to break ground quickly or complete a build in a compressed schedule, the integrated nature of design/build helps expedite duration.
- Fixed budget constraints: When budget certainty is critical, early cost‑input and fewer change orders provide better control.
- Complex builds or unknowns: If your project includes atypical systems, unique architectural features or uncertain site conditions, the design/build model allows earlier intervention from construction experts.
- One‑stop solution desired: If you prefer minimal vendor/trade fragmentation and desire simpler oversight, a design/build firm removes layers of hand‑offs.
- Future expansion or phased development: If your facility will grow or you anticipate tenant fit‑outs, engaging a firm that can manage both construction and future phases makes strategic sense.
If any of these situations apply, selecting a firm experienced in design/build like Merit Contractors, Inc. is likely to deliver better results.
Questions to Ask Before You Proceed
When interviewing design/build firms for your commercial build, here are critical questions you should ask:
- What is your experience with design/build commercial projects in the DFW area?
- How early in the design process is the construction team involved?
- How do you handle cost estimating, value‑engineering and budget control during design?
- What trade/vendor relationships do you maintain locally?
- Can you provide references for similar commercial builds you’ve delivered (new construction, remodels, tenant fit‑outs)?
- How is project communication handled—who will be our point of contact and how often will we receive updates?
- How do you manage change orders, schedule risks, and building code/regulation compliance?
- Are your design/build contracts structured to provide transparency around cost, timeline and responsibilities?
As you ask these questions, you can benchmark responses and gain confidence in the firm you select. A strong design/build partner will walk through each of these with clarity.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning a commercial construction project—involving new build, major renovation or tenant improvement—the decision to engage a design/build firm like Merit Contractors, Inc. can offer meaningful advantages: a single accountable team, integrated design and construction, better cost control, streamlined communications and continuity across phases.
With over three decades of experience, a strong presence in the DFW commercial construction market, and a commitment to quality, Merit is well positioned to serve as your partner from concept through completion.
For owners and developers who value efficiency, transparency, budget control and reliability, choosing the right design/build contractor is not just an option—it’s a strategic advantage.
When your next commercial build looms on the horizon, consider the design/build model with Merit Contractors, Inc.—you’ll gain a partner who takes ownership of the outcome, delivers on schedule, and helps you turn your vision into a build you can count on.