The previous article in this series explored CCDC 5A, a model that allows construction to begin before design is complete while placing contractual responsibility for the trades with the owner. CCDC 5B follows a similar collaborative approach, but shifts a significant portion of the project risk and contract administration to the construction manager. For many owners, this creates a balance between early collaboration and more traditional project delivery.
Like CCDC 5A, CCDC 5B is intended for projects where design and construction overlap. Rather than waiting until every drawing is complete before work begins, the project can be tendered and built in phases as designs are finalized. This approach is particularly valuable for complex projects or those with aggressive schedules, where reducing the overall delivery timeline is a priority.
The key distinction between CCDC 5A and CCDC 5B lies in who contracts with the trade contractors. Under CCDC 5B, the construction manager enters into agreements directly with the trades and assumes responsibility for coordinating and managing their work. The owner contracts with the construction manager, who then functions much like a general contractor while continuing to provide pre-construction services throughout the project. This arrangement is often referred to as the “construction manager at risk” model because the construction manager accepts greater contractual responsibility for project execution. For owners, this can reduce the administrative burden associated with managing multiple trade contracts while providing a single point of coordination during construction.
As with CCDC 5A, involving the construction manager during design offers valuable advantages. Early input on constructability, scheduling, procurement, and budgeting allows potential issues to be identified before they affect the construction phase. This collaborative process can improve project coordination, support informed decision-making, and reduce the likelihood of costly revisions as work progresses.
Cost management remains an important consideration under CCDC 5B. Since the full project scope may continue to evolve during design, pricing is commonly based on a cost-plus arrangement during the early stages of the project. To provide greater budget certainty, owners and construction managers frequently establish a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) once sufficient design information is available. Some projects also incorporate shared savings provisions that encourage cost-effective project delivery while aligning the interests of both parties.
For owners evaluating construction delivery methods, the distinction between CCDC 5A and CCDC 5B often comes down to who should carry responsibility for coordinating and contracting with the trades. Understanding that difference is key to selecting a contract that aligns with a project’s complexity, timeline, and available resources. The next instalment in this series explores CCDC 14, the design-build stipulated price contract, where the relationship between owner, designer, and builder changes once again by combining design and construction under a single agreement.
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