Design Build vs Design Bid Build: What’s the Difference?

Was your custom home built using a design/build process? Or did the builders use a design-bid-build process? The industry doesn’t use concrete language to define the two approaches.

There are key components to each method to help you understand the subtle differences between design/build vs design bid build.

Keep reading to separate fact from fiction as we break down each approach. Learn which better suits your needs, design build vs design bid build.

Read on!

What is Design Bid Build?

The Design-Bid-Build model is the traditional way of procuring construction projects in the United States. Under this model, the owner contracts with a designer to develop the construction plans and documents.

Once the design is complete, the owner solicits bids from all the construction contractors and then selects one to construct the project. Because the design is completed before bids are solicited, the owner bears the risk that the project will cost more than the amount budgeted for the work.

What is Design Build?

Design-Build is a collaborative approach that taps into the knowledge and experience of the entire Design-Build team to deliver the best possible project. The Design-Build team works together from the start to ensure that the project is designed and built to the client’s expectations.

The Design-Build approach can be used for a variety of project types, including:

• new construction
• renovations
• additions
• historic preservation

This approach can save time and money by providing a single point of contact and eliminating the need for a separate design and construction contract.

Key Differences of Design Build vs Design Bid Build

Design-build is a construction delivery method in which a single entity, which is the team of a design build construction company – is responsible. They focus on both the design and construction of a project. This approach emphasizes collaboration and integration of the design and construction phases of a project.

In contrast to the traditional design-bid-build method in which the design and construction phases are handled by separate entities. There are some pros of design build that can offer many benefits over traditional methods.

This includes enhanced communication and collaboration between the design and construction teams. It also helps earlier identification and resolution of problems.

Consequently, making it a more streamlined and efficient process overall. Design-build can also be an attractive option for owners. This is because it can provide a single point of responsibility for the entire project.

Know Which Way to Go Between Design Build vs Design Bid Build

There are many factors to consider when choosing between design build vs design bid build methods for your construction project. Consider the size and scope of the project, your budget, and the timeline.

Talk to experts in each method to get a better understanding of which one will work best for your project. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what will work best for your specific project.

For more helpful reads aside from different project delivery methods, visit our blog page.