Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build

In doing research for your upcoming remodeling project, you might have encountered two sides of the home improvement industry coin: Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build. What exactly is the difference between design-build and design-bid-build? And which one should you go with?

Design-Build

Design-Build is a delivery system in the building and construction industry that is based on the concept of master builder. The master builder has an illustrious and satisfying history of being at the center of the action when it comes to the design and ultimate construction of the planned structure. Total project accountability is in the hands of the master builder. This approach establishes a sound basis for project organization and collaboration.

Design-Build makes possible:

•  A guaranteed maximum project price (whether or not the project is a full tear-down and rebuild or if it's a kitchen remodeling).

•  One point of contact and increased collaboration for increased client satisfaction.

•  A value-based feedback system making for more flexibility and potential changes in design and materials.

•  The simultaneous completion of the individual tasks of design/drawing creation, acquisition of building permits, and even the actual construction of the planned structure.

•  A shift from individual construction phase savings to lowering overall project cost.

Design-Bid-Build

Design-Bid-Build, on the other hand, has as its main aim completing the project as soon as possible at the lowest cost possible. This is accomplished by bidding out the construction phase of the project to drive costs down to save the client money in the short run.

Design-Bid-Build makes for:

•  Less of a guarantee on the maximum project price.

•  Several points of contact and less accountability since several service providers are involved.

•  Less flexibility when it comes to changes in the original design and materials.

•  When changes are approved, more time is needed to again bid out for the lowest cost.

•  The near impossibility of a value-based feedback system.

•  The step-by-step completion of the project and that “back to the drawing board” feeling when changes are needed.

•  An emphasis on trying to cut costs at individual phases of the entire process.

  As you can see, there are definite pros and cons for when it comes to Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build. Mega Builders is a Design-Build kind of contractor, and while we see nothing wrong with the Design-Bid-Build method of construction delivery (it gets the job done as well), we're old fashioned and prefer the route of increased collaboration and accountability when it comes to making good on your Design-Build home in Los Angeles and the surrounding Southern California area.