What is the Difference Between Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build?

If you are planning new construction, you may have come across the terms design-build and design-bid-build. These are two different types of project delivery systems each with their own impacts on workflow, collaboration, and overall project execution. In this blog, we’ll go over the major differences between these two methods and consider the benefits of choosing a company for design-build in Sonoma County.

Design-Bid-Build

The design-bid-build process is a construction project delivery method that involves three steps:

Design

In the design phase, the project owner hires a design engineer or architect to create design documents, including schematics for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical elements for the building and a site plan.

Bid

Next, the project owner invites quotes from contractors who want to be hired for the project. In most cases, the lowest bidder wins the contract. Once the chosen contractor signs on the dotted line, construction work commences.

Build

After you’re done hiring and prepping for your design build construction project, it’s time to build. The project owner is in charge of managing each contractor chosen during the bidding process. This can result in complications with communication between contractors and less collaboration, potentially resulting in delays. If the project owner wants to change the design, they are responsible for any additional costs incurred.

Design-Build

Unlike the design-bid-build process outlined above, the design-build construction process starts with hiring a single company who then works as a team to collaborate through design and construction. Let’s explore this process in more detail:

Hiring

The first step in this process is to select a design-build contractor. Your design-build contractor is responsible for hiring and managing subcontractors. Many design-build firms have in-house teams of architects, designers, and engineers. The five phases of their design-build process include:

Team Selection

The project owner vets prospects. Instead of basing their decision on cost alone, project owners should select a firm that understands their vision and needs.

Pre-Construction

During this phase, the contractor and subcontractors examine the project details and gather necessary information.

Design

Once the project’s scope has been clearly defined, the contractor’s team develops the best possible design.

Construction

If construction work hasn’t commenced during the design phase, it can start immediately after it.

Post-Construction

Upon project completion, the design-build team holds meetings with the client to discuss deliverables and ensure that everything is as the project owner requested.

Benefits of Design-Build

Some benefits of working with a design-build firm in Sonoma County include faster project completion, improved communication between the project owner, contractor, and subcontractors, and cost savings. The delivery system saves project owners the hassle of communicating with different parties/subcontractors. Due to these advantages of design-build construction, it is often the preferred project delivery system of project owners.

Design-Bid-Build

Holly Construction is a renowned construction company serving clients in Northern California. We cater to the needs of project owners looking for design-build in Sonoma County. Our expertise enables us to manage projects of any size. To consult one of our design-build experts, contact Holly Construction or call (707) 541-0700.