BuildWellDesign-build
Design-build is a project delivery method in which one company holds a single contract for both the design and the construction of a project.
In the traditional approach, design-bid-build, the owner hires a designer, finishes the plans and then hires a contractor through bids. In design-build, the owner hires one firm that does both, with a designer on staff or under contract.
The owner gets one point of responsibility. If the plans and the field don’t match, there’s no designer and contractor blaming each other. Pricing can start early, and construction can begin before every detail is drawn, which can shorten the schedule.
For a residential remodeler, design-build often means charging for a design phase, sometimes credited toward construction, and then pricing the build from the finished plans. A paid design phase also filters out clients who are only shopping.
The trade-off for the owner is less independent oversight, since the designer works for the builder, so clear scope documents, allowances and a defined process for selections and changes matter even more. Check your state’s licensing rules as well: some design work may require a licensed architect or engineer.
Related terms
Free tools
Estimates, signatures and invoices in one app
BuildWell writes itemized estimates priced for your area, gets them signed on the client’s phone, and turns them into invoices.
- AI estimates priced for your area
- Estimates, invoices, clients and projects
- Clients sign on any phone
- Card and bank payments, no extra BuildWell fee
- iPhone, Android and the web
- AI estimates priced for your area
- Estimates, invoices, clients and projects
- Clients sign on any phone
- Card and bank payments, no extra BuildWell fee
- iPhone, Android and the web
Both plans include every feature and start with a 3-day free trial. Add a card to start; you’re not charged until the trial ends. Cancel anytime.
Try BuildWell today
Estimates, invoices, e-signatures and payments in one place, on your phone and on the web.