In this post I will compare two popular project delivery methods. One is Design Build and the other is Design Bid Build. I’ll describe the differences between these 2 methods.
Table of Contents
What Is Design Build Method?
Design-build is a project delivery method that involves only two parties – the client and the design team.
Unlike other methods, there is no bidding process involved in the design-build approach. This means that the client works directly with the design team under a single contract, simplifying the project’s management and ensuring a more streamlined flow of work.
What Is Design Bid Build?
The “Design-bid-build” method is a way to get a project done. It’s been around for a long time and is popular with people who want to save money. Here’s how it works:
First, the owner of the project hires a designer to make a plan for what they want to build. Then, they hire a builder to actually make the thing.
The designer makes a complete plan for the builder to follow. Then the owner asks a few different builders to give them a price for doing the work.
This method is good for people who want to save money, but it can take a long time to get everything done.
Design Build Vs Design Bid Building: Comparison
I made a table to differentiate between two methods.
| Construction Project Delivery Method | Design-Build | Design-Bid-Build |
|---|---|---|
| Design Phase | One firm responsible for both design and construction | Design firm completes design, then bids go out to construction firms |
| Project Owner | Single point of contact and accountability for project owner | Project owner has separate contracts with design firm and construction firm |
| Communication | Collaboration between design and construction teams, resulting in better communication and fewer change orders | Communication may be more difficult, leading to more change orders |
| Timeframe | Potentially faster completion due to concurrent design and construction | Longer timeline due to design completion and bid process |
| Cost | Potential for lower costs due to collaboration and fewer change orders | Potentially higher costs due to separate contracts and more change orders |
| Flexibility | More flexibility for project owner to make changes during the project | Less flexibility for project owner to make changes once the design is completed |
| Risk | Project owner has less risk due to single point of contact and accountability | Project owner has more risk due to multiple contracts and potential for legal disputes |
Sum Up
I hope you have understood the difference between Design Build and Design Bid Build. I tried to explain in simple way. If you have any question, please comment below.