The term “design build” simply means that you are dealing with one entity (or company) to design and build your construction project from start to finish. This method of hiring a construction company can save a lot of time and money because you do not have to wait for the design to be completed, then bid the drawings, then find out you are over budget, then go back architect to re-design and then finally have the project re-bid. (and hope you aren’t over budget again) The other alternative is having an architect design the project and then you hire a general contractor separately to bid and build the project based on the architect’s drawings. This usually referred to as “design bid.”
What are the benefits of Design Build?
By having one entity doing both the design and construction phases of your new construction project, things are less likely to get lost in translation. Sometimes the architect will design something that looks aesthetically pleasing, but to actually build his vision will cost an arm and a leg. By dealing with one company that can both design and build a project from start to finish, budgets can be established and adhered to easier. Keep in mind that after the architect /engineer/designer has completed his or her design, their job is done. It doesn’t matter to them how much it will cost to build because you hired them to design the new space, not to create a budget for your new construction project.
I design and build lots of homes each year and I can say that from a budget standpoint, it is often easier to design and build the new construction project if we do it in house. By knowing what the budget is upfront, we are able to custom tailor each project to fit the budget for each home renovation. I can’t tell you how many times that a client has come to me with a set of drawing that they bought off the Internet or paid an architect to design their new home and they want to know how much it will cost to build the new structure. They get “sticker shock” when I tell them how much it actually cost to build based on the design and material that the architect called for. That is why working closely with a design build construction firm in the beginning can save a lot of headaches and a lot of money.” Danny Garcia, owner of Rhino Design Build in San Antonio, Texas.