The difference between these two delivery methods is not procedural trivia. It determines who carries the risk when the drawings and the field disagree, and it is decided before anyone has drawn a line. Design-bid-build separates design and construction into two contracts with the owner in the middle. Design-build puts both under one, with a single party accountable for the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, design-build or design-bid-build?
Design-build usually is, because construction can begin on early packages while later design continues. Design-bid-build requires complete documents before bidding starts.
Which method gives better cost certainty?
Design-build fixes cost earlier but on less complete information. Design-bid-build produces a hard number from complete documents, later in the process and after the budget is often already committed.
Who is responsible when drawings and field conditions conflict?
Under design-build, the design-builder. Under design-bid-build, the owner sits between designer and contractor and absorbs the dispute.
Related Reading
- UP design-build delivery
- ACROSS CM at risk
- ACROSS AIA A141 single contract
- ACROSS owner's representative