The project delivery model determines who coordinates design, pricing, permits, selections, and construction. Understanding that structure before work begins can prevent duplicated effort and costly handoffs.
Design-build
In a design-build process, design and construction are coordinated by one team. Budget feedback can shape the design early, and responsibility for constructability and execution stays centralized.
Bid-build
In bid-build, the homeowner completes a design first and then asks contractors to price it. This can provide clear comparisons when drawings and specifications are complete, but changes may require coordination between separate designers and builders.
Choosing the right approach
Design-build often fits homeowners who value a single point of accountability and early cost guidance. Bid-build can fit projects with a fully developed independent design and an owner prepared to manage the relationships between teams.
Whichever model you choose, insist on a documented scope, clear allowances, a decision schedule, and a written process for changes. Those fundamentals matter more than the label attached to the contract.