Design/Bid/Build

Also known as “competitive bid,” this is perhaps the most familiar project delivery method. In it, the builder (also commonly known as the general contractor) typically has little if any involvement in the pre-construction and design phases of a project. The owner engages an architect to prepare substantially complete construction drawings, which are then bid on by builders, with the low qualified bidder usually winning the project.

ADVANTAGES

Best way to obtain competitive, apples-to-apples construction bids

Many different contract types available, including Guaranteed Maximum Price

DISADVANTAGES

Slowest project delivery (due to linear nature—first design, then bids, then construction)

More difficult to gauge accuracy of construction budgets because pricing is unknown until bids are received