Design Build - A Complete Package

Design Build in technical terms basically is a contract system in which a single entity acts as all professional services including architect, engineer, designer and contractor.

Most firms have in house capabilities to produce drawings. The may even staff designers or work closely with a design firm.

The benefits of using a firm of this type are many.

Most notably, they are singularly responsible for all duties. Including all of the following and everything in between.

• Permitting
• Designing
• Hiring subcontractors
• Ordering Materials
• Cost monitoring
• Final inspections

There are time saving benefits as there's no waiting for third party decisions. They can also project the costs as the design is formulated. Addionally their fee is all-inclusive as opposed to hiring designers, engineers and architects, therefore saving money.

These firms provide a great alternative to standard designing and contracting; especially if you are working on a fairly tight budget.

You should follow the same steps for your selection as we did in our section on hiring contractors. Use the same care and principles.