Design-Build Contractor

Design-build contractors provide integrated design and construction services - offering both architectural design and general contracting under single contract and single point of responsibility.

You handle projects from concept through completion.

Design-build projects range from $150,000-$1M+ with 20-30% margins on combined design and construction.

Completing 8-15 design-build projects annually generates $400,000-$1.2M+ in revenue with 20-30% margins.

Target clients include homeowners seeking streamlined process, commercial clients wanting single accountability, projects with tight schedules, value-conscious clients, developers and investors, and complex renovation projects.

Services include conceptual design and planning, architectural drawings and engineering, permit and approval services, value engineering and budget control, construction and project management, and warranty and post-completion service.

Success requires both design and construction expertise (or partnerships), licensed architect and contractor credentials, selling integrated delivery benefits, managing design and construction phases, collaborative client relationships, and potentially BIM and construction technology.

Many design-build contractors partner architects with builders, emphasize faster schedules and better communication, potentially offer design services in-house, work on commercial and high-end residential, use collaborative project delivery methods, and differentiate through single-source accountability reducing owner risk.