Planning a major home renovation, custom addition, or ADU in San Diego can feel overwhelming. The traditional construction route often requires juggling separate contracts with an architect, a designer, and a general contractor—a process prone to miscommunication, budget and timeline overruns, and frustrating finger-pointing.
At Price Builders, we champion the Design-Build approach as the superior method for homeowners seeking efficiency, cost control, and a seamless experience. The Design-Build process unifies the design and construction phases under a single provider with one cohesive team, making your renovation journey simpler, faster, and more predictable.
Here is a comprehensive guide to understanding the Design-Build process and why it is the smartest choice for your next San Diego home project.
What is Design-Build and Why Does it Matter in San Diego?
The Design-Build method is a project delivery system where the owner contracts with a single entity—in our case, Price Builders—to manage both the design and the construction of the project.
| Feature | Design-Build (One Team) | Traditional (Separate Teams) |
|---|---|---|
| Point of Contact | Single point of accountability (The Design-Builder) | Multiple points (Architect, Interior Designer, Contractor) |
| Budget Control | Budget input during the design phase; Fewer surprises | Budget often determined after design is complete |
| Communication | Mutual trust and clear relationships between service providers streamline communication | Prone to miscommunication and delays between firms |
| Timeline | Accelerated; design and budgeting can be iterative so the best solution is identified early in the process | Longer; design should be 100% complete before bidding/building – if not, builders will have give exclusions and ranges to protect themselves |
| Accountability | The General Contractor (GC) is ultimately responsible for design, engineering, and building. Any conflicts or problems between drawings, calculations, or field realities are the clear responsibility of the GC to resolve | The architect, GC, and other parties work for the homeowner. If there is a conflict, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to understand the technical details and resolve the discrepancy |
