Introduction
Design-build vs traditional construction represents one of the most important decisions homeowners face when planning remodeling projects in San Bernardino County. The construction delivery method affects project timelines, communication efficiency, accountability, budget predictability, and overall satisfaction. Understanding the differences between design-build and traditional construction helps homeowners select the approach that best fits their projects, preferences, and priorities.
Traditional construction (design-bid-build) separates design and construction into distinct phases handled by different entities. Homeowners hire architects or designers to create plans, then solicit bids from contractors to build those plans. Design-build integrates design and construction under a single entity that handles both phases, creating unified responsibility and streamlined communication.
At WM Construction, we’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. Every project we finish comes with a signed client form—we’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014. We are licensed by the California State License Board—License #1075983. You can check it online at cslb.ca.gov.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what design-build and traditional construction mean, the pros and cons of each approach, how they compare across key factors, which approach suits different project types, how WM Construction’s design-build process works, and answers to common questions homeowners ask about construction delivery methods.
What is Traditional Construction (Design-Bid-Build)?
Traditional construction, also called design-bid-build, separates design and construction into sequential phases managed by different entities.
The Process
This construction process follows a linear, three-phase process.
Phase 1: Design
•Homeowner hires architect or designer
•Designer creates plans and specifications
•Designer submits plans for permit approval
•Design is “complete” before construction begins
Phase 2: Bidding
•Homeowner solicits bids from multiple contractors
•Contractors review plans and provide price quotes
•Homeowner selects contractor based on price, reputation, or other factors
•Contractor and homeowner sign construction contract
Phase 3: Construction
•Contractor builds project according to plans
•Designer may provide construction administration services
•Changes require coordination between homeowner, designer, and contractor
•Project completes when construction finishes
Key Characteristics of Traditional Construction
Traditional construction has specific characteristics that define the approach.
Separate Entities: Designer and contractor are separate companies with separate contracts.
Sequential Phases: Design must be complete before construction bidding begins. Construction cannot start until contractor is selected.
Homeowner Coordination: Homeowner coordinates between designer and contractor, managing two separate relationships.
Fixed Design: Design is theoretically “fixed” before construction begins, though changes often occur.
Competitive Bidding: Multiple contractors bid on the same plans, creating price competition.
Designer Oversight: Designer may provide construction administration, reviewing contractor work for plan compliance.
What is Design-Build?
Design-build integrates design and construction under a single entity responsible for both phases.
The Process
Design-build follows an integrated, collaborative process.
Phase 1: Selection and Contract
•Homeowner selects design-build firm
•Single contract covers both design and construction
•Project begins with preliminary budget and timeline discussions
Phase 2: Collaborative Design
•Design-build team (designers and builders) work together
•Homeowner participates in design process
•Buildability and budget considerations inform design decisions
•Design and construction planning occur simultaneously
Phase 3: Integrated Construction
•Construction begins as design reaches sufficient completion
•Design refinements continue during early construction
•Single team handles design questions and construction execution
•Changes are managed internally within design-build team
Key Characteristics of Design-Build
Design-build has specific characteristics that distinguish it from traditional construction.
Single Entity: One company provides both design and construction services.
Overlapping Phases: Design and construction planning occur simultaneously. Construction can begin before design is 100% complete.
Single Point of Contact: Homeowner works with one team throughout the project.
Collaborative Design: Designers and builders collaborate from project start, ensuring buildability and budget alignment.
Single Contract: One contract covers both design and construction.
Unified Responsibility: Design-build firm is responsible for both design quality and construction execution.
We’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. We use the design-build approach because it provides better communication, faster timelines, and clearer accountability.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to discuss design-build vs traditional construction for your project.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Construction
Traditional construction offers specific advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Traditional Construction
Traditional construction provides certain benefits.
Independent Design Advocacy: Designer works for homeowner, not contractor. This creates design advocacy independent of construction concerns.
Competitive Bidding: Multiple contractors bid on identical plans, creating price competition that may reduce costs.
Design Completion Before Commitment: Design is theoretically complete before homeowner commits to construction costs.
Designer Construction Oversight: Designer can provide construction administration, reviewing contractor work for plan compliance.
Established Process: Traditional construction is well-understood with established legal frameworks and standard contracts.
Cons of Traditional Construction
Traditional construction also presents significant disadvantages.
Divided Responsibility: Designer and contractor are separate entities. When problems arise, finger-pointing can occur (“The plans were wrong” vs. “The contractor didn’t build it right”).
Communication Inefficiency: Homeowner coordinates between designer and contractor. Information must pass through homeowner rather than flowing directly between design and construction teams.
Sequential Delays: Design must be complete before bidding. Bidding must be complete before construction. Each phase waits for the previous phase to finish.
Change Order Conflicts: Changes during construction require designer approval and contractor pricing. This creates adversarial dynamics as contractor seeks to maximize change order profits while designer tries to minimize costs.
Budget Uncertainty: Homeowner doesn’t know construction costs until bidding is complete, after investing in design fees. If bids exceed budget, design must be revised and re-bid.
Lowest Bidder Risk: Competitive bidding often results in selecting the lowest bidder. Lowest bidders may cut corners, use inferior materials, or lack experience.
Design Buildability Issues: Designers working independently may create designs that are difficult or expensive to build. Contractors discover these issues only after bidding, leading to change orders.
Pros and Cons of Design-Build
Design-build offers different advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Design-Build
Design-build provides significant benefits.
Single Point of Responsibility: One entity is responsible for both design and construction. No finger-pointing. If something goes wrong, one company fixes it.
Streamlined Communication: Designers and builders work together from day one. Communication is internal to the design-build team rather than flowing through the homeowner.
Faster Timeline: Design and construction planning occur simultaneously. Construction can begin before design is 100% complete. This overlapping reduces total project duration.
Budget Predictability: Design-build firms provide budget guidance throughout design. Designs are developed with budget constraints in mind, reducing the risk of designs that exceed budget.
Buildability Integration: Builders participate in design decisions, ensuring designs are practical and efficient to construct. This reduces change orders and construction problems.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: When issues arise, designers and builders work together to solve them rather than arguing about responsibility.
Reduced Change Orders: Because builders participate in design, potential problems are identified and resolved during design rather than becoming expensive change orders during construction.
Single Contract Simplicity: One contract, one relationship, one point of contact. Homeowners don’t manage multiple contracts and relationships.
Cons of Design-Build
Design-build also has potential disadvantages.
Less Design Independence: Designer works for the same company as the builder. Some homeowners prefer designers who work independently of construction concerns.
Reduced Price Competition: No competitive bidding process. Homeowner must trust design-build firm’s pricing rather than comparing multiple bids.
Firm Selection Complexity: Choosing a design-build firm requires evaluating both design and construction capabilities simultaneously, which can be more complex than evaluating each separately.
Potential for Design Compromise: Builders may push for designs that are easier or more profitable to build rather than designs that best serve homeowner goals (though reputable design-build firms avoid this).
Less Established Legal Framework: Design-build contracts are less standardized than traditional construction contracts, requiring more careful contract review.
We’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. We’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014 using the design-build approach because we believe the benefits—unified responsibility, streamlined communication, faster timelines, and better collaboration—outweigh the disadvantages for most homeowners.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to discuss which approach is right for your project.
Design-Build vs Traditional Construction: Key Comparisons
Let’s compare design-build vs traditional construction across critical factors.
Timeline
Design-build typically provides faster project completion.
Traditional Construction Timeline:
•Design phase: 4-8 weeks
•Bidding phase: 2-4 weeks
•Construction phase: 8-16 weeks
•Total: 14-28 weeks
•Phases are sequential (no overlap)
Design-Build Timeline:
•Collaborative design and construction planning: 4-6 weeks
•Construction (begins as design reaches sufficient completion): 8-16 weeks
•Total: 12-22 weeks
•Phases overlap (construction planning occurs during design)
Winner: Design-Build (typically 2-6 weeks faster due to overlapping phases)
Communication
Design-build provides more efficient communication.
Traditional Construction Communication:
•Homeowner ↔ Designer
•Homeowner ↔ Contractor
•Designer ↔ Contractor (through homeowner or formal RFIs)
•Three-party communication with homeowner as intermediary
Design-Build Communication:
•Homeowner ↔ Design-Build Team
•Designer ↔ Builder (internal, direct)
•Two-party communication with unified team
Winner: Design-Build (streamlined, direct communication)
Accountability
Design-build provides clearer accountability.
Traditional Construction Accountability:
•Designer responsible for design quality
•Contractor responsible for construction quality
•When problems arise, finger-pointing can occur
•Homeowner must determine who is responsible
Design-Build Accountability:
•Design-build firm responsible for both design and construction
•No finger-pointing (single entity responsible)
•Clear accountability for all project aspects
Winner: Design-Build (unified responsibility eliminates finger-pointing)
Budget Predictability
Design-build provides better budget predictability.
Traditional Construction Budget:
•Design fees known upfront
•Construction costs unknown until bidding complete
•Risk of bids exceeding budget after design investment
•Change orders common when design issues discovered during construction
Design-Build Budget:
•Budget guidance provided throughout design
•Designs developed with budget constraints in mind
•Construction costs estimated continuously during design
•Fewer change orders due to builder input during design
Winner: Design-Build (continuous budget awareness reduces surprises)
Design Quality
Traditional construction may provide more design independence.
Traditional Construction Design:
•Designer works independently for homeowner
•Design advocacy separate from construction concerns
•Designer focused solely on homeowner goals
Design-Build Design:
•Designer works for same company as builder
•Design considers both homeowner goals and buildability
•Potential for design compromises (though reputable firms avoid this)
Winner: Depends on Priorities (traditional provides more independence; design-build provides more buildability integration)
Cost
Cost comparison is complex and project-dependent.
Traditional Construction Costs:
•Competitive bidding may reduce construction costs
•Separate design fees
•Change orders often increase costs
•Communication inefficiencies may increase costs
Design-Build Costs:
•No competitive bidding (must trust firm’s pricing)
•Design and construction integrated (may reduce total costs)
•Fewer change orders reduce costs
•Communication efficiency reduces costs
Winner: Project-Dependent (competitive bidding may favor traditional; efficiency and fewer change orders may favor design-build)
Change Management
Design-build handles changes more efficiently.
Traditional Construction Changes:
•Changes require designer approval
•Contractor prices change orders
•Adversarial dynamics (contractor maximizes profit; designer minimizes cost)
•Slow change order process
Design-Build Changes:
•Changes handled internally by unified team
•Collaborative pricing and problem-solving
•Faster change order process
•Less adversarial dynamics
Winner: Design-Build (collaborative, efficient change management)
We use the design-build approach because we’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014 and we’ve seen how unified responsibility, streamlined communication, and collaborative problem-solving create better outcomes for homeowners.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to discuss your project.
I Want to Remodel My Kitchen — What’s the First Step?
We come to your home for a free meeting. We sit with you, look at your space, and listen to what you want. Then we create a 3D design—so you can see exactly what it will look like before we start. We build it exactly how you want it.
This is design-build in action. We don’t send you to an architect, then ask you to get bids, then start construction. We handle everything—design, permits, construction—as one unified team.
You work with one company from first meeting to final walk-through. and won’t be left coordinating between designers and contractors.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to schedule your free meeting.
Can You Help Me Build an ADU on My Property?
Yes. We specialize in ADUs in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario—from the first sketch to the final inspection. We handle the design, the permits, the construction, and the final walk-through. You don’t have to call five different people. We do it all.
This is the design-build advantage. ADU projects involve complex design (space planning, utilities, architectural integration), complicated permitting (city requirements, state ADU laws), and detailed construction (foundation, framing, systems, finishes).
With traditional construction, you’d hire an architect to design the ADU, then get bids from contractors, then coordinate between architect and contractor during construction. With design-build, one team handles everything.
We’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. We’ve completed numerous ADU projects using the design-build approach.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to discuss your ADU project.
How Long Does a Full Home Remodel Take?
Most projects take 8 to 12 weeks from start to finish. We give you a clear timeline on day one—and we send you weekly photos and videos. You won’t be left wondering what’s happening.
Design-build timelines are typically faster than traditional construction because design and construction planning occur simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Traditional Construction Timeline:
•Design: 6-8 weeks
•Bidding: 2-4 weeks
•Construction: 8-12 weeks
•Total: 16-24 weeks
Design-Build Timeline (WM Construction):
•Collaborative design and planning: 4-6 weeks
•Construction: 8-12 weeks
•Total: 12-18 weeks
We save 4-6 weeks by overlapping design and construction planning. While we’re finalizing design details, we’re also ordering materials, scheduling trades, and preparing for construction start.
Throughout the project, we send weekly photo and video updates. You always know what’s happening and how the project is progressing.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to discuss your project timeline.
What Makes You Different from Other Contractors?
We don’t disappear after you pay and don’t say “trust us” without showing you proof. WM don’t say “it’s done” until you say it’s right.
Here’s what makes WM Construction different:
Design-Build Approach
We’re the only company in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario that offers a complete design-build service with:
Free 3D Design Before You Pay: We create detailed 3D designs so you can see exactly what your project will look like before construction begins. You don’t pay for construction until you’ve approved the design.
Unified Responsibility: We handle design, permits, and construction. One company. One contract. One point of contact. No finger-pointing. If something needs fixing, we fix it.
Collaborative Process: Our designers and builders work together from day one. Design decisions consider buildability. Construction execution follows design intent. No adversarial dynamics.
Weekly Photo and Video Updates
We send weekly photo and video updates throughout construction. You always know what’s happening. You’re never left wondering about progress or whether work is being done.
Written Contract — No Hidden Changes
We start with a written contract—every detail is there. No hidden changes. No surprises. You know exactly what you’re getting before we start.
Guarantee: We Won’t Finish Until You’re Happy
We don’t say “it’s done” until you say it’s right and guarantee your satisfaction. WM won’t finish the job until you’re happy with every detail.
Licensed and Verifiable
We are licensed by the California State License Board—License #1075983. You can check it online at cslb.ca.gov. We’re not hiding. We’re a legitimate, licensed contractor you can verify.
10+ Years, 127+ Projects
We’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. Every project we finish comes with a signed client form—we’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to experience the WM Construction difference.
I’m Scared to Pay Upfront — What If You Disappear?
We start with a written contract—every detail is there. The timeline. The materials. The payment schedule. Everything. And we won’t finish the job until you’re happy. We don’t say “it’s done” and leave. We stay until you say: “Yes, this is exactly what I wanted.”
Design-build doesn’t mean “pay everything upfront.” Our payment structure protects homeowners:
Deposit: Small initial deposit to begin design work
Design Approval Payment: Payment after you’ve approved 3D design and before construction begins
Progress Payments: Payments tied to specific construction milestones (foundation complete, framing complete, etc.)
Final Payment: Final payment only after you’ve inspected and approved the completed project
Written Contract: Everything documented in writing before work begins
Weekly Updates: Regular photo and video updates show progress and verify work is being done
Licensed and Bonded: Our license (#1075983) provides additional protection through the California State License Board
We understand the fear of paying contractors who disappear. That’s why we structure projects to protect homeowners while ensuring we can complete quality work.
We’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. We’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014. We’re still here. We’re not going anywhere.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to discuss our payment structure and contract terms.
Which Approach is Right for Your Project?
Choosing between design-build vs traditional construction depends on project characteristics and homeowner priorities.
Design-Build is Best For:
Complex Projects: Projects involving multiple systems, structural changes, or complicated coordination benefit from unified design-build teams.
Fast Timelines: When time is critical, design-build’s overlapping phases provide faster completion.
Communication Simplicity: Homeowners who prefer single-point-of-contact simplicity benefit from design-build.
Budget Predictability: When budget certainty is important, design-build’s continuous budget awareness reduces surprises.
Collaborative Preference: Homeowners who value collaborative problem-solving over adversarial dynamics prefer design-build.
Remodeling Projects: Remodeling involves more unknowns than new construction. Design-build teams can adapt quickly when unexpected conditions are discovered.
Traditional Construction May Be Better For:
Simple Projects: Very simple projects with minimal design requirements may not benefit from design-build integration.
Design Independence Priority: Homeowners who strongly prefer designers working independently of construction concerns may choose traditional construction.
Competitive Bidding Desire: Homeowners who want multiple contractors to bid on identical plans prefer traditional construction.
Established Architect Relationship: Homeowners with existing architect relationships may prefer continuing those relationships.
Very Large Budgets: Extremely high-end projects sometimes use traditional construction with separate design architects and general contractors.
We’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. We’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014 using the design-build approach because we believe it provides better outcomes for most remodeling projects.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to discuss which approach is right for your project.
How WM Construction’s Design-Build Process Works
Our design-build process provides clear steps from initial meeting to project completion.
Step 1: Free Initial Meeting
We come to your home for a free meeting and sit with you, look at your space, and listen to what you want. WM discuss your goals, budget, timeline, and any concerns.
Step 2: 3D Design Development
We create detailed 3D designs showing exactly what your project will look like. You see the design before you pay for construction. We revise the design until you’re completely satisfied.
Step 3: Budget and Timeline Confirmation
Once design is approved, we provide detailed budget and timeline. Everything is documented in a written contract. No surprises. No hidden costs.
Step 4: Permitting
We handle all permit applications and coordination with city planning departments. You don’t deal with permit bureaucracy.
Step 5: Construction
We build your project with weekly photo and video updates. You always know what’s happening. Our designers and builders work together to solve any issues that arise.
Step 6: Final Walk-Through
We walk through the completed project with you and don’t say “it’s done” until you say it’s right. WM address any concerns before final payment.
Step 7: Follow-Up
We follow up after project completion to ensure everything is working perfectly. We stand behind our work.
WM is licensed by the California State License Board—License #1075983. You can check it online at cslb.ca.gov. Every project we finish comes with a signed client form—we’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014.
Call +1 951-310-3458 to start your design-build project.
Take Action: Choose the Right Approach for Your Project
Whether you choose design-build or traditional construction, understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions that lead to successful projects.
At WM Construction, we’ve been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014—more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time. Every project we finish comes with a signed client form—we’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014. We are licensed by the California State License Board—License #1075983. You can check it online at cslb.ca.gov.
We use the design-build approach because we believe unified responsibility, streamlined communication, faster timelines, and collaborative problem-solving create better outcomes for homeowners.
Ready to start your project?
Call us today at +1 951-310-3458
We’ll schedule a free meeting at your home. We’ll look at your space, listen to your goals, and create a 3D design so you can see exactly what your project will look like before construction begins.
Visit our website: wmconstructionco.com
We’re the only company in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario that offers:
•Free 3D design before you pay a dime
•Weekly photo and video updates throughout construction
•Written contract with no hidden changes or surprises
•Guarantee: we won’t finish until you say you’re happy
About WM Construction
WM Construction has been remodeling homes in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario since 2014. With more than 10 years of real work, one home at a time, we specialize in Home Remodeling, ADU, Additions, and 3D Design.
Every project we finish comes with a signed client form—we’ve completed 127+ home remodels since 2014. We are licensed by the California State License Board—License #1075983. You can check it online at cslb.ca.gov.
Contact WM Construction:
•Phone: +1 951-310-3458
•Website: https://wmconstructionco.com/
•License: #1075983 (California State License Board)
•Location: Serving Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, CA and San Bernardino County