Design-Build vs. Traditional Contracting: Which Works Best in LA?

Introduction: Choosing the Right Construction Approach in Los Angeles

When it comes to building or remodeling in Los Angeles, the approach you take matters just as much as the design itself. Homeowners are often faced with a crucial decision: should I hire separate designers and contractors (traditional contracting), or should I choose a design-build firm that manages everything under one roof?

In a city where permitting delays, complex zoning laws, and high construction costs are common, this choice can significantly impact your project’s success. This in-depth guide explores the pros and cons of design-build vs. traditional contracting in Los Angeles and helps you determine which approach is best for your project.

What Is Traditional Contracting?

Traditional contracting—also known as design-bid-build—follows a linear process:

1. Hire an Architect or Designer – The homeowner works with an architect to create plans.
2. Bid the Project – Multiple contractors review the plans and submit bids.
3. Hire a Contractor – The homeowner chooses a contractor based on cost, reputation, or both.
4. Build – Construction begins, often with separate oversight from the architect.

This method separates design and construction into distinct phases, often with different professionals managing each stage.

What Is Design-Build Contracting?

The design-build model integrates the entire process under one entity. A design-build firm like Saban Global manages:

• Architecture and design
• Engineering
• Permitting and approvals
• Construction
• Project management

This collaborative approach aligns everyone—designers, builders, and the client—under a single contract and unified vision.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Contracting

Pros

• Competitive Bidding – Multiple bids may lower initial costs.
• Independent Oversight – The architect can act as a check on the contractor.
• Established Process – Familiar to many homeowners and professionals.

Cons

• Longer Timelines – Design and construction phases are sequential, often leading to delays.
• Higher Risk of Conflict – Disagreements between architect and contractor can stall progress.
• Budget Overruns – Architects may design beyond budget, and contractors discover costly changes during construction.
• Less Accountability – With separate parties, no single entity takes full responsibility for the outcome.

The Pros and Cons of Design-Build

Pros

• Faster Timelines – Design and construction phases overlap, speeding up the project.
• Cost Savings – Unified teams reduce change orders and budget surprises.
• Single Point of Accountability – One firm handles the entire project.
• Better Communication – Designers and builders collaborate from day one.
• Client Involvement – Homeowners have a clear line of communication with one entity.

Cons

• Fewer Bids – Since design and build are bundled, competitive bidding may be limited.
• Firm-Dependent Quality – The outcome depends heavily on the design-build firm’s expertise.

How Los Angeles Construction Complexities Impact Your Choice

Los Angeles is one of the most challenging cities in the U.S. for construction due to:

• Strict Building Codes (especially seismic requirements).
• Complex Permitting (multiple agencies involved).
• Hillside and Coastal Regulations that add engineering and environmental reviews.
• High Land and Labor Costs, meaning delays quickly inflate budgets.

In this environment, the design-build model often shines by reducing inefficiencies and managing complexities under one roof.

Key Differences Between Design-Build and Traditional Contracting

• Responsibility: Design-build has one responsible party; traditional splits responsibility between architect and contractor.
• Budget Control: Design-build integrates budgeting during design; traditional reveals costs later, increasing risk.
• Speed: Overlapping design and construction saves time with design-build.
• Risk: Design-build firms carry more accountability, while traditional contracting often leaves homeowners in the middle of disputes.
• Communication: Design-build fosters collaboration; traditional can cause friction.

When Traditional Contracting May Be a Good Fit

• Projects requiring specialized architects for highly unique or historic designs.
• Homeowners who want competitive bidding and are willing to manage multiple contracts.
• Government or commercial projects where regulations require a design-bid-build process.

When Design-Build Is the Smarter Choice in LA

• Residential Remodels where speed and budget control are priorities.
• Custom Homes where collaboration ensures design feasibility.
• ADUs and Additions where permitting complexity requires unified oversight.
• Luxury Projects where clients want a streamlined experience and premium results.

Expert Insights: Why Design-Build Thrives in LA

Los Angeles is uniquely suited to design-build for three main reasons: 1. Regulatory Complexity: LADBS requirements, coastal commission reviews, and hillside ordinances create delays when handled separately.
2. High Stakes Real Estate: With property values so high, mistakes and delays cost homeowners tens of thousands.
3. Client Lifestyle: Many LA clients are professionals seeking efficiency. A single point of contact simplifies the process dramatically.

FAQs

Q: Which is cheaper in Los Angeles—design-build or traditional contracting?
A: Design-build often reduces overall costs by minimizing change orders and overlapping phases, though traditional contracting may appear cheaper upfront due to competitive bidding.

Q: Does design-build reduce permitting delays?
A: Yes. Because design-build firms manage both design and construction, they often submit complete, code-compliant packages that pass review faster.

Q: Can I still be involved in design decisions with design-build?
A: Absolutely. Homeowners often have more involvement, since the design and construction teams collaborate closely with them throughout the process.

Q: What if I already have an architect?
A: You can still transition to design-build. Many firms, including Saban Global, collaborate with outside architects to integrate construction efficiently.

Q: Does design-build work for smaller projects like kitchens and bathrooms?
A: Yes. Design-build is particularly effective for remodels, where tight budgets and shorter timelines demand efficient coordination.

Q: How do I choose the right design-build firm in LA?
A: Look for a licensed, insured firm with strong references, transparent contracts, and a portfolio of completed projects similar to yours.

Conclusion: Which Works Best in Los Angeles?

Both design-build and traditional contracting have their merits, but in Los Angeles—where regulations, costs, and timelines are complex—design-build provides homeowners with the most efficient, cost-effective, and stress-free approach.

By choosing Saban Global’s design-build services, you gain a partner who manages every aspect of your project with precision, accountability, and a focus on results.