Ten questions to ask before you sign — and the red flags that separate real design-build from a rebranded contractor.
What 'design-build' actually means
A true design-build firm owns architecture, interior design, and construction under one roof and one contract. That means one point of accountability, one budget conversation, and no finger-pointing when something changes mid-project.
Questions worth asking
Ask how they handle allowances, change orders, and lead times. Ask to see a real project schedule, not a marketing timeline. Ask who your day-to-day contact will be and how often you'll meet.
Red flags
Vague, single-page contracts. Refusal to share references from projects older than a year. Bids that come in dramatically lower than everyone else — the difference always shows up later as change orders.
Thinking about a project like this?
Tell us about your space and goals — we'll follow up with a free consultation.
