What is a common disadvantage of Design-Bid-Build?

• A. It Allows Overlapping Design and Construction
• B. The Design Phase Must Be Completely Finished Before Construction Proceeds
• C. It Typically Reduces Financing Costs
• D. It Requires No Bidding

Answer: (B)

In Design-Bid-Build, the project moves through separate design and construction contracts with a clear handoff from the designer to the contractor. A common disadvantage is that the design phase must be completely finished before construction proceeds. This creates a linear workflow where you can’t start building until the design is settled, which tends to extend the overall schedule and reduces opportunities for contractor input during design. The lack of early constructability feedback can also lead to changes or rework later, driving up time and cost.

Overlapping design and construction is not characteristic of this method; that overlap is more typical of fast-tracking or design-build. And bidding does occur for the construction contract, so the claim that bidding isn’t required isn’t accurate. The idea that financing costs are typically reduced isn’t a defining feature of this approach and can actually be higher due to a longer timeline.