Design-Build Contract

Owner: [Name] · Design-Builder: [Company Name] · Date: [Date]

1. Scope

Design-Builder will provide both design and construction services for [Project Description], at [Project Address].

2. Design Phase

Design-Builder will develop design documents for Owner's review and approval, including [schematic design, design development, construction documents], before construction begins.

3. Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)

[ ] This contract is for a fixed price of [Amount]. [ ] This contract has a Guaranteed Maximum Price of [Amount], with savings below GMP shared [per formula] and costs above GMP borne by Design-Builder absent an approved change order.

4. Schedule

Design phase completion: [Date] · Construction start: [Date] · Substantial completion: [Date]

5. Change Orders

Any change to scope, price, or schedule must be documented in a written change order signed by both parties before the change is performed.

6. Warranty

Design-Builder warrants the work against defects in materials and workmanship for [Period] from substantial completion.

7. Insurance

Design-Builder will maintain general liability, workers' compensation, and professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance covering the design work.

Owner: ______________________ Date: ____________ Design-Builder: ______________________ Date: ____________

*This document is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Design-build shifts more risk to the contractor than a traditional design-bid-build structure — since the same party controls both design and construction, the GMP and change-order provisions (Sections 3-5) deserve extra scrutiny to make sure the owner's cost protections are real.*