Design-build firms in the US
One firm for design and construction under one contract. Fewer handoffs and one point of responsibility, in exchange for less competitive bidding on the build.
- Metro areas
- 41
- Design phase from
- $5,000
- Credentials explained
- 5
- Design phase
- $5,000 – $25,000drawings, selections, pricing
- Kitchen or bath
- $50,000 – $150,000designed and built
- Addition
- $150,000 – $400,000designed and built
- Whole-home renovation
- $200,000 – $600,000designed and built
Typical US ranges for a mid-range project in 2026. Local figures on each city page are adjusted for regional labor rates.
Design-build firms by metro area
41 metro areas, each listing up to 10 firms from Google's results for that city, ordered by Google rating weighted by review count.
Major metros
- Design-build firms in New YorkNew York
- Design-build firms in Los AngelesCalifornia
- Design-build firms in ChicagoIllinois
- Design-build firms in HoustonTexas
- Design-build firms in DallasTexas
- Design-build firms in San FranciscoCalifornia
- Design-build firms in Washington, DCDistrict of Columbia
- Design-build firms in BostonMassachusetts
- Design-build firms in SeattleWashington
- Design-build firms in AtlantaGeorgia
- Design-build firms in DenverColorado
- Design-build firms in PhoenixArizona
- Design-build firms in San DiegoCalifornia
- Design-build firms in AustinTexas
- Design-build firms in PhiladelphiaPennsylvania
- Design-build firms in San JoseCalifornia
- Design-build firms in MiamiFlorida
- Design-build firms in MinneapolisMinnesota
- Design-build firms in NashvilleTennessee
- Design-build firms in CharlotteNorth Carolina
More metros
- Orange CountyCalifornia
- ScottsdaleArizona
- PortlandOregon
- SacramentoCalifornia
- RaleighNorth Carolina
- TampaFlorida
- OrlandoFlorida
- Fort WorthTexas
- San AntonioTexas
- Las VegasNevada
- Salt Lake CityUtah
- BaltimoreMaryland
- RichmondVirginia
- PittsburghPennsylvania
- ColumbusOhio
- ClevelandOhio
- CincinnatiOhio
- DetroitMichigan
- IndianapolisIndiana
- Kansas CityMissouri
- St. LouisMissouri
Licenses and certifications explained
The licenses and certifications that matter for design-build firms, in plain English.
State or city contractor license
Legally requiredMost states license or register remodelers, and some leave it to cities. Where a license is required, working without one is illegal and usually voids your recourse. Check the number on the licensing board's own lookup.
EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm (RRP)
Legally requiredFederal law requires it for paid renovation work that disturbs paint in homes built before 1978. If your house is that old, ask for the firm's certification before demolition starts.
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
The main remodeling trade body. Members agree to a code of ethics, and its Certified Remodeler (CR) designation requires experience plus an exam.
National Kitchen & Bath Association
Kitchen and bath design standards. Its CKD and CBD designations certify the designer, so they follow the person rather than the firm.
NAHB Certified Graduate Remodeler
A National Association of Home Builders designation for remodelers, covering business management, estimating and customer service.
Design-build firms: common questions
Design-build or architect plus general contractor?
Design-build is faster and keeps cost in view while you design, because the builder is pricing as you go. Architect plus bid gives you competitive pricing and an advocate independent of the builder. Large custom projects often go the second route.