# Bidding & Contractor Selection
Once designed and permitted, you select who builds it.
## Delivery methods
- **Design-bid-build** — design is finished, then you bid it to general contractors and pick (often low bid). Clear price, but slower and less collaborative.
- **Design-build** — one entity designs *and* builds. Faster, single point of responsibility.
- **CM at Risk / GMP** — a construction manager joins early, then commits to a **guaranteed maximum price**. Collaborative with cost certainty.
## Selecting a contractor
Look beyond price:
- **Relevant experience** and references
- **Financial strength and bonding** capacity
- **Schedule** and current workload
- **Key people** who'll actually run the job
## Buying out the job
The GC solicits subcontractor bids, levels them (apples to apples), and assembles the price. Watch for **scope gaps** — uncovered scope becomes a change order later.
**Takeaway:** Pick a contractor on experience, bonding, and people — not price alone — and watch for scope gaps.
> *Educational content — not legal, engineering, or financial advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction; always confirm with the local authority and your professional team.*
