The short answer
With design-build, one firm is responsible for design and construction under a single contract, so you have one point of contact and one party accountable for the result. With separate trades (or design-bid-build), you hire the designer, and then a contractor or individual trades, under separate contracts. You get competitive bids and an independent designer, but you coordinate between them and sort out disputes over who caused a problem.[1][2]
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Design-build / one general contractor | Hiring separate trades yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Contracts | One contract covering design coordination and construction | Separate contracts with a designer and each trade or contractor |
| Who coordinates | The firm schedules and sequences every trade | You schedule plumbers, electricians, cabinet installers, tile setters, inspectors |
| Accountability | One party answers for design and execution | Problems between design and construction often land on the homeowner to resolve[1] |
| Pricing | Costs are discussed while the design develops, so budget and design stay aligned[1] | Competitive bids on finished plans; surprises can show up once building starts[1][2] |
| Schedule | Design and pre-construction can overlap[1] | Design must be finished before bidding, then each trade is booked separately |
| Independent oversight | Less: the builder is also your design lead[2] | More: an independent architect can advocate for you[2] |
| Permits | Contract states who pulls permits (in California it must)[3] | You must confirm which party pulls each permit |
When each one makes sense
Pick design-build when…
- The project touches several trades (kitchens, baths, additions, ADUs)
- You want one schedule and one person to call
- Budget control matters as much as the design
- You don't have time to manage subcontractors and inspections
Separate trades can work when…
- It's a single-trade job (a water heater, a repaint)
- You want competitive bids on a finished plan
- You want an independent architect overseeing the builder
- You're comfortable managing contracts and scheduling
California rules that apply either way
- Work totaling $1,000 or more (labor and materials), or work that needs a permit, requires a CSLB-licensed contractor.[4] If you hire trades directly, check each license.[5]
- Home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing, include a payment schedule, say who obtains permits, and give a completion date. Changes need a signed written change order.[3]
- The down payment can't exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less, and later payments can't exceed the value of work done or materials delivered.[6]
Hiring several trades means several contracts, and each one has to meet these rules.
How Nextstar handles it
Nextstar Remodeling (CSLB License #1065646) works as your single licensed general contractor: one contract, one project lead, and our team coordinates the trades, the schedule and the inspections. Our work is backed by a 10-Year Workmanship Warranty and we're On-Time Guaranteed. See our remodeling services or go back to the home page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between design-build and hiring separate trades?
Design-build puts design and construction under one firm and one contract. Hiring separate trades means separate contracts with a designer and each contractor, and the homeowner coordinates between them.
Is design-build more expensive?
Not necessarily. Design-build skips competitive bidding on finished plans, but costs are discussed while the design develops, which can reduce change orders. Separate trades let you compare bids, but surprises can surface during construction. Compare written, itemized scopes either way.
Do I need a licensed contractor in California?
Yes, for work totaling $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or any work that needs a building permit, according to the CSLB. You can verify any license on the CSLB website.
How much can a contractor ask for up front in California?
For home improvement contracts, the down payment can't exceed $1,000 or 10% of the contract price, whichever is less, under Business and Professions Code 7159.5.
Does Nextstar offer design-build remodeling?
Nextstar works as your single CSLB-licensed general contractor (License #1065646), coordinating the trades, schedule and inspections under one contract, with a 10-Year Workmanship Warranty.
Free consultation
Talk to a licensed contractor about your project
Tell us what you're planning and where. We'll follow up to set up a consultation. Financing options may be available. Subject to credit approval. Terms vary.
Prefer to call? (909) 217-4462
Nextstar Remodeling · CSLB License #1065646 · 1968 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach 92651
Sources
- CRD Design Build — Design-Bid-Build vs. Design-Build
- SL Architecture — Design Build vs. Design Bid Build
- CSLB — Learn About Home Improvement Contracts
- CSLB — When a contractor license is required
- CSLB — Check a License
- California Business & Professions Code §7159.5
Third-party program details are summarized from the publicly posted pages above as of October 2026 and can change; check the provider's current terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.
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