Congratulations—you’re finally stepping into the dream-home phase! After countless mood boards, budget tweaks, and big-vision brainstorming, you’ve arrived at the part no one talks about enough: how your dream becomes a real, built thing and who’s in charge of making that happen. It’s called the project delivery method, and it’s the “business side” of building that directly shapes your experience, timeline, cost, and even stress level. Think of it like choosing the right game plan for your team—are you the coach, the captain, or just showing up for the win? In this guide, you’ll explore the four most common delivery strategies—like Design-Bid-Build (traditional and transparent), Design-Build (one team, one contract), and even Integrated Project Delivery (where everyone high-fives at the first meeting). You’ll also get a free tool adapted from commercial construction pros: the PDCS Framework—a simple Excel-based system that helps you clarify your goals, compare strategies, and feel confident from the start.

Learn how to spot the early warning signs of a failing home construction project. Discover when and how to walk away—before it costs you time, money, or peace of mind.

Wondering if you need a building permit in Maryland? Learn which home projects require permits, which don’t, and how to stay compliant with Maryland law.