Choose general contracting (design-bid-build) when the design is complete, the scope is straightforward and lowest price is the priority. Choose Construction Manager at Risk when you need cost certainty during design, the project is complex or phased, or the schedule is tight — the CM joins early, provides preconstruction services, then guarantees a maximum price.
Every building project starts with a decision that shapes everything after it: how will the project be delivered? For most Oklahoma owners, the choice comes down to two methods — traditional general contracting (design-bid-build) and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR).
Henson Construction has delivered projects both ways since 1964. Here’s how they compare.
General contracting (design-bid-build)
How it works: The owner hires an architect to complete the design. The project is then bid, and a general contractor is selected — usually the lowest responsible bidder — to build it for a fixed price.
Best for:
- Projects with a complete, well-coordinated design
- Straightforward scopes with few unknowns
- Owners whose top priority is the lowest bid price
Watch out for: Because the contractor isn’t involved until design is finished, budget problems often aren’t discovered until bids come in — which can force redesign and rebidding. Change orders for unforeseen conditions are also more common.
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)
How it works: The owner hires a construction manager early — typically during schematic design — based on qualifications and fees. The CM provides preconstruction services (estimating, constructability review, value engineering, scheduling) while the architect designs. When design is far enough along, the CM commits to a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), bids the work to subcontractors and manages construction.
Best for:
- Bond-funded school projects with fixed budgets
- Healthcare and other occupied-building projects requiring phasing
- Complex, fast-track or schedule-critical projects
- Owners who want a builder’s input on cost while design decisions are still flexible
Watch out for: CMAR requires the owner to be engaged during design, and the GMP is only as good as the design information available when it’s set.
Side-by-side comparison
| General Contracting | CM at Risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor hired | After design is complete | During design |
| Selection basis | Usually low bid | Qualifications + fee |
| Preconstruction input | Little or none | Extensive |
| Price certainty | At bid opening | At GMP (earlier) |
| Owner involvement | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Simple, fully designed projects | Complex, phased or budget-critical projects |
The bottom line
There’s no single right answer. If your design is done and your scope is simple, a competitively bid general contract may deliver the best price. If your budget is fixed, your building is occupied or your schedule is tight, CM at Risk usually delivers more certainty.
Henson Construction offers general contracting, construction management and preconstruction services. If you’re weighing your options, talk to our team — we’ll give you an honest recommendation for your project.
Published by Henson Construction Co., Enid, Oklahoma. Last updated September 15, 2026.
