What is the Design-Build Advantage?
Design-build integrates both design and construction services within the same company. This makes communication easier, reduces risks, and helps finish projects more efficiently. Although homeowners often feel hesitant about the time and cost associated with design-build, the benefits it offers are unmatched.
3 Common Home Construction Approaches
When researching contractors, you have several options, each varying in service, quality, expertise, and care. To help understand the design-build advantage, here are three common remodeling routes:
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Carpenter
and a Truck
For small projects, you might come across a single person or a small operation for help. Their scope of work is usually limited, and they may lack the resources, processes, and expertise needed for more extensive projects. Design decisions are often made on the fly, requiring a great deal of trust and reliance on their skill.
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Bid-Build
Contractor
A bid-build contractor, also known as a general contractor, often focuses on winning your business by offering the lowest bid, which can sometimes impact the quality and thoroughness of the work. In bid-build projects, the architect or designer typically completes the design with the project’s vision in mind, but budget considerations might not be fully integrated. When the project goes out to bid, adjustments often need to be made to meet budget constraints, which can alter the original design. This process may lack collaboration between the design and production phases, leading to potential inefficiencies.
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Design-Build
Contractor
Design-build offers the most comprehensive and integrated service, providing a single point of contact for the entire project and simplifying communication and accountability. Design and production teams work together from the start, ensuring the design is feasible and that the project stays on budget and on schedule. Both teams possess deep and up-to-date knowledge of pricing. Throughout the design process, we consistently keep the budget in mind and have regular check-ins to monitor the budget of what is being designed.
A Step Further: Specialized Design-Build
Design-build firms often specialize in areas like aging-in-place or sustainable design. In our case, we focus on preserving the craft of old home remodeling. If you’re looking to remodel an old home, you’ll need a team with the expertise to maintain its historical charm. This process requires specific skills and knowledge. With our expertise, you’ll overcome any “old home problems” and achieve a design that stays true to your home’s historical charm.
Addressing Misconceptions with Design-Build
“Design-build is too expensive.”
In the grand scheme, we challenge the notion that design-build always comes at a higher price, emphasizing long-term value and reduced risk. While the initial costs might seem higher, the overall savings from fewer delays, reduced errors, and higher quality often result in a more cost-effective solution.
“I won’t have as much control in my project”
Design-build fosters better project control compared to traditional bid-and-build methods. You will work one-on-one with a professional designer, ensuring that your vision is realized throughout the project. This integrated approach allows for continuous collaboration and adjustments, providing more control over the final outcome.
“I have to use the designer on staff.”
There’s no rule saying you can’t partner with outside architects and designers when working with a design-build firm—we’ve successfully done it many times before! This hybrid model offers great flexibility: architects manage structural aspects, designers focus on selections and details, and our construction crew brings the entire design to life.
What do you risk when you choose the lowest bidder?
Hidden Costs
Low quotes are designed to lure you in, but hidden costs can lurk. Receiving an estimate quickly after the initial consultation could be a red flag. It takes time to fully understand the scope of your project. Committing too early means you’re locked in and responsible for any unexpected problems, which can lead to extra repairs, replacements, and labor, increasing total project expenses beyond the initial estimate.
Delays due to Miscommunication & Poor Collaboration
With various parties not under one roof, it’s difficult to keep everyone on the same page. As the project manager, you must ensure everyone understands their tasks and deadlines. If someone doesn’t show up, you track them down; if something is done incorrectly, you coordinate to fix it; if materials are on backorder, you need to interrupt your schedule to source them. These issues often lead to project delays.
Sacrifice on Quality
Opting for the lowest bidder often means accepting cheaper, less durable materials that may require frequent maintenance and have a shorter lifespan. Moreover, hiring less skilled labor to cut costs can result in inferior workmanship, compromising the overall quality and durability of the remodel.
Is this true for every situation? No, not necessarily.
The risks associated with choosing the lowest bidder often increase with the scale and complexity of the project. For larger and more intricate projects, the likelihood of encountering problems can be higher. However, for smaller projects, a lower bid might still offer good value. It’s crucial to evaluate the scope of your project and thoroughly research bidders to ensure you’re getting the quality and service that match your needs.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Contractor
Remodeling is a significant investment, requiring your time, money, and trust. Finding out that your contractor isn’t who they promised to be when your home is in disarray is a worst-case scenario. The design-build advantage protects you from unwanted stress by streamlining the entire process from start to finish. Curious to learn exactly what the design-build process is? Learn more here!
