It’s an exciting time when you’ve decided on designing a new home or renovating part of an existing one. However, the process of getting from this point to the end result doesn’t always seem so straightforward. The design-build process can be somewhat of a mystery if you’ve never experienced it before. It differs from the traditional design-bid-build approach, and although it sounds newer, this format has existed for thousands of years.
Not only has it long been relied upon and homeowner-approved, but design-build has saved many dwellers time, money, and stress, too. Opting for design-build offers you more transparency and allows you to have all the parts of the process housed under one company. To give you a better understanding of its advantages, we’ll first cover a quick refresher of each building process and what it entails, then we’ll share what makes design-build so advantageous for your wallet and your peace of mind.
How the Design-Build Process Works
Design-build, like what we do at HDR Remodeling, puts the entire process—budgeting, brainstorming, designing, and building—all under one company. Rather than having to bid to various companies for each part of the renovation or trying to relay information between several businesses on costs, timeline, and construction, it’s overseen by a single firm. Your team designated to build or renovate your space sits under one contract for a more streamlined experience. The type and scope of the project will impact the timeline, but often design-build happens more quickly.
How the Traditional Design-Bid-Build Process Works
Alternatively, the design-bid-build process involves you finding contractors for each part of the process. You’ll choose the designers and architects, engineers, builders, and other contracts for each portion of the project. It gives you compartmentalized control, but can result in delays, slower timelines, and more money spent. There is also more involvement on your part as you will need to liaise between your chosen contractors and oversee the timing and workflow.
Advantages of the Design-Build Approach
There are many reasons why design-build leads to less stress for homeowners and saves on money and time.
One single streamlined team. Rather than contacting several contractors, and you, the homeowner, being responsible for providing information and overseeing every step, you can lean on your chosen design-build firm to do this. They’ll watch over all aspects and the team of contractors will sit under one company.
Easier communication. You won’t have to worry about getting messages across to multiple parties. With design-build, it all stays with the same team—often one that works together on most projects. They’ll have platforms and systems set up to keep this as simple as possible.
Fewer delays and obstacles. With separate contractors, you have to ensure that timelines match up. When this doesn’t happen, delays occur, usually because firms working independently of one another have a multitude of different projects they’re responsible for. This can lead to longer wait times and additional costs.
Aligned contractors. With contractors working under one umbrella, there are fewer delays and communication issues as the process moves along. They’re also aware of budget and costs from the beginning.
Less work for you. Although it takes time to do research and find the right design-build firm for you, you only have to find one company. With a traditional design-bid-build, you need to find contractors for all parts of the journey. Having it covered by one company leads to less stress and involvement on your part. You’ll only be as involved as you want to when you have a design-build firm leading the way!
Fewer risks for you. When you go down the design-build route, you’re putting nearly all of the responsibility in the hands of your firm. They’ll cover details such as allocating the budget, obtaining the correct permits, and problem solving for any issues that arise. In a traditional method, the responsibility is on you.
We know there is much to consider when it comes to remodeling your home. Reach out to our team if you have any questions about the design-build process. We are here to support you through it all.