4 Min Read
Finding someone you trust to provide design and construction services is one of the most crucial aspects of remodeling your home. You want the best team for the job, and there are plenty of contractors out there. How do you choose which one is right for you?
Our team is here to explain why a design-build remodeler is one of your best options. The term "design-build" is becoming more and more commonplace in homeowners' minds – but fully understanding what the process entails and what you can expect when working with a design-build remodeling contractor is key to feeling prepared to take the next step in creating your dream home.
So, let's dive in.
The Design-Build Process
Although the Design-Build Institute of America didn't coin the term until 1993, design-build is an ancient practice. Before the workforce became more specialized during the Industrial Revolution, design-builders (called master builders back then) dominated architecture. They were people who designed, engineered, and built famous structures like the dome of the Florence Cathedral and the Parthenon in Athens.
Under the guise of design-build, the master builder practice has recently experienced a modern renaissance in response to the fragmented processes standard in today's construction industry (more on that later).
So what does design-build mean for your remodeling project?
A design-builder approaches your remodel from a holistic perspective. When a design-builder looks at your house, they don't just see walls to break down, flooring to replace, or a kitchen to reconfigure; instead, they see how your interactions with your physical space impact your daily life. These observations allow your design-builder to improve your lifestyle and maximize your everyday enjoyment through the transformation of your home.
Additionally, design-build services are all-inclusive, so you work with the same team from the very beginning of your remodeling journey to the end, enabling better communication, collaboration, and creativity.
To give you a better understanding of what that looks like, here's a quick breakdown of Compelling Homes' five-step process:
1. Research and Pre-Planning
We start by getting to know one another. You tell us your remodeling goals and what you don't like about your current setup. Then, we meet inside your home to review cost guides and come up with some ideas. We also provide you with a budget range for your project at the end of this phase.
2. Design Agreement
During design, our team takes measurements of your home and creates a remodel plan that matches your wants and needs. You receive a color rendering of what your home would look like with our design. We also inspect your home and nail down our price estimates.
3. Shopping and Selections
Spend the day shopping with us for flooring, lighting, paint, and other elements of your remodel. After that, we finalize your budget and begin planning for construction.
4. Construction Begins
We kick off with an on-site pre-construction meeting where you get to know your remodeling team. You can always see where we're at with your home by viewing the work schedule online on our construction software.
5. Close Out of Your Home
As construction wraps up, we put the finishing touches on your home and ensure every last detail is perfect. Then it's time for you to move in!
Working with one company for all five steps of this process makes home remodeling a streamlined experience. You get to know your team, and they get to know you, leading to a higher-quality home based on your needs, lifestyle preferences, and tastes.
Is Design-Bid-Build the same as Design-Build?
Residential design-build is one of several processes you can employ for your remodeling project. The other most common process is design-bid-build. Though they're one word away from having the same name, there are many differences between design-build and design-bid-build.
Design-build entails working with one company for your entire remodel. Design-bid-build is the opposite.
In design-bid-build, you first hire an architect or designer to create the building plans for your remodel. Once your work with the design finishes, you seek bids from local contractors and choose someone to work on your remodel.
Both your architect and contractor work in silos in design-bid-build. With virtually no connection between your remodel's design and construction, issues abound. Sometimes your contractor starts site work only to realize that the plans aren't feasible for some logistic reason your designer didn't know was a factor. If that happens, you must start back at square one in design. Your designer and contractor may also have disagreements about the building plans or whether the design needs altering to make it more feasible. Your remodel becomes a jumble of efforts between your contractor and architect while you're stuck in the middle trying to make your voice heard over the noise.
What are the Advantages of a Design-Build Process?
We use the design-build methodology at Compelling Homes because it enables us to provide our customers with a better experience, design, cost, and high-quality home — and we're not alone in feeling that way.
Aside from those industry buzzwords, we also utilize a design-build method because it works better for you. It allows our team the opportunity to get to know you; one-on-one and better understand your goals for your project. It allows one team, our team, to handle everything from design to final walk-throughs while dang near eliminating the possibility of miscommunication between wants and needs and final results.
A recent survey by the Design-Build Institute of America revealed the benefits of design-build firms from the perspectives of 279 construction industry professionals. The survey asked participants to associate various benefits with one of three building processes: design-build, design-bid-build, and construction manager at risk.
In the survey:
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84% of respondents said the design-build process increases collaboration and creativity
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85% reported more innovation opportunities
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74% said design-build budgets are closest to the final costs
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73% said design-build projects have a more predictable and manageable schedule
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89% said design-build projects are more likely to be fast-tracked
Contractor jargon translation: design-build benefits include accurate cost and timeline estimates, quicker project completion, a smoother project timeline, and better teamwork. The overall result is a streamlined remodeling experience for you and an exquisitely designed home.
See these benefits in action by checking out the story behind this classic home remodel.
Work with a Design-Build Des Moines Remodeling Contractor
Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or tackling an entire whole-home revamp, design-build transforms more than just your house. It gives your entire life a makeover.
Claim yours today by contacting Compelling Homes. We don't stop at good enough; we make your home — and life — compelling!
