What’s in a name? For a design-build firm, it’s a pretty easy-to-decipher combination of two words: it’s a firm that both designs projects and subsequently builds them. But what does that really mean? How do design-build firms differ from a traditional remodeler? Here are a couple ways that design-build firms (like us!) can help help make your life easier:
- There are fewer “cooks in the kitchen”. If you’re doing an addition or a new build, you’ll need at least two parties: an architect and a builder. On top of that, many people hire an interior designer, and many others hire landscape and/or lighting designers. That’s a lot of parties to organize and communicate with! If you work with a design-build firm, you’re getting a 3-in-1: your contractor can design the new space (like an architect), construct the new space (like a builder), and even provide resources for selecting finishes (like an interior designer). Doesn’t that sound simpler?
- There are fewer meetings to go to. This is kind of a spin-off from the first point: if you have fewer parties to work with, there are fewer meetings to schedule and attend (who doesn’t like that?). Plus, at said meetings, any questions you may have – about anything going on with your project – can be addressed with ease by the person who’s handling it all.
- There’s less risk. With a traditional project where multiple professionals are needed, if something goes wrong, it’s easy for one party to point their finger at the other (and vice versa!). However, when the responsibility for the entire project lands on one firm’s shoulders, they’re much more likely to work harder to avoid any mistakes. Plus, should a mistake be made, there’s no “he said she said” when trying to figure out what went wrong.
In the end, the most important point I can stress is to choose a professional (whether they’re a part of a design-build firm or not) who you trust to take your home from “before” to “after” in a punctual and financially responsible manner. While I’ve addressed some benefits of a design-build firm here, finding a firm with a high level of trustworthiness and a good reputation are ultimately more important than attending fewer meetings or dealing with one less building professional. Have more questions about design-build firms and remodelers? Feel free to give us a call and we’ll happily walk you through our process.
