Imagine transforming your cramped house into your dream space without the stress of juggling different contractors and chasing down solutions. That’s the magic of using a design-build firm for your home addition project.
How is a Design/Build Firm Different?
The main difference between a design-build company and a traditional general contractor is that a design-build company provides both design and construction services.
In a design-build project, the client contracts with a single company to provide both design and construction services. This company is responsible for all aspects of the project, from developing the initial design to completing the construction work. In a traditional general contractor project, the client contracts with two separate companies: one for design and one for construction.
The design company is responsible for developing the plans and specifications for the project, while the general contractor is responsible for building the project according to the plans and specifications. Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between design-build companies and traditional general contractors:
What are the Benefits of a Design/Build Firm?
There are many benefits to using a design-build company, including:
- Improved communication and collaboration: When the designer and builder work under a single contract, it is easier for them to communicate and collaborate effectively. This can lead to a more streamlined and efficient project process and a better end product.
- Concurrent design and construction: Design-build firms can start construction on the project while the design is still being finalized. This can save weeks or even months of time.
- Early contractor involvement: Design-build firms typically involve the construction team in the early stages of the project. This allows them to provide design input and identify any potential construction challenges early on.
- Increased accountability: With the design-build model, the client has a single point of contact for the entire project. This can make it easier to hold the team accountable for meeting deadlines, budgets, and quality standards.
- Reduced risk: The design-build team is responsible for both the design and construction of the project, which can help to reduce risk for the client. For example, if there are any unforeseen challenges during the construction process, the team is responsible for finding solutions that work within the project’s budget and schedule.
- Faster project completion: Design-build projects can often be completed faster than traditional projects because the design and construction phases can overlap. This can significantly benefit clients who need their projects completed quickly.
- Reduced costs: Design-build projects can also save clients money because the design-build team can often find value engineering opportunities and negotiate better prices with subcontractors.
Overall, the design-build project delivery method can offer many benefits to clients, including improved communication and collaboration, increased accountability, reduced risk, faster project completion, and reduced costs.
Here are some additional benefits of design-build:
- Single point of contact: With design-build, clients only have to deal with one company for the entire project, which can simplify the process and save time.
- Preliminary budgeting: Design-build teams can provide clients with an early cost estimate, which can help clients make informed decisions about their projects.
- Innovative solutions: Design-build teams can often come up with innovative solutions to meet the client’s needs and budget.
- Reduced change orders: Because the design-build team is involved in all aspects of the project, there are fewer change orders, which can save time and money.
Will we be more limited in our options?
Not at all. While MCG does offer standard finish selection packages (curated combinations of finish materials such as tile, cabinets, countertops, etc.), clients are not limited to these options. Our Architectural Design team is skilled in developing a wide range of looks and feels for the spaces they create.
Compared to home builders, our clients have the flexibility to create their own custom design and layout rather than cookie-cutter builder options. We also welcome our clients to collaborate with their own Interior Designers to achieve their perfect aesthetic.
Who Should Consider Design/Build?
Homeowners who are looking for a collaborative, single-contract approach to renovating their home are a great fit for design-build. This approach also reduces the stresses of project planning, coordinating amongst multiple parties and understanding the division of responsibilities.
Design-build, especially with MCG, empowers homeowners to be navigated through the design and construction process while focusing on what matters most- creating their ideal home.
Who Should Not Consider Design/Build?
Homeowners who are DIY-minded, and who have the time, resources, and inclination to manage a multiple-party project are generally not a good fit for design-build. The design-build approach is all about streamlining the renovation process. Homeowners who wish to pave their own way in developing a plan for their project, and then closely manage the parties involved are likely better suited to other methodologies.
How do I choose a Design/Build Firm?
Choosing the right team for your renovation project is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your home and finances. At Moore Construction Group, we understand that this process can be daunting. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice.
One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when renovating is a lack of information. Is this project in my budget? What exactly is going to be provided? How will it look when it’s done? All these questions can be answered by engaging in preliminary design.
We make it easy for homeowners to hit the ground running by helping create a vision for their space and then preparing the details to make the vision a reality. Our Architectural Designers have designed hundreds of spaces and hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture at minimum. The benefits of their experience translate into a much more insightful and valuable design.
As always, our designs are your property. This means they can be used as part of your permit package- even if it is with another contractor! All your designs will be hosted on your ONLINE PORTAL, which provides a hub throughout the process.
