Thinking about renovating your home?
Home renovation doesn’t have to be stressful. Yet so many projects go over budget, take too long, and leave you pulling your hair out. You start excited about remodeling but often finish stressed and frustrated.
The problem is…
Most homes are renovated in a fragmented process where the homeowner is forced to manage multiple tradespeople. Projects using the traditional method run into communications issues. Costs can spiral quickly.
Want a less stressful renovation experience? There is a better way.
The design-build model of renovation has revolutionized the industry. Property owners now have the option of streamlining their remodel by using a design-build company. This puts design and construction under one roof.
Renovation doesn’t have to be difficult. Learn how design-build simplifies the process…
Table of Contents
- What Is the Design-Build Model?
- Why Traditional Home Renovations Fail
- 5 Ways Design-Build Simplifies Home Renovation
- Tips for Finding the Right Design-Build Partner
- Wrapping Up
What Is the Design-Build Model?
Design-build brings designers and contractors together as a team.
Think of design-build as single-sourcing your renovation. Rather than hiring multiple companies to design and build, you work with one entity. This creates a one-point contract and point of contact for your project.
When looking for home renovation services, professionals from Areté Renovators understand that blending design and construction creates a seamless process for clients.
Traditional renovations rely on a process called design-bid-build. Property owners work with a designer first and contractors second. Design-build blends those functions together.
Why Traditional Home Renovations Go Wrong
Okay, traditional renovations go wrong for a reason.
To see how bad traditional renovation can be, look at some statistics. Home renovation trends report, 78% of homeowners exceeded their renovation budget. Almost 80%!
That’s unacceptable. So what causes this problem?
Two separate teams who rarely talk to one another cause most renovation headaches. Traditionally, a homeowner will hire a designer first. Once design plans are finalized, then the homeowner will find a builder to complete the work.
The problem is designers don’t know how to build. Builders know design plans aren’t realistic. Each presents the homeowner with a finished product and price. The homeowner picks a side, starts the project, and breaks the bank.
Not only do budgets go overboard, the traditional process causes disputes between contractors and designers.
Ask any designer what they think about contractors “building their plans.”
Or vice versa.
Because there is no collaboration, designers and builders will point fingers when something goes wrong. As the homeowner, you get caught in the middle. “It’s not my fault” runs through both parties’ minds while your dream kitchen stares back at you.
Design-build removes these barriers by unifying the team from day one.
5 Ways Design-Build Simplifies Home Renovation
Design-build offers homeowners clear advantages!
Here are five reasons to consider design-build over traditional renovation.
1. One Point of Accountability
Let’s start with the headache reducers.
When something during construction doesn’t match up to plans, who do you think to call?
With design-build you only call one team. Since designers and builders are one team, they own their mistakes. No more trying to decipher who does what.
You won’t receive a call from your designer because “the contractor is not following your plans.” Instead, they work as a team to solve problems.
2. Know Your Budget Upfront
Here’s another huge benefit…
Clients know their budget from day one. There are no guesstimates from designers who haven’t built anything.
Because designers and builders work together, budgets are accurate.
Designers use products and layouts that exist. This also prevents the big mistake of designing something homeowners can’t afford… then having to change everything later.
Remodeling Magazine estimates Americans will spend $603 billion dollars on remodeling in 2024. Designers and builders who work together can keep that number from your bank account.
3. Get Your Project Done Faster
Months. Design-build saves you months on your project.
Traditional design has the designer finish before even talking to builders. Then the bidding process starts. That alone takes weeks.
With design-build, your project can start while design finishes. Once those designs are complete, construction is already halfway done.
4. Communication Will Be Easier
Stop lost texts and dead phone numbers.
Design-build creates a single point of contact for you. You won’t have to remember who does what. You will have a team you can trust to manage the project.
Plus, when everyone is on the same team, there is no miscommunication. Your designer knows what your builder is saying and vice versa.
Fewer people involved = less opportunity for disruptions.
5. Designs Stay True
Remember earlier how designers came up with renovations that can’t actually be built?
This typically isn’t true with design-build companies. Since the same people designing your space are building it, plans remain as you envisioned them.
Traditional contractors can’t build what you want… so they alter your design to what they can build.
Does that sound fun?
With design-build, your renovation will be done with realistic timelines, accurate costs, and with one team holding you accountable for the results.
Tips for Finding the Right Design-Build Partner
You know design-build is the best method for renovation. But how do you choose which company to partner with?
When interviewing renovation companies, look at the following:
- Transparency – Do they have detailed estimates or just ballpark quotes?
- Communication – How do they provide updates? Who is your go-to person?
- Experience – Do they have experience with similar projects to yours?
- Credentials – Are the architects, designers, and builders licensed?
- References – Who have they worked for in the past?
Take your time finding the right renovation partner. This is someone you will trust to deliver on your dream kitchen or bathroom.
Ask questions until you feel comfortable. If they try to rush you or pressure you, they’re not the right firm for you!
Here are a few red flags to avoid.
- The company is rushing you to sign.
- They don’t want to provide references.
- They can’t be transparent about pricing or timelines.
- No project manager or point person to contact.
Wrapping Up
Renovating your home is a chance to design your dream space. You shouldn’t spend that time worrying about the process.
Remember:
- Design-build offers one team to answer to
- Your budget is set with realistic costs and timelines
- Design-build companies can complete your project quicker
- You only have one point of contact
- Your design stays true from start to finish
Ready to renovate your home?