The Pros And Cons Of Working With Design-Build Firms

The design-build method is a growing industry in residential construction. Since it takes off the hassles of calling different contractors for one project, many prefer this over the traditional process. However, there are still factors you need to contemplate closely before hiring a design-build firm for your dream home.

Explained below are the pros and cons of working with design-build firms.  

Pros

Working with design-build firms has a lot of benefits. Most aspiring homeowners who are too busy to call different contractors for the project prefer this method.

Some of these advantages are the following:  

• Highly Convenient

  Design-build companies offer great convenience to aspiring homeowners. It takes away the hassles of the project owner, who traditionally takes care of calling different contractors and subcontractors. Once the contract is signed, their team will take care of everything until it’s finished.

  Working with a design-build firm is an excellent option for owners busy with work but still want to build their homes from scratch. It’s less stressful, as they would only require your presence occasionally.

  Design-build firms have a team of consultants, architects, engineers, and other professionals in the construction agency. However, your local building department may also require approval from an engineer in a specific field if there are issues on your land. In this case, you may check an informative blog from Boutique Home Plans on hiring an engineer.

home remodeling ideashome construction planner

      some planning ideas to consider      

• Faster Project Timeframe

  Hiring a design-build firm to create your dream home from scratch is faster than the traditional method. Since you only need to communicate with one company for everything you need, the project flow is simultaneous.

  Entrusting one company to do the design and construction is quick and convenient. When the required documents are approved, they can start building your home. Even if the architect is still finalizing the design, they can already start preparing the land for the foundation.

• Effective Communication

  A team of professionals working on a single project creates efficient communication. Since they’re all in one company, you can reduce the risk of misunderstanding between the consultant, designer, and engineer.

  Another great advantage is finding all the pros you need in one place. Suppose you need to change some details in the design. In that case, you can talk to the consultant, who will relay the information to the architect or designer. The flow of communication is straightforward and fast.

• Efficient Budgeting

  In the traditional procurement method, the contractors can only give you a quote after a design is finalized. The cost is still a rough estimate, leaving you with a greater risk of exceeding your target budget.

  While in the design-build process, most companies can give you an accurate quote for the whole project, from planning to the last drop of paint.

  With the accurate quote provided by your trusted design-build company, you can budget efficiently. It’s easier to set a goal on how much you need to save and allocate for your dream home.

Cons

While working with design-build firms seems suitable for everyone, it still has some disadvantages.

Some of these are the following:  

• Higher Costs

  Hiring one company to take care of your home project is convenient, and it’s common knowledge that convenience comes with a price. Since the firm takes care of everything, including the subcontractors for materials and staffing, you can’t choose the most affordable ones.

  So if you plan on hiring one, you must ready your pocket as this can be costly.

• High-Risk

  When you hire one firm to plan and finish a project, you entrust them with your hard-earned money. While there’s always a risk in building a home, some may find the design-build method riskier.

  Since the professionals work as a team, there’s a possibility of a lack of cross-checking between plans and actual construction. In the traditional method, the architect and engineer are responsible for supervising on-site to ensure their design is accurately executed.  

• Limited Project Involvement

  If you want to be closely involved in building your home, hiring a design-build firm is not for you. Once you’ve signed the contract, the company holds full responsibility for the project. Depending on your local legislation, they may have the power to change some details during construction.

  Moreover, you can’t choose your preferred suppliers for the construction and furnishing materials unless the company agrees. Pretty much everything about the planning is on them. So, you have little to no participation at all.

• Fewer Design Options

  Most design-build companies have a stock of pre-planned and pre-designed houses. Although you can tweak some details, the customization is minimal.

  If you’re hoping for a uniquely designed house personalized to your preference, the traditional method is ideal for you. However, if you find an existing plan that matches your lifestyle as presented by a firm, the design-build contract is more convenient.  

other related articles of interest:

5 Great Tools that Make Construction on a Home Easier

Signs You Have A Good Construction Foreman Working For You

Conclusion

Planning and constructing a project take time, effort, and a lot of patience. Whether working with design-build firms is for you depends on your budget and preferences.

But this comes with some advantages and disadvantages too. So, weigh your options to arrive at a sound and well-informed decision.

Image credit: working with design-build firms by twenty20.com

end of post … please share it!

twitter

facebook

linkedin

pinterest

 

 

|____________________________________________________________|

   home remodeling reference (links to internal page)   

directory	photos	forms	guide