Design Build Remodeling – What’s the Allure?

If done successfully, design build remodeling allows for cost effective custom designs with shorter project durations than that of the typical general contracting approach. This generally translates into a cost savings for clients; sometimes significant ones.

Many of today’s design build firms complement their construction with full service design departments. Whether done completely in house or portions subcontracted out, this concept puts clients at ease since the design build firm is totally in charge managing the entire process.

As the success of design build remodeling has increased, firms without an on staff architect and interior designer have gone out and are creating strategic coalitions with professionals within their market.

The key to a successful design build project is to translate what the client desires into a reality. This will sometimes take several design iterations to get to that point.

Design Build Out Performs

This is where design build firms can shine and out perform other traditional methods. Since the design build firm is handling all aspects of the project, there is no down time waiting for decisions or drawings from an uncontrolled third party.

They can also simultaneously project the cost as the design changes are occurring. With this single source responsibility, clients feel like they are more involved in all of the decisions affecting their project.

The fact that there is no waiting from outside sources, the schedule is better able to be managed. As work progresses, design build firms can anticipate risks to schedule and job cost as it is all happening in real
time; it’s a win-win for all parties.

Not Everyone Was Excited

Initially there was some resistance from within the architectural community specifically the AIA (American Institute of Architects). But once they realized that this change in the way building was done could benefit them as well, the resistance subsided. Architects could now be sure that their original design intent was carried out by being part of the design build process. Many taking the point as the design builder others working directly for the contractor instead of the client.

The Upside

The advantages to the client are many. From the simple concept of time equals money which everyone knows and understands to more complex issues.

Some of these issues arise out of the fact that there are multiple points of contacts and levels of responsibilities. The design build remodeling process eliminates the adversarial roles which sometimes occur during normal construction. These diversified roles often lead to finger pointing as individual entities attempt to shirk responsibilities often leading to legal issues and litigation.

The biggest of these is the afore mentioned ability for the design build remodeler to implement changes on the fly. They are able to react quickly and evaluate associated costs, best methods for completion, order
materials and continue on with minimum delay.

To summarize; design build is quickly becoming the method of choice for the following array of advantages:

1. Single responsibility and point of contact creating easier flow of information

2. Fees are lowered from shorter project durations and reduction of administrative fees

3. Ability to react to design changes and materials quicker than standard methods

4. Control and accountability over the final project outcome including cost and quality

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