When you begin the process of remodeling your home, you will be hit with a variety of decisions to make, everything from the scope of the remodeling project to the color of paint you want on the walls. But the first decision you make is perhaps the most important one: Will you use a traditional remodeling company or a design-build remodeler? Your answer will significantly impact your experience, satisfaction, and the overall outcome of your remodeling project.
When we say design-build, we’re referring to a method of project delivery where a single company handles all parts of the remodel: planning, design, demolition, and construction.
When you use a traditional remodeler (sometimes called design-bid-build), you, as the homeowner, are responsible for hiring an independent designer or architect to draw up plans for you. Then you find a contractor who will do the work. For smaller projects, the contractor may provide a general outline of the project and proceed without detailed design plans in place.
This leads to contracts being signed before all the details are nailed down, resulting in change orders and allowances–and difficulty in budgeting for you.
With design-build, your designer and contractor work together for the same remodeling company. You work closely with the design team, planning out every detail of your remodel before hammers start swinging. Rather than line items that say “backsplash allowance” or “kitchen appliances,” you’ll have specific finishes chosen, and you’ll see their actual price tags. This lets you plan your finances confidently.
Design-build allows for all the details of your project to be handled by one team in-house. You’ll know who to talk to if you have questions, you’ll know what’s going on with the project at any given time, and you’ll be confident that everyone knows the ins and outs of your remodel.
The streamlined approach of design-build companies means the process moves more quickly and with fewer delays: the right permits are applied for, subcontractors are scheduled at the right times and in the right order, and materials are selected and orders placed so they’re available when they’re needed.
In our opinion, the most beneficial aspect of the design-build model is the collaboration between designers and builders, and what that means for your home. When designers and builders work together, the results are innovative home renovations and creative solutions. Both parties are able to collaborate, brainstorming ideas and making recommendations you may not have thought of. When unexpected issues arise, design-build allows for creative problem-solving that can happen quickly and without the team missing a beat. This collaborative approach leads to great results for homeowners.
Every remodeling project, no matter how small, benefits from design. And when your project is a small space where every inch counts, designers and builders working together become an even more crucial part of the process.
In a smaller home, you need creative solutions like built-in shelves and furniture, integrated storage, and layouts that maximize space. With a design-build team, you will see these custom remodeling solutions take shape in ways that are specific to your home, your family, and your needs. Check out Rich and Elyse’s Lancaster Bathroom Remodel to see this collaboration in action. Their home had only one full bathroom for the family to share–and it was on the smaller side. Our team took advantage of every square inch of space, adding as much storage as possible while making the design beautiful and peaceful.
Every family’s needs are specific to them, and every remodel is a chance to make a home into the perfect answer to those desires. One benefit of design-build remodeling is that the innovation and attention to detail in design and construction lead to a home that is customized in every way. Meaghan and Drew’s Elizabethtown Basement Remodel showcases this perfectly. From the custom fireplace to the imported bar to the sentimental model plane used as a focal point, this beautiful basement illustrates perfectly the intersection of design and construction.
Sometimes you need more than just a facelift for a particular space to be its best. When designers and builders work as a team, you can take a space with an odd layout or one that doesn’t function well and reimagine it, making it not only more functional but also more beautiful. Collaboration between the homeowners, designers, and builders allows for the perfect balance.
One great example of this was Katie and Aaron’s Lancaster Bathroom Remodel. What started as a space that didn’t function well for the family (with an oddly-placed bathtub in the middle of the room) ended up being a large and airy bathroom with a gorgeous walk-in shower. Our design team reimagined the layout and helped Katie and Aaron make selections that suited their taste, and then our construction team made the magic happen. And the results are truly stunning.
Another example is the upstairs teen suite in Kelly and Greg’s Manheim Whole Home Remodel. By reconfiguring the space, our team was able to open up the area and make the flow much better. We moved the bathroom and added a cozy nook with drawers for storage to the dormer. It’s now a functional, innovative, and beautiful space.
Design-Build is a remodeling approach. But it’s also a mindset. If you choose a design-build firm for your home renovation, you’re choosing a team that prioritizes:
The design-build process is the best possible choice for your Lancaster home remodel. If you’ve ever used a traditional remodeling company, you will notice a difference from day one. If you want to experience this design-build difference, contact us today. We’d love to discuss your needs and wants for your home and help you bring your dreams to life.