The Value of a Design/Build Firm

• Ronnie Gor

There is a difference between buying a home that has already been built vs making a home that is built just for you! Since Covid, our living spaces have been serving more than just the purpose of being a sanctuary and a place to relax. In order to reconfigure our existing space to fit the new needs, a lot of people are choosing to rebuild their current home instead of just knocking down walls and expanding. 

But what does rebuilding a home really entail? How simple or complicated is it? Here are a few steps to help you think through if you’ve decided to do a rebuild. 

1. Design
2. Drawings (architectural and engineering drawings)
3. Permits
4. Bidding and negotiations
5. Hiring the right construction team (general contractor, sub-contractors etc)
6. Begin construction
7. Managing the process until finish

Oftentimes people think hiring a separate firm to design and another firm to do the construction  is more efficient. But the reality is quite the opposite. Bringing in a firm that can handle both aspects, not only helps with cost savings and with management of time, but most importantly relieves the property owner from the headache if something goes wrong, especially if they’re not well versed in construction terms. 

The characteristics of a design/build firm are:

• One team throughout the entire design and build process.
• Close integration and communication between the designers, engineers, city officials, sub-contractors and other city agencies involved.
• Fewer construction related issues as they are often spotted earlier on in the process.
• Faster time schedule and a streamlined process since everyone is on the same team.
• Easier coordination of changes and effective resolution of conflicts or problems.
• Cost savings and reduction in risks.
• Having a designer stay involved till the project is completed will ensure nothing gets changed by contractors and others due to costs or complications. 
• Having a designer stay on board during construction enables that if something needs to be adjusted as per local codes and permits, it will get done creatively and the integrity of the design will be maintained without being compromised.
• If sustainability is a priority, having a designer who is knowledgeable about it will ascertain that it is properly implemented.