Services
- Design-Build
Home Remodeling
- Concept Design
- 3-D Renderings
- Construction Drawings
- Bid Specifications
- Budgeting/Estimating
- Project Management
- Rough Framing
- Trim-Finish
- Custom Cabinetry
Why Choose a Design-Build Contractor?
Many homeowners aren’t aware of the major differences between design-bid-build and design-build contractors. The information on this page explains both types of construction processes and the benefits of choosing a design-build Contractor like Midwest Custom Basements, Inc.Design-Bid-Build
In traditional Design-Bid-Build construction, a homeowner is required to solicit the services of an Architect to develop conceptual drawings for their home improvement project, provide them with budgets for the various schemes, and pay to have construction drawings with specifications prepared. The project is then competitively bid by several contractors and finally built by lowest bidder who has no investment in the plans, budget or vision for the project.
Some of the perils of Design-Bid-Build construction include:
- Designs that are difficult to build and more concerned with aesthetics (as opposed to striving to balance form and function), ignoring the fact that most homeowners do not possess endless reserves for their project.
- Budgets that inaccurately represent current building costs, providing their clients with poor decision making tools as they select which plan to further develop into construction drawings. (If you decide to go the Design-Bid-Build route, we recommend that you start interviewing builders at this point to "spot check" your estimated construction costs.)
- Fully defined specifications prepared by an architect can be expensive. Unfortunately, lack of these documents places the burden of sifting through the bids to ensure "apple to apple" comparisons on the shoulders of the homeowner.
Design-Build
In Design-Build construction, a homeowner selects a company that will partner with them to perform all of the services identified in the Design-Bid-Build process. Proponents for Design-Build argue that this relationship saves time and money by promoting critical dialogue between the client and contractor while placing the responsibility of the outcome squarely on the shoulders of one party.
Some of the benefits of an efficient Design-Build process include:
- Early discussion of priorities for the project. A good design-build contractor will ask the homeowner questions about finishes (flooring, cabinets/countertops, and lighting) and uses (home theater, bedroom, bathroom or home office) to better define client’s needs and wants. This information will allow the designer to develop quality drawings quicker without wasting resources on expensive, difficult to build ideas.
- Accurate and timely budgeting for decision-making purposes. A good Design-Build contractor is constantly evaluating how every decision impacts the bottom line and is able to produce more accurate cost estimates based their current projects.
- Clear, well-defined contracts. Having prepared the construction drawings for your project, a design-build contractor has extensive knowledge of your home. Often, the contractor has asked electrical, HVAC, plumbing and flooring contractors to "walk through" the project with him. Thus, a final proposal or contract will include blueprints, detailed specifications, construction schedules, price, permits, and insurance information.
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Finally, the delivery of a quality finished project on time, and on budget with no surprises.