There are many options to take into account when planning a new home build, remodel, or renovation. In the Philadelphia area, we are seeing the design-build process start to gain popularity and slowly overtake the traditional design-bid-build method. While design-build and design-bid-build each present their own benefits, we believe homeowners are likely to achieve the best outcome when using a design-build firm... but why?
Design-Build is a project approach where one team is responsible for both the design and construction phases. Unlike the design-bid-build delivery method, design-build brings both design and construction functions together during the planning and execution phases. With both the design and construction teams operating under one roof, this approach tends to be the most successful when starting a new project. With both teams working together from the start it allows for clearer communication and better exchange of information throughout the project.
While there are several advantages to the design-build approach, here are the 4 main reasons why design-build is the best method when completing a construction, renovation, or remodeling project:
The main factor to consider for design-build is that it allows for a single point of management and accountability. Instead of a homeowner investing time and money into hiring and coordinating multiple contracts, a design-build project is typically managed by a project manager. This project manager serves as the homeowners point of contact for the project and works directly with the architect, engineer, and subcontractors - minimizing the work of the homeowner. With the responsibility of the project in one firm's hands rather than three or four, the design-build approach tends to produce higher-quality results in less time when compared to the traditional design-bid-build method.
With design-build, the design and construction staff are on the same team. From the start, the two teams are working together and collaborating with the homeowner so they have the same goal in mind. Starting with the initial planning stages to post-construction cleanup, everyone on the team is aware of the goals of the project which allows all teams to work more efficiently and effectively.
In contrast to the uncoordinated model of architect vs. contractor, the design-build remodeling approach brings the multiple responsibilities to one entity. Since the design and construction phases are overlapped in this approach, it allows for the projects timing and budget to be more accurate. The design-build model also eliminates the bidding process, which can be the most stressful part for some homeowners. Bellweather's design-build system not only promotes productive builder/client collaboration, it also encourages other design and remodeling specialists to contribute solutions during the planning process.
With design-build, the contractor has more of a commitment to the homeowner to deliver on quality and customer expectations. Since this method has a single source of responsibility, the design-build firm is responsible for driving quality and performance in every stage of the process. Design-build firms are not only experts in design and construction, but are also experienced in pricing, sequencing, and bringing the builds together. With this knowledge as well as their strong partnerships with reliable subcontractors, design-build firms deliver quality work and pride themselves in customer satisfaction.
As mentioned above, there are several reasons why the design-build delivery method works so well for new construction and major renovation projects. To learn more about design-build and its benefits, take a look at our process here!
If you're considering hiring a design-build team in the Philadelphia area for your next project, we encourage you to reach out to our team!