Blueprint to Build: The Design-Build Remodeling Process Explained

Understanding The Design-Build Process

The Design-Build remodeling process has revolutionized the construction industry, delivering many advantages and benefits over traditional methods.

Traditionally, the remodeling process required a team. From an architect to design the project, to a general contractor, an interior designer, and, in some projects, a structural engineer. The process resulted in multiple invoices, difficulty communicating among the team, and often budget allocation questions.

The Design-Build approach brings the entire project scope under a single roof. Every aspect of a project is handled by a centralized team of professionals headed by a project manager. This makes communication easier, budget allocation more efficient, and streamlines the entire process, saving both time and money.

Let’s explore what Design-Build is and the design-build remodeling process in detail, from blueprint to build!

What is Design-Build?

Design-build is a unique approach to home remodeling that combines both design and construction services. A design-build team includes an architect, builder, interior designer, and subcontractors, all working together.

The design-build remodeling process offers significant benefits, including potential cost savings, a faster project timeline, and increased efficiency compared to the traditional design-bid-build strategy.

Over the past 25 years, design-build has gained traction in the industry, with organizations like the Design-Build Association of America promoting its use and defining industry best practices.

The Advantages of the Design-Build Remodeling Process

Design-build offers several advantages over the more traditional design-bid-build process. From expedited project completion to cost savings, improved efficiency, better communication, and collaboration, design-build streamlines the process. Having a set budget agreed upon before the project begins can help prevent unexpected cost increases. It also offers better allocation of funds and ensures accountability.

One major benefit of the design-build process is the close communication between the design and production teams. This allows your design-build team to keep you informed of cost estimates throughout the design process. This is in sharp contrast to the traditional design-build-bid method, which:

• Requires separate contracts with the architect, interior designer, and contractor

• Multiple contracts can often result in production delays

• Multiple vendors can lead to miscommunication

• This confusion can result in increased costs

The major difference between design-bid-build and design-build processes is the team. The design-build team consists of a project designer or architect, the construction team, and subcontractors who are hired and supervised by the construction team. These pros collaborate and work together under a single contract.

By maintaining effective communication, cooperation, and collaboration, your design-build team will present ideas optimized to meet the homeowner's schedule and budget.

The Design-Build Process: Step by Step

Once you have a clear understanding of the design-build approach and your team members, the next step is understanding the steps in the design-build remodeling process. Here are the steps you can expect, from the initial consultation through the project wrap-up.

Step 1: Selecting Your Design-Build Team

The first step is selecting a design-build-remodel team you trust to seamlessly manage your project's design and construction. Start by evaluating their experience. Look for a team with experience with successful projects like yours.

Click Here To Learn Additional Details About Our Process

Review their past projects, portfolio, and speak with references to make sure their style aligns with yours. With a design-build firm, you will have a single point of contact. This is one of the biggest advantages of the design-build remodeling process.

Step 2: Getting to Know You

Your project will start with a general conversation. The entire design phase is a conversation that becomes more specific and evolves. Your designer will work to learn about you, your lifestyle, and your needs as they create your new space. As it evolves, your budget will transition from broad prices to a final firm budget by the end of the process.

During the initial consultation process, your designer will discuss your project’s objectives, budget, and timeline. They will visit your home for a site evaluation to assess current conditions, identify any challenges, and look for potential opportunities. They will work to establish a rapport and build trust while asking questions to help them understand your needs. The result will be a draft of the scope of work and a contract.

Step 3: The Design Phase

This is where your vision will be taken from the initial concept into a tangible plan. Your design team will work with you to create a layout that meets your functional needs. Your team will present you with sketches and preliminary drawings of their initial designs based on your initial meeting and then work with you to refine them.

At this stage of the process, your team will work with you to select materials that align with your aesthetic vision. A detailed estimate is prepared, ensuring transparency and financial control.

Step 4: Final Design Approval and Contract Preparation

This step includes final drawings. Detailed blueprints and specifications are prepared and presented for final approval. Collaborating during the design phase allows your design-build team to identify opportunities for cost savings without sacrificing quality. The scope of work is defined and finalized, detailing exactly what your design-build team will deliver.

Upon signing the final contract, your team will obtain all necessary permits to ensure that your project meets all local building codes and regulations. Materials are ordered, and a final timeline is prepared.

Step 5: Construction

This is where your creative vision becomes reality! Your design-build team moves forward efficiently thanks to the collaboration between designers and builders. You will be assigned a project manager who is your point of contact throughout the construction phase.

Because the process has been collaborative since the beginning, change orders are minimized. This can accelerate the construction process and help to maintain your budget. Your team will work on a well-defined schedule, ensuring timely progress, and any issues will be promptly addressed. Continuous quality control checks throughout the process ensure that every part of the project meets the standards set in the design and contract.

Post Construction and Closing Out

Once construction is complete, post-construction begins. This step ensures that everything meets your expectations and needs. There are several steps to this process:

• Review Punch Lists

Before creating a punch list and scheduling a walkthrough, we make our own list, noting any imperfections we want to fix. Then you are invited to walk through your space and add anything we might have missed.

• Exit Interview

Your design-build firm may conduct an exit interview. They will ask what you think went well, what can be improved, and if they can use you as a reference.

• Operation Manuals

You’ll receive all documentation, including maintenance guides and appliance manuals, to help you care for your new space.

• Warranty

You will receive any warranties from appliances, fixtures, and any construction warranties from your design-build firm for any future adjustments, maintenance, and repairs.

The remodeling process is a complicated process best handled by an industry professional. The traditional design-bid-build program involves multiple vendors, multiple contracts, and multiple invoices. Streamlining the design and build phases by bringing your entire project under one roof with a design-build firm is more efficient, more collaborative, makes communication easier, and the entire remodeling process more transparent.

Whether considering a complete home remodel, a kitchen remodel, a bathroom update, or any other project, let us help you create a new look and design for your home! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Are you ready to learn more? We are always happy to answer your questions.