Why Use A Design-Build Firm For A Remodel.

When Is A Design-Build Firm the Best Choice for Your Remodeling Project?

Unlike the more traditional remodeling path of hiring a designer and a contractor, sometimes it makes much more sense to hire a design-build firm for your home remodeling project. A design-build firm is a one-stop shop that gives you both design and construction services under the same roof. Whether the firm is lead by an architect/designer or a contractor/builder, every true design-build firm includes both functions at its core.

If you're planning a remodeling project or thinking of adding on to your home, working with a single firm from “soup to nuts” is often a great choice. If you're not sure if a design-build firm or a more traditional approach is right for you, here are nine times that it makes sense to work with a design-build firm for your project.

Nine Reasons A Design-Build Firm is the Right Choice

1. You Want To Work with a “Master Builder.”

curved drywall soffits complex design build remodeling — a design-build-remodel company can achieve complex carpentry and finishing results with master builder quality

Back in the day, architecture and construction weren't as separate as they typically are today. While even in a design-build firm, the functions are separate, the close collaboration of both disciplines working in the same office results in an “old school” master builder approach.

2. You Want a Construction “Specialist.”

Because the design-build process brings all members of your project together – your designer, contractor, engineer, and any specialty subs – early in the process, you can rest assured that any tricky construction issues are dealt with from the beginning.

3. You're On A Strict Schedule

Issues between the architect and contractor on how things should be done can cause slowdowns. When you're working with a design-build firm, everyone is on the same team – which leads to faster timelines. Thanks to the collaboration, construction can begin even as the final design details are being worked out.

4. You Want a Team that Works Well Together

Because a design-build firm is integrated, and the key players know each other well, both teams typically work well together. Ironing out changes, allocating budgets, and scheduling tends to be easier, and jobs run smoothly. This is critical because conflicts between your architect and your builder are not just annoying; they can create delays, inflate costs, and even bring a job to a stop!

5. You Have a Fixer-Upper

Renovating a home that is in rough shape is challenging, even under the best circumstances. Add in the logistical difficulties of negotiating multiple contracts, personalities, and conflicting ideas, and difficulties can multiply exponentially. Because a design-build firm is a “one-stop-shop,” you can eliminate much of the guesswork and conflict you'd deal with if working with multiple vendors.

basement entertainment center with lighted floating shelves — the right design-build-remodel company can help you achiveve million dollar looks on a modest budget.

6. Budget Is A Major Priority

The thought behind the traditional “design-bid-build” model is that multiple bids on a project can potentially save you money. However, while you may save in one area, many factors can contribute to escalating costs. Poor communication between the principals and excessive change orders can wreak havoc on the budget. In the design-build model, everyone is working together under a single contract, with a single goal that can work to keep your project on time, and more importantly, on budget!

7. You Want to Minimize Risks

Of course, everyone involved in any project hopes that it goes smoothly. However, working with a design-build firm puts the legal responsibility for design errors and commissions, and defective construction on the firm. In the “traditional model,” you are potentially more vulnerable as the homeowner since you are placed between the designer and the contractor.

8. Green Building is Important to You

Today as we all become more environmentally aware, green building is becoming more of a factor in home remodeling. While there are architects who specialize in green building, more design-build firms are counting this as a specialty. Hiring a design-build firm with this expertise is a good choice if you plan a complete remodel or build an addition or new build that will incorporate green methods like passive energy and high efficiency.

9. You Feel Overwhelmed by the Process

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodeling or designing your dream home from scratch, the building process can be overwhelming. Partnering with a design-build firm for your project can reduce the stress of managing your project and reduce the number of people you'll need to deal with. Once you've chosen a firm you trust, they will oversee the team, including the architect, contractor, and subs. You'll typically have a single point of contact throughout the entire process!

Working with a design-build firm for your next remodeling project is a great choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a remodeling project, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

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An Above the Garage Master Suite Addition Remodeling Project

We recently completed an addition for our clients, John and Amy, a professional couple with young children living in the Blooming Meadows neighborhood in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Their home featured three bedrooms on the second floor. The existing master bedroom was outdated and impractical for modern living, and with three young children, two needed to share one of the two remaining bedrooms, and all three kids shared the second-floor bathroom. Another problem the family needed addressed was that John needed a private home office, and the one they currently had was a shared space that did not work well for his job.

Let's take a look at our creative solution for this young family!

A New Private Bathroom for the Adults!

One of the major elements on John and Amy's wish list was a private bathroom space just for them. They wanted plenty of space to get ready in the morning, away from the kids, and we delivered! The bathroom features a handcrafted Amish custom double vanity with a tower cabinet in alder wood, stained Carbon Gray. The contrasting Linnstone Quartz Calcutta pattern countertop brightens the space and ties in visually with the elegant tile work in the spacious walk-in shower. We added custom alder wood framed mirrors stained in the same Carbon Gray as the cabinets to complete the vanity. Over each of the mirrors, we installed Quoizel 2 light vanity fixtures to provide plenty of warm light.

In the shower, the 21st Century Tile 12x24 floor-to-ceiling tiles in Tivoli Silver give the room a bright and modern feel, and the low entry shower makes entering the shower safe and easy for the couple. We included a helpful niche in the shower for shampoo and other toiletries and, for contrast, used a beautiful hexagon mosaic accent tile. The glass doors give the space an open feel, making it bright and inviting. The Arbor Hills luxury vinyl plank flooring in timber adds a warm feel, giving the room a natural look with the benefit of waterproof LVP.

The Result

The final result of this second-floor master suite addition is a home that fits John, Amy, and the kid's needs and lifestyle perfectly. John now has the perfect private office space. Since John and Amy now have their private master suite, and each of the kids has their own bedroom giving them their own space to grow as they grow, their home is more comfortable and functional. And on the exterior, you can't even tell there's been an addition!

Are you considering an addition or other home improvement project? Let us help you design the perfect finished space! 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! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.