Design builders offer a full-service construction or remodeling solution. They typically bundle up design, planning, and construction services. You deal with one company rather than having to hire individual specialists for each part of your building project.
If you want to use a one-stop service, then you need to check that your chosen design builders will do exactly what you need. Ask companies the following questions to help you build a shortlist.
1. Do They Have Experience Of Your Planned Project?
The design builders you choose should have experience with similar projects to the one you are planning. For example, if you're building a custom home from scratch that incorporates a lot of eco-friendly features, then you should look for companies with a past track record of green builds.
The same principle applies if you want to remodel part or all of your home. Design builders should be able to show you examples of their previous work, whether they have renovated a kitchen, built an extension, or constructed a large home from the ground up.
2. Do They Offer A Design-Build Or A Design-Bid-Build Service?
Some design builders offer an all-inclusive package. They design, plan, and build. For example, they might have in-house architects and their own building crews. Some even have interior designers on payroll to help you create the perfect interior for your new home or project build.
However, some companies work on a design-bid-build model. Here, the design builder helps you plan and design the build; however, they outsource construction work to other contractors. They still project manage the build for you, but external building companies do the work.
In some cases, it's easier to use a traditional design-build model. The company sets a schedule based on its own internal work capacity. Everyone who works on the project works for the company you hire. You get the same quality commitment.
However, this doesn't mean that a design-bid-build model is a bad option. You might be able to save money by opening the construction work to outside bids. It helps if the design builder you choose has good connections with local construction companies. They can then help you shortlist reputable contractors who will do a good job.
3. Do They Offer Centralized Billing?
If you use a full-service design builder, then you only have one set of bills to pay. You pay the company for all of the project work from start to finish. This simplifies the payment process for you. You don't have to juggle invoices and payments from different companies at different times.
If your builder outsources the construction part of the project, then you can ask them to bundle these costs into your account. Here, you centralize your payments to your primary contact, and they deal with third-party payments.
To find out more, contact local design builders, like Whitney Homes.
