In the past, a client would meet an architect to start the remodeling process. The architect would listen to the homeowner’s needs and desires and create a design that addressed those needs. Too often, the client was not asked about their budget at the beginning of the process.
The first rendering of the design would enamor the homeowner. When the estimate was presented, they realized their budget would not allow them to work with that design. That left the homeowner frustrated. The design was impressive but exceeded his budget.
“The remodeling process began to improve when architects brought engineers and contractors to the design phase”, says Rosie Romero of Rosie Right Design Build Remodel. The need to address the budget from the start became an essential part of the process. The budget helped to set the parameters for design and product selection.
This design team concept has become very popular and has grown to include a team of professionals that can make a home remodel or addition a pleasant experience. A design-build remodeler takes a client through all the steps of a remodel or home addition project. This model runs like a one-stop shop.
Can You Build Your Own Team?
Another option is for a homeowner to create a design-build team. This can work, given the homeowner is willing to research the contractors and other professionals.
Rosie suggests digging deep. At the very least, the contractor(s) should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Start by going to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors search feature to find this information. Make sure that the company’s license is current and without ongoing complaints listed. Enter the owner’s name in the search engine and see if he owns other companies. Research those companies as well. Rosie has created a guide on How to Choose a Contractor to help homeowners vet contractors on their own.
Once the contractor is selected, the homeowner will need to research and vet the architect, engineer, and interior designer. Selecting these independent specialists can be done, but it is a bit of work.
Benefits of a Design-Build Remodeling Team
Teamwork
Professionals involved in a remodel often include architects, structural engineers, suppliers, contractors, and interior designers.
Each step of the project is designed to be as stress-free as possible so that the homeowner gets to enjoy the process instead of managing it.
A design-build team approaches each job as a team. Romano Klepec, Design Manager at Rosie Right Design Build Remodel says, “There is no ‘I’ in a team.” A successful team relies on collaboration and respect. With this team of professionals looking over the design, budget building, and the compilation of all necessary construction documents the occurrence of big surprises is greatly diminished.
Communication
A design-build team has established relationships and communication with vendors and a complete network of necessary subcontractors. Having a team in place leaves less room for breaks in the chain of command or breakdowns in communication. There are regularly scheduled in-person meetings. Records of all communications and facets of an individual job can be kept in shareable software. Romano says they use BuilderTrend and that works well for their team.
Budget
Design-build is better for the building process as all professionals work together to ensure the design meets the desired budget. Once the cost of the project is established, the price remains the same unless the homeowner chooses to change portions of the project.
Exit Options
What if you see red flags during the design process? Maybe the contractor has been hard to get ahold of, doesn’t get back to you, and is slow to provide answers.
At the end of the design process and before the building phase begins, take the time to analyze the experience so far.
At this point, you have spent time with them while they created the initial feasibility design analysis, including floor plans, material selections, budget, and schedule. Are you still happy with them? Have they shown you they are a company that will provide the service you are looking for?
If things are not working out as you hoped, it is acceptable to exit the relationship. The design phase generally costs between 5% and 15% of the proposed construction budget and is nonrefundable should you decide not to continue. However, some design-build remodelers will refund part or all the design fee if you continue to the construction phase.
How Design Studios Make Selection Easier
It is not a coincidence that design centers are increasing in popularity. So many choices and products are available that it can be overwhelming to see it all. It can be even harder to narrow down choices enough to make decisions. Romano tells us that “a design studio can significantly streamline the selection of materials and spare the homeowner from visiting multiple showrooms and vendors.”
Design studios help to reveal dreams, see options, and generate choices. From there, you can look at the good, better, and best choices for your style and needs.
Design centers, showrooms, and studios have relationships with all the vendors who display their products. These contacts usually afford better pricing and availability on products than retail.
Romano sees the design studio concept as a great place to invite people to share their vision and work on the design. The process doesn’t have to be a painful one!
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CONTENT PARTNER: Rosie Right design.build.remodel.
Rosie’s award-winning business is back! Rosie Right design.build.remodel. Depending on your job size and location, we would be pleased do the job with you and get it done right! Our design team will meet with you to listen and learn what it is you would like to have done to your home. Our team will offer design options, assist you with product selection, work with your HOA, prepare construction drawing, procure the building permit, and manage all phases of your project. Give us a call today! (480) 248-8699
PODCAST
“The remodeling process began to improve when architects brought engineers and contractors to the design phase”, says Rosie Romero of Rosie Right Design Build Remodel. The need to address the budget from the start became an essential part of the process to set parameters. Joined by Romano Klepec, they explain that ‘showroom’ is out and design studio is in. And working to make each process as stress free as possible.
Podcast Archive With Expanded Content and Resources
PHOTO CREDIT
- Rosie Right design.build.remodel.
- Shower wall by Cambria
- Plumbing fixtures by Bobier Sales
