Renovating a home used to mean, “To restore a part of your home that is in disrepair.” Nowadays, people refer to a “renovation” as any work being done on their homes.
Homeowners look for renovation builders to do the job. The “job” can mean anything from replacing peeling wall paint to full-blown structural changes. It can be an entirely new home addition or a new roof.
Let’s take a look at what a renovation and custom home builder like Winthorpe Design & Build can do for your home in Maryland or Washington DC.
Delivery Methods
In construction, homeowners have a choice of builders or contractors that subscribe to two main delivery methods: Design-bid-build and design-build.
What is Design-Bid-Build?
Design-bid-build is the traditional delivery method for construction projects. In this method, the owner contracts with a designer, usually an architect or engineer, who completes the design. Once the design is finished, the owner solicits bids from general contractors to construct the building according to the design. The owner then awards the construction contract to the bidder who offers the lowest price.
What is Design-Build?
On the other hand, design-build is a process that includes both the design and construction phases of a project under one contract. You can apply design-build to new construction, additions, or renovations. With one point of contact for both the design and construction phases, communication is streamlined and the project can be completed more efficiently.
Why Pick a Design-Builder Over a Design-Bid-Builder?
There are several reasons why design-build as a method is often a better option than design-bid-build:
- Get a more coordinated and seamless construction process, which can save time and money.
- When the designer and builder are working together from the beginning of the project, you tend to get higher quality results.
- Design-builders are easier to interact with, since it eliminates the need for multiple contractors and subcontractors.
- You can get more creativity and innovation, since the designer and builder are both part of the team coming up with ideas for the project.
- It’s easier for homeowners to make changes along the way if need be, as the designer and builder are both there to consult.
A good design-build team has a deep understanding of the construction process and can offer insights that other delivery methods cannot.
Other Disadvantages of Design-Bid-Build to Note
Design-bid-build does have some disadvantages as well.
You’re at the Mercy of the Lowest Bidder
The goal of any business is to make money. That’s why companies will always try to cut costs wherever possible. When you use the design-bid-build method, you’re essentially putting your project in the hands of the company that offers the lowest price.
While this may save you money in the short term, it could end up costing you more in the long run if shoddy workmanship leads to problems down the road.
There’s Less Flexibility
Once a contract has been signed, it can be very difficult to make changes. This rigidity can be problematic if unforeseen circumstances arise during the construction process.
It Can Take Longer
The design and bidding process can take months, which means it will be quite some time before construction even begins. This timeline can be further extended if there are delays in the approval process.
Winthorpe Design & Build Renovators
We can handle both the design and construction of your renovation project. We’ll work with you to come up with a plan, manage the project from start to finish, and ensure that everything is done right.
Winthorpe Design & Build is a great option if you want to have full control over your renovation project and don’t want to deal with multiple contractors. We can help you save time and money by coordinating all the different aspects of the renovation for you.
Did We Mention We Also Build Custom Homes?
Not only can we handle your renovation project, but we also specialize in custom home construction. If you’re looking for a new home that’s custom, Winthorpe Design & Build is all you’ll need.
We have a team of experienced designers and builders who will work with you to create the home of your dreams. We’ll take care of everything from the initial design to the finished product.
Choose Winthorpe
We did leave out a downside that’s present in some design-builders. They don’t have a third party that does quality control over all stages of construction. You’re putting all your faith in one single entity with the hope that they get the job done right, on time, and on budget.
With Winthorpe Design & Build, you have nothing to worry about. We wouldn’t be doing this for nearly 30 years if we provided run-of-the-mill solutions to homeowner issues.
We won’t keep clients at arm’s length either. If you have a comment, question, or concern throughout any stage of the project, we’ll be available to you.
If your home renovation or the thought of designing and building your own home is giving you a headache, reach out to us through our new process and we’ll make that headache ours.
