What is the Design Build Process And What Does it mean for Remodeling your Annapolis Maryland Home?

When you decide it’s time to remodel your Annapolis home, you can choose a conventional remodeling service or you can opt for a design/build remodeling approach. What makes design/build remodeling different?

What Makes Design-Build Remodeling Different?

There are a number of things that separate the way design-build remodelers approach a project from the way that general contractors do. Let’s look at five of those things—and how they benefit you as a homeowner

1. Design and Communication:

Great remodeling results begin with great design. When you work with a design-build remodeler, members of the same team are working on both parts of the remodeling equation. Your designer won’t create a plan that the craftsmen can’t build. Even if you run into tricky situations, a design-builder team works together to make sure the solution is aesthetically pleasing—and functional.

2. Faster Completion:

You’ve heard about delays some homeowners experience when remodeling. Because of the superior communication between team members mentioned above, there’s no time lost due to miscommunication. There’s no waiting for someone to get back to the contractor to clarify. Everything is handled as a team effort.

3. Superior Quality:

Every aspect of the design and construction is closely monitored at every stage of the process. Once again, because everyone involved in the renovation is on the same team there is no debate or variance about what constitutes a quality result. You get consistency from start to finish. General contractors will often specify the least expensive materials for your project (commonly referred to as “builder quality” materials). That’s not the way we operate at TailorCraft Builders. After finding out what you want, we specify and acquire the materials that will deliver the quality, look, and comfort you want when the project is complete—and for many years to come.

4. No Getting Caught in the Middle:

It’s unfortunate, but sometimes remodeling projects can devolve into finger-pointing and assigning blame. That won’t happen with a design-build remodeler. There’s no room for finger pointing. Everyone on the team shares responsibility—and is motivated to get it right the first time. And as the homeowner, you have the ultimate say. A design-build remodeler depends entirely on your satisfaction for his or her reputation. Responsibility can’t be shifted to anyone else.

5. Clear and Consistent Pricing:

Having the designers and the builders working in concert from the very beginning results in better planning and processes. That eliminates costly “surprises” in the remodeling process. The result is that you can be assured that the price you’re quoted is the price you’ll pay.

In a way, the design-build process is a bit like “one-stop shopping” for your remodeling needs. You have everything you need in one place. Of course, choosing the right remodeling company (one you can trust) is essential to getting the right results.

What Does the Process Look Like?

As a design-build remodeler, we generally break the process down into three important phases. Here’s a quick overview of what happens in each phase.

1. Conceptual Design: 

This part of the process involves comprehensive investment discussions that prepare you to make informed decisions as you move ahead with your remodel. After carefully noting your desires and needs in our initial meetings we develop a design that includes a list of items you would like to change or add to your home. Those things determine the initial scope of work. Many general contractors use “off-the-shelf” home plans to remodel your home. If your goal, however, is to have a distinctive style that reflects your specific lifestyle and tastes, a cookie-cutter approach won’t satisfy you. Great remodeling results don’t just happen. They require careful planning that turns your dreams and ideas into reality. A quality design-builder will listen to your needs and desires carefully before creating the plan. This part of the process makes sure that you and your remodeling team see eye to eye. 

2. Pre-Construction Commitment:

Of course the process doesn’t end with listening. To get superior results requires a comprehensive plan of action to ensure the project is completed successfully and stays on budget. It requires a thorough knowledge of design—as well as the ability to formulate a plan for creating the design. The experts at TailorCraft are well versed in all phases of project planning, and they know exactly which steps are needed to guarantee that every detail is covered. During this phase, we work with you systematically to determine the exact quality levels of materials needed to deliver the results you want and we create the plan for building. We work with you to finalize the selection of interior and/or exterior finishes. We then walk you through the entire project with our construction team. When all decisions are made we can accurately finalize the costs, schedule, and contract. This eliminates the surprises (for both cost and schedule) that so many homeowners dread.

3. Seamless Construction:

In this part of the process, you’ll be introduced to your Project manager and you’ll do an entire project review on site. It’s an opportunity for you to ask any questions about the process. Once construction commences, you’ll receive regular updates on the process as well as communication about any questions you may have. 45 days after the completion of your project we will contact you to ensure you’re enjoying your completed update.

Specific Examples?

It’s one thing to talk about the concept of design-build remodeling. It’s another thing to see actual examples of how the process works. Here are a few examples of projects we’ve successfully completed using the design-build process.

Kitchen Remodel

It’s been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s arguably the most used room in the house. Meal preparation; casual meals; family meetings; and entertaining all happen here. That’s why it’s so essential to plan your kitchen properly to meet all of those needs—and to give you a look you’ll love. Click here for additional photos that will show you how we created a kitchen that does all that for one Annapolis family.

Bathroom Remodel

 Bathrooms today are much more than purely functional “necessary rooms.” They are private spaces that comfort and pamper you and make getting ready for your day—or winding down for the night—a convenient pleasure. Click here for photos of the Master Bathroom we created with a Maryland homeowner.

Basement Remodel

In the past basements were (and sure, some still are) dark and smelly, they usually had a weird uncomfortable moisture that lingered in the air. Today’s remodeled basements are brighter, more beautiful and can be great spots to watch sports, movies, or simply listen to music with friends. Click here for images of some amazing basement remodels.

Home Addition

Sometimes there’s just no substitute for more space. Maybe you need an extra bedroom because your kids are too old to share. Perhaps you want to build an “in-law suite” for aging parents. Or it could be that you want a special room in which to entertain your friends. Click here for additional pictures.

Whole Home Remodel

What can you do if you love your neighborhood and really like the general exterior of your home—but find that the interior no longer meets your needs or reflects your personal sense of style? That’s when a whole home remodeling may be in order. It’s essential, however, that you work with a designer and builder who will make sure all the parts work together to create the look and flow you want in your new/old home. Click here for photos.

Resources

Educating yourself about the process and the possibilities is essential in order to get the best results. We’re committed to helping our clients get the information they need in order to come up with the best ideas and make the right choices for their home. That’s why we offer free remodeling resources that help them inform themselves.

Remodeling a House Creating a Home: This free eBook walks you through all the information needed to start the remodeling process. There is a lot of planning involved in a remodeling project, and this eBook will both inspire and prepare you as you learn about:

• The benefits of remodeling your home

• Tips for kitchen layout and kitchen design

• Bathroom lighting and amenity design ideas

• Tips for making the most out of your space

• Ideas for outdoor remodeling

• Additional information on the remodeling process

Not All Remodeling Processes Are Created Equal

Some people are content to simply give their homes a bit of a "facelift." They just want to freshen things up a bit. But if you want your Anne Arundel home to better fit your family's needs—and to truly reflect your sense of style and comfort, you may want more. Design-build provides a design that is created to meet those demands. It eliminates much of the stress and uncertainty of remodeling because it's a seamless process where details don't fall through the cracks. And it's also a process that identifies scope and cost up front—so there are no financial surprises when you get the final bill.

If that appeals to you, we invite you to give us a call or shoot us an email and we can show you first hand why Design-Build is the clear cut superior option when it comes to home remodeling and building.