The term ‘design-build’ is slowly becoming more familiar in the world of home remodeling. In the past, if someone wanted to remodel their home, they would contact a general contractor and an architect. While contractors alone can do a lot of great work, they simply do not offer the many benefits that you would receive from working with a design-build firm, such as Medford Design-Build.
Here are 5 benefits of working with a design-build for your major home remodeling project:
1. Design-build firms provide a step-by-step process from start to finish.
From creating the designs to getting the necessary building permits, to ordering the materials and completing a quality job in a timely manner – everything is taken care of by a professional and experienced team. While a general contractor might manage some of these steps, a big part of it may be left to the homeowner. Considering everything that goes into a remodel, this can be very stressful and overwhelming!
At Medford Design-Build, the steps from concept-to-completion include:
Step 1: We start with an educational consultation. One of our knowledgeable design consultants will meet with you at your home to discuss your project. Upon communicating your ideas and answering your questions, they will provide you with a realistic estimate and timeline required to complete the job. If you decide to proceed and purchase a custom design package for your project, they will take measurements and photos of your existing space, along with notes about what matters most to you for your remodel.
Step 2: Our draftsman then gets started drawing the floor plans and 3D renderings for your remodel, based on the notes and any inspiration photos you provided. Once completed, these documents act as a detailed visual and communication tool, emphasizing functional detail and aesthetics to best suit your needs and match the style you specified.
Once the designs are finalized, our knowledgeable Estimators will create an extensive Scope of Work document for your specific remodel. This will map out the entire step-by-step process we will take to complete your project, including specifications like plumbing, electrical plans, foundation, framing, roofing, and more.
At the end of the Scope of Work will be your detailed Budget Items Worksheet, which shows the price allowance breakdown for individual items. This will help you understand the total cost of your project and allow you to scale back on large ticket items if needed.
On average, it takes us about 2 weeks to complete the design process and compile the Scope of Work and Budget documents.
Step 3: When the design package documents are complete, we will set up a review meeting with you at our office. Our owner, Mike, will pull up the designs on the big screen in his office and walk you through the plans & renderings. Once you are completely satisfied with the designs and every aspect of your project, you have the option to move forward with us as your contractor or take the finalized plans we have provided and get competitive bids from other contractors. If you do choose to continue with us as the contractor, the cost of your designs will be taken from your down payment, which we will collect, and put your project on the Production Schedule.
Step 4: After the down payment has been collected, we will set up a design selections meeting with you and our Interior Designer, Stephanie, to select all of your materials, paint, flooring, tile, etc. Once everything has been selected, our Operations Manager, Kourtney, will place all of your orders with our trusted vendors and track everything. We will also proceed with obtaining any necessary building permits from the city prior to beginning construction. This is the ideal time for you to prepare your home for construction by clearing the area to be remodeled or put items into storage.
Step 5: Once all of your materials have been delivered, we can begin your project construction according to the start date we marked on the Production Schedule. As a family-owned company, we hold your time and your family as our top priority. When the construction begins, our workers will do their best to finish up and keep the construction area clean, safe, and livable for your family each evening. We incorporate an air filter machine during the day to minimize dust and fumes created throughout construction to help keep your home as undisturbed as possible.
Step 6: Once the construction is done and the remodel is complete, we will set up a final inspection from the city to be sure everything is done correctly and to code.
2. A design-build firm provides homeowners with a single point of contact for both the design and construction phases of a project.
Having one person to reach out to with questions, concerns, scheduling, purchase orders, payments, etc., can really lessen the chance of miscommunication and lower the risk of error (not to mention, prevent a lot of unnecessary frustration!) Having someone manage all contracts with companies and subcontractors, equipment, vendors and material providers really takes a lot off the homeowner’s shoulders.
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3. Design-build firms work with top professionals in every field.
This can’t be said for all design-build firms, but with 30+ years in the business, Medford Design-Build works closely with experienced pros in various professions. Carpenters, stone masons, tile and glass installers, plumbers, electricians, flooring providers, painters and more. If you’re having work done on your home, wouldn’t you feel better knowing it’s being done by a vetted professional and not a random subcontractor hired by your GC?
4. The Homeowners are involved in every step.
The beauty of working with a design-build firm is that you can be very much involved in the process without having to be solely responsible for managing it. Your Project Manager will send you an email at the end of each workday, discussing what was completed, any issues that arose, how it was resolved, and what is on the schedule for the next day. This line of open communication provides the homeowners with peace of mind and a sense of involvement. Of course, the homeowners also take part in making design decisions throughout the project. We’ve found that such an involvement is inspiring and gives people a lasting sense of pride about their home.
5. Design-build firms make the most of your time.
Design and construction involve managing multiple timelines that need to coordinate. Because we work closely with a team of professionals and vendors, we can realistically predict how long a project will take. A number of factors come into play here; such as the availability of our professionals, lead time on ordered items, demolition and installation time, and of course, the allowance for unexpected setbacks. The ability to schedule everything in sync cuts down on wasted time and provides a cohesive timeline that you wouldn’t get with a general contractor alone.
As these are only a few examples, it’s easy to see the various benefits of working with a design-build firm over a general contractor. There are so many moving parts involved in a major home remodel, and having a team of professionals to manage the entire project makes for a smoother experience and a quality outcome!
If you have more questions about our design-build process, or if you’re interested in remodeling your home, contact us today!
We look forward to hearing from you!
Warm Regards,
The Medford Team
© 2022 Medford Remodeling
