Houston Remodeling Guide 2008: Understanding Design-Build

Most homeowners are surprised to learn that well over half of all project designs are never built. Frequently the consumer will hire an architect to draw blueprints for their dream project. They will have visited Showcase Homes, manufacturer’s showrooms, read numerous home improvement magazines and visited several model homes to get ideas on what they want included in their new kitchen. After much excitement and the expense of detailed blueprints they are ready to start getting “bids” from different contractors.

Unfortunately during all the preceding work, they never consulted with any of the professionals who build these dream projects every day. Usually the architect only knows what specific portions or components of the plan will cost, but nobody has been there to educate them on what it will cost to put all those pieces together. So little thought has been into the cost of putting these pieces together that many consumers today are still surprised when they learn that remodeling actually cost more than new construction. That is when “sticker shock” sets in, plans are scaled back or unfortunately put on

hold until “next year.”

The Design-Build Process seeks to change that reality by making more dreams come true by including realistic construction costs up front with conceptual designs and weaving them into all aspects of the final plan. Having one company responsible for incorporating budget considerations into the design process from the beginning of the design is the essence of Design-Build. It saves everybody money, time and heartache.

Remodeler-Architect Relationship

Just like in a kitchenwhere too many cooks spoil the broth, on site during a remodeling project make sure there is only one “boss” running the show. And that leader has to be comfortable working with, and have the respect of the complete remodeling team. The homeowner should never be required to referee between the two. After all, the remodeler and the architect are the professionals that do this every day. Make sure they know each other, respect what each brings the table and communicate daily, so it will not matter who’s the “boss.”