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Design/Build 101 So you have found that amazing condominium or that special single family home in the perfect location. Perhaps, you already live in this treasured residence but feel improvements may be in order to further invest in your home's value. In either case, you know that there is a lot of work to be done but you are unsure exactly how to implement your plans...and keep your wits about you. For many years, homeowners have gone through the process of first hiring an architect to develop schematics followed by retaining a general contractor to build the plans. Next, retain an interior designer to navigate through the process of selecting finishes and possibly furnishings as well. If this sounds like a lot of work, you are not alone. In fact, most buyers of homes try to avoid purchasing properties that need extensive work and most homeowners tend to sell their current home because the thought of spearheading a major re-build or renovation is entirely overwhelming.
In today's fast paced world, most buyers and owners do not have the time to become their own general contractor let alone manage groups of individuals all to get to the end result-a beautifully finished home. Moreover, act as a referee so these entities will communicate effectively with each other and yourself as well as managing the finger pointing as it pertains to accountability. Then there are the fees. Multiple fees for multiple professionals. One may begin to think that 'there has to be a better way!' This is where the solution of working with a design/build firm comes into play. So what is design/build? Design/build focuses on combining the design, permit, and construction schedules in order to streamline the traditional build environment. This does not shorten the time it takes to complete the individual tasks of creating construction documents (working drawings and specifications), acquiring building and other permits, or actually constructing the home. Instead, a design/build firm will bring together design and construction professionals in a collaborative environment to complete these tasks at the same time. And if that firm has all of their talents in house, meaning they have a full-time staff of architects, designers, project managers and trades-it makes it even better. The Benefits of Design/Build-they can include: -Increased accountability -Single source project delivery -Value engineering There are many efficiencies that are realized by the homeowner that chooses to work with a Design/Build firm to lead their project. Efficiencies (both time and money) are realized throughout the life of the project. Accountability: Rather than a parcelized level of responsibility of the classic design-bid-build model, design-build provides an integrated solution for the owner or client. This moves projects away from the finger-pointing that is often commonplace in contemporary construction projects, and allows the owner to look to one entity with any questions or concerns. Single Source: Instead of having several contractors and consultants, an owner has just one entity to deal with. Design revisions, project feedback, budgeting, permitting, construction issues, change orders, and billing can all be routed through the design-build firm. This single point of contact allows a certain degree of flexibility for the owner. Most design-builders will leverage that flexibility for the owner's benefit by continually refining the construction program to maximize the owner's value at the completion of the project. Value engineering: Typically, in order for a contractor to bid on a project, very specific details relating to the methods and materials must be given to avoid any ambiguity and to make an "apples to apples" comparison of bids. In a design-build context, the owner, the owner's other consultants, and the design-builder can work together to determine what methods and materials will maximize the owner's value. In instances where marginally more expensive materials, designs, or construction methods might yield a higher return on investment for the owner than those of lower cost, the owner is free to adjust the project's program without having to re-bid the entire project. Frank Goldstin is the CEO of Hudson Home, Inc in Chicago, Illinois. The design/build firm specializes in both building and renovating luxury and upper bracket residences. And of course, you will find Hudson Home on BESTCONTRACTORS.COM
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