Design/Build Method Advantages 

The design/build method offers homeowners many advantages for most remodeling projects.

Before design/build, homeowners typically used the design/bid process.  If you wanted to remodel your home, you had to find and hire an architect to design your project and then find and hire a builder to construct it. This can be a time consuming two-step process and if things go wrong you can find yourself uncomfortably in the middle between your architect and builder.

There is, however, a better way: hire a firm like the Gridley Company that provides design/build services and will handle all aspects of your project. The design/build process provides everything in one neat package, from needs analysis to concept to product selection to construction to completion and beyond, for the entire project.

There are many advantages to the design/build process for homeowners. Some of them are:

• Ease and Simplicity – You only have to find, select and deal with one company.
• Accountability – If something goes wrong, you won’t find yourself caught uncomfortably between your architect and builder because you will have a single point of contact.
• Improved Communications – When working with a design/build company, you don’t have to worry about the construction company not really knowing what you are looking for because most of your discussions have been with your architect. And, you won’t have to go through the process of going over all of the information a second time. With design/build, the design process is more integrated with the construction staff and estimating process. The architect gets immediate feedback from construction about ways to fine tune the design to make it more feasible.
• Enhanced Cost Certainty – Because builders know more about building costs than architects, you can expect most reputable design/builders to be able to design your project and work with you until you are satisfied with the design and budget. If you were working with a separate architect, they would likely charge you for redesign if you receive construction estimates for the project that exceed your budget and changes need to be made. Additionally, with the design/build process, the architect and designers get feedback on construction costs so they won’t waste time developing designs that can’t possibly be built at or near your desired budget.