What Makes Design/Build Different?
How Does Design/Build Work?
Design/Build is different project delivery method than the traditional design-bid-build process. In design/build, there is one entity - the design/build team – who works under a single contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services. This means there is one, unified flow of work from initial concept through completion which reintegrates the roles of designer and constructor.
What Are the Benefits?
Instead of having designers bid on your project, then picking a designer, then having one designer put together plans, paying the designer, then having contractors bid on the project, choosing a contractor, connecting the designer and contractor, then having the designer and the contractor fight over how the project should be completed, you are working with one individual, one quote, and one streamlined process on the job site.
The design/build process can minimize risk and stress to the homeowner or project owner by shortening the time span of a project, maintaining one single point of responsibility with the clearest goals and desired outcomes. Many homeowners also love the design-build process because they become familiar and comfortable with their singular point of contact - the same person who designs their kitchen will be constructing it, meaning it will be as close to their vision as possible while also being more likely to say on budget.
Why RIC design build?
Not every construction or design company is equipped to do design/build. A reputable D/B company will have someone at the helm with both an architectural, design and construction background. Matt Warner, owner at RIC design build, received both an undergraduate and graduate degree in architecture while doing hands-on work in the construction industry. His love of old homes and remodeling started in the suburbs of Detroit, where he grew up, and continued when he moved to the historic city of Richmond, Virginia in 1999.
Since then he has been managing design/build projects in many historic Richmond neighborhoods, helping to restore, renovate, upgrade and add on to scores of beautiful homes. Take, for instance, a 1946 home, which just didn’t have the modern space needed for resale. At just 1,300 square feet and with two bedrooms and just one bath, it needed major additions to sell on par with other homes in the neighborhood and get its owner top-dollar.
DESIGN
After several iterations, the design chosen by the owner created a more modern layout as well as 700 additional square feet. A separate dining space, expanded the kitchen, and a new master suite with full bath and a half bath was added on the first floor as well as an additional bedroom upstairs.
BUILD
A project that generally would have taken at least a year only took RIC Design Build about eight months, even though the house was stripped down to the studs to install a new electrical system, a high-efficiency HVAC system and modern cellulose insulation.
AFTER
The front of the home was kept intact with original brick facade and windows which complement the surrounding homes in the neighborhood. The addition, although a different material, took the home’s character and unique features into consideration to make it visually appealing. The home’s value increased by nearly $200,000 with this addition and the home sold at full price after just one week on the market.