When planning to build a new home or undertake a renovation, there are two schools of thought about how to approach it.
One is the design-bid-build approach, where you appoint an architect or professional designer to design your home and then put it out to construction contractors for tender.You then select the contractor with the best bid to build your home.
The other approach is to use the services of a design-builder with the in-house expertise to manage the entire project from design through to clean up. This is by far the most effective approach and there are five compelling reasons why you should work with a design-builder.
1. Single point of contact
A design-builder takes on the role of project manager right from the design stage, coordinating the architectural and construction teams. The design-build representative takes full responsibility for the project and is accountable for all aspects, including costs and quality. As the client, you get the convenience of having just one point of contact for all communication throughout the project.
In contrast, the design-bid-build scenario involves dealing with an architect for the design, another party (or yourself) for the bid process, and then a contractor during construction. There is a greater risk for miscommunication, confusion, incorrect work, delays and cost overruns.
2. Saves time
The design-build process eliminates the bidding stage, thereby saving significant time. There is a seamless progression from design to construction. The main timeline, or critical path, of a project is dependent on hundreds of other timelines that have to be managed.
The design-build system is the most effective at keeping a project on track and controlling any problems that arise.
Additionally, if one contractor is wholly responsible for the project, it's in his best interest (and yours) to complete everything on time.
3. Saves money
At the design stage, the contractor will consult and brief members of the construction team - who can provide valuable input - while advising designers on materials or building methods that can help reduce costs.
During construction, should design changes arise, a design-builder can handle those revisions immediately and save you time and money (as much as 10%) by not having to call in the architect and other outside personnel again.
4. Better communication and teamwork
With everything under one roof, the design and construction staff work as a team, with one goal in mind. This eliminates finger pointing and disputes that can arise when these two aspects are managed by different contractors in the design-bid-build setup. Disputes can delay a project and negatively affect cost.
5. Better quality
With one contractor responsible for completing the project on time and within budget, quality is placed front and centre right from the get-go. That's quality of design, quality of work, quality of communication, quality in managing the team, and quality of personal service to you.
Needless to say, Kerr Construction & Design is a design-build firm. We've gone in this direction because there are clear benefits for our clients.
Let us show you how we can help you with the dreams for your home with a no-obligation, complimentary one-on-one consultation.
To arrange a consultation, call us at 604-263-0343 or use our online form.
