April 26, 2016 Planning, Design
Working with Homeworks for your residential construction project is a smart move that provides you with a real opportunity to experience the Design-Build Advantage. Many companies describe themselves as design-build but often fall short of that description. The characteristics of a “true” design-build firm are described below.
First, there should be a licensed architect on staff with the abilities to engineer, modify and stamp construction plans. These are the plans submitted to receive a permit. This is part of the design-build advantage. Some companies may have draftsmen with the capabilities of drawing and printing the plans, but will require that you use an outside architect for licensed approval of plans. Next, there should be a design team in place. This team assists with cabinet layout in the kitchen and bathrooms as well as with the selections of materials such as flooring, paint colors, countertops and fixtures. Lastly, there should be a project manager assigned to manage the sub-contractors, organize the timeliness of the build and maintain solid communication with the you throughout the project. Project managers ensure the quality of the work is held to the highest standards.
Now that we’ve explained what to look for within, here are 5 advantages that you should take out of your experience with a design-build construction firm such as Homeworks Construction.
Single source of accountability
Homeworks prides itself on providing all design and construction services under one roof by acting as the single resource for all clients and their projects. A design-build firm takes on the highest degree of accountability for a project. The plans and the construction come from one company. Because of this, greater priority is placed on quality and performance during the build, not just meeting the design and engineering requirements set forth by an outside architect. In the classic design-bid-build method, the owner is responsible for selecting and architect/designer, finalizing the design, sending the plans out for bids, selecting their contractor and acting as the intermediary between all parties. The design-build method fosters teamwork and lends itself to cooperation.
Budget Focused
During Homeworks’ free consultation and proposal estimate stage, the team provides a scope and budget for your project. We have the ability to complete construction drawings, provide materials & finishes, and manage the building of the project. Our proposal price is all inclusive. Our estimates are clear and comprehensive. We recommend you obtain different proposals before signing an agreement or paying a deposit. Homeworks uses value engineering, a method that seeks to maximize function and minimize cost. The owner, architect and builder work together to create the best-value solutions for a project without sacrificing quality or vision. Client approval is obtained with each step of the project. This means no design or budget surprises.
Quick and Easy Communication
We develop specific design elements throughout the process and stays on value for the owner. The benefits of working with a licensed architect, design professionals and a construction expert ensures that any potential problems are identified discussed. All parties work cohesively from beginning to end. Make decisions related to design, construction and budget early and resolve problems quickly. This is the design-build advantage.
Faster Completion Time
First, in the classic process, the client is the intermediary between the architect, the designer and the builder. This takes time and project management skill. The design build advantage takes you out of that equation. Reduce your bidding period and redesign time with the design-build advantage. Reduce the overall project time by overlapping design and construction activities. The contractor can proceed with procurement of critical materials and scheduling of labor and subcontractors for the greatest possible effectiveness.
Quality Control
The design build method helps to remove ambiguity that may arise in material and construction specifications. The designer, architect and builder are from the same firm, so the focus remains on the client. Simplify lines of communications and reduce misunderstandings with Homeworks Construction. Additionally, maintain quality by discovering and addressing issues early.