I am looking to add a couple rooms, including a bathroom, on to my home. What are the merits of hiring a design-build firm versus hiring an archietect and then finding a general contractor once I have the plans? Thanks!
The merits, you hire one company that will do design plans, construction documents and perform the construction in one shop, deal with the structural design issues s well, any issues / problems are dealt with right there and then on site and solved. This saves time and money. Other option, you hire architect, he hires structural engineer, then look for a qualified contractor who hires subcontractors, any questions that rise it comes from subcontractor to contractor to architect / engineer then to owner, several steps that cost time, efforts & money.
I believe you should hire and architect who takes care of the plans and designs then you can send the plans out to 3 different contractors and compare estimates.
I suggest you work with an architect that will prepare your preliminary design and help you interview and get preliminary estimates from several contractors. Select a contractor based on references, seeing their work, estimate, and ease of communication. At this stage of design, the contractor can suggest possible cost saving ideas while the architect is completing the details. Everyone is on the same team. The goal is for you to be happy at the end of the project so they get another good reference.
There are pros and cons of each option. I can see that by hiring an independent architect, you’ll have the freedom to select from a larger pool of contractors instead of being stuck with one.
Don’t forget that an architect has YOUR best interest in mind. A design-build firm may not be your best advocate if you have a disagreement over design, cost or schedule. It’s basically you-vs-them. An architect provides an expert eye to look over contracts, details and other issues that may arise.
The reality is the building profession is moving quickly into the design/build direction and there is no going back. I think Design Bid Build will be a thing of the past in 20 years. There are great advantages to this delivery method, a few being consistent and thorough project communication, production efficiency, and no finger pointing if problems arise. The trick is to find a Design Build firm that is architect lead, not architect as an after thought. This means that the Architect serves as the team lead throughout the project and will ensure a high level product and value for your money. Builder and Architects on the same team can often save the owner money though collaborative value engineering because building issues are discussed in schematic design.
Design-Build vs. Architect: By the answers here, I guess it would depend on who you ask. Architects say Architects, Contractors say Contractors. Honestly they both have their place. If you are planning a massive overhaul of a 10k sq. ft. home with 10 -15 room additions or a large commercial project then definitely use an Architect. If you are doing a simple residential addition or remodel then most Design-Build firms could manage the design, if they are qualified. By using a qualified design-build firm it could lessen mistakes due to miscommunication and could allow for a more streamlined process. Designing and planning everything with the same person who is actually managing and building the addition removes the possibility of many mistakes due to He said - She Said. One point of contact, one point of accountability.
A design-build firm employs a full-time architect who handles design options, construction plans, and pulling permitting for construction. Selection of finished is also specified if the design-build firm has a in house interior designer. A thoughtfully prepared set of plans, based on a budget, is turned over to the team’s general contractor to begin construction. Another great reason is the communication factor. A lot of times hiring more then one company can be stressful. A loss in communication is a big issue. Since no two company think and build the same, there is less issues with a design-build company which works as a unit. The willing to pay a little more, if necessary, to have the peace of mind of a good communication for the job is big plus.This is what defines a design-build firm.
Joel & Co. Construction - General Contractors
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