I want to add a second floor to my home. What are the pros and cons of hiring a design build firm instead of an architect + GC?
Yes, you’re better off hiring a firm that could handle all aspects of your project to avoid change orders and delays.
I know this was posted two years ago but for general information I would say is better to hire a design firm and I say that for experience since we offer the entire service design and construction. It saves time and guessing,
I’d lean towards a design build firm, they will understand costs better.
Most design-build firms separate their design and build services, so you have the option to work with their design team and decide later if you wish to use them as the contractor. The con of using a design-build firm is that you don’t get to select the architect and contractor. The pro’s are you don’t have to select both the architect and the contractor. Your design will also likely be more scrutinized along the way. For example, the architect won’t design something that is completely impractical or over budget to build.
I would lean towards design-build too unless you have a lot of construction experience. Hiring a private architecture saves you money upfront, but time and knowlege is also money. You’ll essentially have to manage the architecture by answering all questions he/she may have about the project and giving him/her guidance about the method of construction needed. A design-build firm will approach the project with the end goal in mind - actually getting you the client to agree to the price and hire them to do the construction. Not only will they have the knowledge and expertise to guide their architecture, but they will make sure what is designed will actually fit the budget you’re ready to invest.