WHY CHOOSE DESIGN/BUILD? Adapted from Design/Build for Remodelers, Custom Builders, and Architects by Linda W. Case A successful design/build firm packages high-quality, professional design services with high-quality, professional construction services. This marriage of operating style and service mode provides you the client with a seamless, cost-effective, functional project from one accountable source. This concept is nothing new or radical. Early craftspeople were often designers. In medieval times, guildsmen were directed by the master mason who functioned in much the same role as today's builder/designer. He not only sketched the plans for the project but managed the construction as well. The demographics of today's population explain why consumers have embraced the design/build approach. We are time poor. Because of our increasingly hectic schedules, we are searching for ways in which to simplify the purchasing of services and products. The increased stress on the quality of the home environments seems to be inversely proportional to the amount of time spent there. Although we eat out or carry in more meals than did the previous generation, the style and size of kitchens have never been more important. Note the trends toward large master suites, great rooms and multiple fireplaces despite the fact that we spend increasingly less time at home. Unique family requirements translate into the need to customize our homes. For those of you who are considering home renovations (aren't we all?) design/build provides many advantages: Cost-effective, Practical Construction The single most important reason to consider design/build is that the design/builder has the expertise to design and construct to a realistic, specified budget. Guarding your budget requires diligent estimating, purchasing and assessing of actual job costs. Unless you have an unlimited budget, careful and knowledgeable adherence to budget is crucial. When the firm designing your project is a construction company, the design is likely to be more 'buildable'. The design/builder can quickly determine whether your proposed project is feasible in terms of budget before you invest time and money in the design. A design/build company knows what products work well, have reliable warranties and are locally available at competitive prices. A construction company can also provide designs that are suitable in terms of function and how that translates into overall cost. One-Stop Shopping Design/builders manage every aspect of a project from start to finish. They take your ideas from the outset, return with suggestions and selections and ultimately present you with a completed project that represents those original ideas. The concept of one accountable expert is attractive in that keeps your project free of 'interpretations' as it moves from the design to the construction phase. Should problems arise, sole accountability prevents your project from becoming bogged down with finger pointing between individuals. Cohesiveness between design and construction is enhanced. Customized, Professional Design Design/build firms have made customized, professional design affordable to a wider population. Using a design/build company to produce plans ensures that the design you love is one that can actually be constructed within your budget. The designs are geared toward production, thus saving you money through a more streamlined process. A professional, affordable design will add value to your home in terms of livability and salability. Saves Time With design/build you are likely to save one to two months in completion of a project over conventionally separated design and construction services. Entering into the design phase the design/builder already knows where your project fits into the schedule. You are not in the position of having to complete the design phase of the project before you begin to interview the builder. For some projects specific planning and construction phases can be overlapped. Strong Working Relationship The tenor of your relationship with your builder is established during the design phase of your project. Your builder learns what is important to you, and your comfort level increases through getting to know the company before construction actually begins. During the design phase you establish a way of working with your builder that will carry over into the construction phase. You know your contact person within the company, the company's procedures and its attitude toward customer service. Design/build is an operating style that fits the times. One-stop shopping, accountability, functional and cost-efficient design are highly valued by today's consumer. HUB Design/Build is the design/build team that can provide expert design and quality construction of your remodeling project.