Design-Build Firm vs. Traditional Contractors: Which is Right for You?

The decision between working with a design-build firm and a traditional contractor is a significant one when starting a home renovation project. Your chosen approach can impact different aspects such as the project’s cost, quality, and timeline. PRD’s design-build contractors will help you explore the key differences between traditional contractors and design-build firms, including their approaches, benefits, and drawbacks so that you can make a confident decision for your renovation project. 

At PRD, our team values open communication and collaboration, and believe that it is key to creating a beautiful custom home. Throughout this blog, our team dives into the advantages and disadvantages of the design-build and traditional contracting approaches to home renovation and empowers you to make a confident decision before handing over the keys to your home. 

The Design-Build Firm Approach

With a design-build contractor, a single firm works with the client throughout the entire construction and design process. The relationship between client and firm begins with one contract, tasking the firm’s designers and builders with your home’s design and construction services. This means that the design-build firm handles everything from the initial blueprint to construction and design. This approach allows for open communication and collaboration between the client and firm throughout the home renovation or construction process.

The design-build approach allows for a high degree of customization. Every element of the renovation is tailored to the client’s wants and needs. Allowing for increased owner control in regards to specifications, design, and project materials. This approach works well for small and large-scale projects as it prioritizes communication and collaboration. 

Cost Effective and Efficient

Choosing a design-build firm to complete your home renovation or custom home project offers several distinct advantages. When a collaborative partnership is established between the firm and the client on day one, the design-build contractors can work more efficiently, save on costs, and decrease production time. A relationship based on collaboration and communication will allow any common misunderstandings to be talked through and handled quickly. This allows for the renovation to work on a more efficient timeline and cost less compared to traditional contracting projects.

Eliminating communication with several subcontractors and outside firms allows for a single point of accountability, reduced risk, and cost-saving techniques. With one firm responsible, the problems, decisions, and coordination are all handled quickly. This minimizes delays and seamlessly completes the project promptly, which lowers the cost of the home renovation as a result.

Design-Build Drawbacks

The main drawback clients face when choosing a design-build firm is the additional cost. Working with a traditional contractor is inherently less expensive, as you are not paying for the additional design and labor costs. However, most homeowners will end up incurring design costs once the construction phase is complete. Traditional contractors usually outsource to other firms for design and detailing services. 

By emphasizing open communication and collaboration firms and clients can combat these issues. Clients should research their options and have a conversation with their chosen firm regarding their concerns before breaking ground on their project.

Traditional Contracting Firms

When choosing a traditional contracting firm for your home renovation project, you often need to work with multiple different businesses and subcontractors to complete the project. With this approach, you begin by sitting down with an architect and a designer to draw up the plans for your home. The next phase is the construction, which a separate firm will handle. With multiple firms and subcontractors involved, homeowners will often sign contracts with more than one entity. 

Benefits of Traditional Contractors

The traditional approach is best suited for simpler home renovation projects. This method is tried and true which provides a sense of reliability and predictability to homeowners. Experienced contractors deliver high-quality craftsmanship that will stand the test of time. By involving a few different firms it is ensured that you will have excerpts in the field involved through each stage of the project.

Longer Project Timeline With Traditional Contracting

The main drawback associated with traditional contracting is the potential for longer project timelines. Because this method moves in sequences, with one phase needing to be completed before starting the next, homeowners should expect delays throughout the process. These delays may be caused by miscommunication between firms, supply issues, and unforeseen challenges. These factors contribute to cost overrun, which will lead to an increase in the total project cost. 

Traditional contracting also requires much more oversight and coordination on behalf of the homeowner, which can be very time-consuming. To limit delays and cost overruns during a traditional home renovation it is important to again emphasize clear communication with your contractors. Ensuring that your team has an effective project management system and a clear dispute resolution plan will help to limit these setbacks.

Things to Consider When Choosing Between a Design-Build Firm and Traditional Contracting

Choosing an approach for your home renovation can be stressful. Both methods have several advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand how they can affect your home’s project. 

It is important to consider the complexity of your project. For example, design-build contractors are great for more complex and intricate projects, while traditional contractors work tend to be better for smaller projects. Budget and schedule are also affected by the complexity of your project. 
How involved do you want to be in your renovation project? The two methods allow for different levels of owner involvement and control. Construction management experts say that fifty-seven percent of owners prefer a design-build for its clear communication, and forty-four percent of owners enjoyed it for its sense of increased owner control.

Are You Ready to Start Your Custom Home Renovation?

When planning a home renovation project, it’s crucial to determine which approach aligns with your preferences and requirements. Design-build firms and traditional contractors provide varying levels of assistance and communication throughout the renovation process. Therefore, whether you prioritize efficiency, communication, or timeline during your renovation, it’s essential to consider both contracting options.

Do you feel that a design-build firm would be right for you? At PRD Custom Homes, our team believes in a collaborative approach fueled by creative energy. If you are ready to begin your renovation or have questions about the design-build approach, reach out to our team at PRD Custom Homes. Together we can bring your dream home to life.