Flexibility, Cost Savings Lead to Rise in Design-Build Remodeling Projects
- Date: 2007-05-30 - Word Count: 419
Share This!
In the construction industry, the traditional way of completing a project means getting a design from an architect, soliciting bids for the work, and selecting a general contractor to complete the work. Known as "design-bid-build," this method is still very much the norm in home construction.
But another approach - the Design-Build method - has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to a skyrocketing remodeling industry and the unique challenges presented by remodeling work.
"There's a big difference between new building compared with tie-ins to existing homes," says Ed Campbell, Operations Manager for G.M. Roth, a Nashua, NH-based home remodeling firm. "That's why about 70% of remodeling designs created by architects never make it to the actual construction phase."
Design-Build dates back as far as ancient Greece, where great works like the Parthenon rose under the watchful eye of a "Master Builder," responsible for both the design and the construction.
Today, such master builders are known by many different terms - "project managers," "production managers," even "lead carpenters." No matter what you call them, the two prominent reasons why they're gaining in popularity today are:
1. Flexibility. In a "design-bid-build" situation, the designer is removed from the process once a project is sent out for bids. If changes need to be made in the middle of construction, they often require time-consuming redesigns - and can often involve a lot of finger-pointing between architects and builders.
Not so with Design-Build. "Designers are involved throughout the process," Campbell says, "so they can make changes on the fly based on what the installers encounter at the job site."
2. Cost savings. When changes have to be made during construction, bringing the designer back into the process often involves spending more money to get a redesign…which can mean more money on the construction side…which can make life increasingly difficult for the owner caught in the middle.
With Design-Build, Campbell says there's a significant cost savings. "Designers learn up front what the budget requirements are, so they can recommend the appropriate materials for the project. They won't design an SUV remodel on an economy budget."
And as the remodeling industry exploded (reaching $280 billion in 2005, nearly double that of 1995's performance, according to the National Association of Home Builders), the Design-Build approach grew with it. According to a 2004 survey by ZweigWhite, integrated design-build firms will see 80% of their revenues come from design-build projects through 2014.
There's an even simpler reason to like the Design-Build approach, however. "It's one-stop responsibility for everything that happens with your remodeling project," says Campbell. "How can you beat that?"
But another approach - the Design-Build method - has seen a resurgence in recent years, thanks to a skyrocketing remodeling industry and the unique challenges presented by remodeling work.
"There's a big difference between new building compared with tie-ins to existing homes," says Ed Campbell, Operations Manager for G.M. Roth, a Nashua, NH-based home remodeling firm. "That's why about 70% of remodeling designs created by architects never make it to the actual construction phase."
Design-Build dates back as far as ancient Greece, where great works like the Parthenon rose under the watchful eye of a "Master Builder," responsible for both the design and the construction.
Today, such master builders are known by many different terms - "project managers," "production managers," even "lead carpenters." No matter what you call them, the two prominent reasons why they're gaining in popularity today are:
1. Flexibility. In a "design-bid-build" situation, the designer is removed from the process once a project is sent out for bids. If changes need to be made in the middle of construction, they often require time-consuming redesigns - and can often involve a lot of finger-pointing between architects and builders.
Not so with Design-Build. "Designers are involved throughout the process," Campbell says, "so they can make changes on the fly based on what the installers encounter at the job site."
2. Cost savings. When changes have to be made during construction, bringing the designer back into the process often involves spending more money to get a redesign…which can mean more money on the construction side…which can make life increasingly difficult for the owner caught in the middle.
With Design-Build, Campbell says there's a significant cost savings. "Designers learn up front what the budget requirements are, so they can recommend the appropriate materials for the project. They won't design an SUV remodel on an economy budget."
And as the remodeling industry exploded (reaching $280 billion in 2005, nearly double that of 1995's performance, according to the National Association of Home Builders), the Design-Build approach grew with it. According to a 2004 survey by ZweigWhite, integrated design-build firms will see 80% of their revenues come from design-build projects through 2014.
There's an even simpler reason to like the Design-Build approach, however. "It's one-stop responsibility for everything that happens with your remodeling project," says Campbell. "How can you beat that?"
Related Tags: kitchen, home remodeling, new hampshire, boston, massachusetts, bath, home design, ma, manchester, decks, nh, porches, in-law suites, nashua
About G.M. Roth Since 1986, G.M. Roth has been designing and building award-winning projects. From kitchen and bath remodeling to in-law suites, porches and decks, clients get their "Dreams Delivered" by G.M. Roth. To find out more about G.M. Roth, and how their commitment to the Design/Build philosophy provides flexibility for your project while preventing time delays and cost overruns, go to www.GMRoth.com. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the