If you’re considering a remodel in Ann Arbor, Michigan, you may have encountered different types of construction approaches during your research. “What’s the difference between Design + Build and Design + Bid + Build?” is a common question many homeowners ask. Luckily, there’s a simple answer to explain these two different approaches to home remodels.

Let’s look at how each different arrangement plays out for a common home remodel or addition. 

What is Design + Build?

Wondering what a design + build arrangement is? Picture this: You have a vision for what you'd love to see brought into your home. You choose a design + build firm (like us!) and you meet with a talented and dedicated designer who listens to all of your wants and needs, all while offering guidance the entire way. It's a thorough, but fun brainstorming process that ends with a formation of a design plan. If you commit to working with this design + build firm, the design team will create complete renderings and design plans which you can make changes to and provide feedback before moving onto the next phase. 

From there, you'll be working with one point of contact who will lead you through the construction process. That team will handle any subcontracting work AND has all of the strongest relationships with the top manufacturers and distributors, who will be needed for sourcing your chosen materials. You’ll receive a cost breakdown, and eventually payment installments that will come from the company you choose to work with. They’ll complete the work using the designs created by yourself and the designer from those earlier stages. They’ll see everything through until completion of your project, keeping you informed throughout the entire process.  

What's a homeowner’s role in design + build?

Basically, you'll enjoy a hands-off experience with a design + build approach. The design + build company will take care of all of the details. For instance, here at Forward Design Build Remodel, we have a complete team who can handle all aspects of remodels, additions and custom homes. We also provide you continuous communications through weekly updates. You’ll also be able to relax, as our team prioritizes respect and consideration for every client we work with, including ensuring proper cleanup and regular quality checks. This provides you with a level of comfort, confidence, and consistency.

What is Design + Bid + Build?

Another option for remodels, renovations and additions is the Design + Bid + Build method. You’ll see this method used often for commercial or municipal projects, but homeowners can still adopt the method as well. Essentially, rather than working with one Design + Build firm, you’ll hire a design firm or architect to create the plans for your remodel. Then, once you approve these plans, you will seek out and allow contractors to bid on the tasks required. These contractors are typically chosen based on bid numbers. You could use one company for the drywalling, another for the electrical aspects, and still another for the plumbing. But at the end of the day, you’ll be the project manager who will need to make sure that all parts of the project are accounted for and scheduled properly.

This can be more work and stress than most homeowners want to take on, which is why we recommend the Design + Build approach to our clients. Let’s explore some of its benefits. 

5 Benefits of Design + Build

Work with one team for the entire project

Your Design + Build firm will have a project manager in place to take care of all of the logistics of the remodel, instead of you having to take the time to do this yourself. 

Streamlined Process

Since you’ll be working with one Design + Build firm who is experienced in the type of remodel your home is receiving, the process will be streamlined and run efficiently. 

Greater ability for customization

Having your design team within the same company as your build department allows for seamless communication and the ability for greater levels of customization.

Better budgeting

When you’re dealing with a variety of companies, the chance that unforeseen variables will alter the budget become a greater risk. With using a single Design + Build company, you’ll be able to know exactly the costs from the beginning of construction.

Sit back and relax

There’s no better feeling that knowing your home remodel project is being managed by an experienced team who will be there for you every step of the way.

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