Tips/Advice for hiring Design/Build Firm
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (14)
- 6 years ago
Related Discussions
Should I look at different architeture or design-build firms?
Comments (2)We have a major whole house renovation with most done in phase one but we have 3 or 4 phases. Depending on you scope and complexity you may want an architect. I interviewed 13. My architect was known for his use of natural light, keeping the renovations in context with the house and neighborhood and being strong on his opinions (I needed someone to stand up to me and not be yes man). He was suppose to be good in kitchen designs but I got better layouts here. Many of the architects didn't appeal to me or had the same vision. A few did and I looked at their work. I think it's better to see it in person. Talk to the references - I always talked to at least 3. Most references were from friends so they really gave me the real scoop. A few design/build teams MAY work but I think there are few and far between. It really depends on your overall scope of work. I think you don't necessarily need a detailed whole house plan but you do need an overall house plan for things like where electric, plumbing and HVAC is running. You don't want to destroy finished spaces for future work. We ran the plumbing, wiring, gas (for fireplace) and Cable/phone/computer lines for the the future guest room suite since all of this came thru the kitchen (and it was gutted for phase one). The plumbing is laying just below the floor and electrical is in 2 areas on the walls. The gas is where we planned the fireplace. good luck...See MoreRenovating on a 35k budget - design/build firm? architect? DIY design?
Comments (50)Do you have a Habitat for Humanity store or something similar in your area? You might consider trying a place like that and keep an eye out for nice cabinets that have been removed from another house that you could use in your remodel. Sometimes they have the counters too if they come out without breaking. Often these are removed from really large homes and there are enough cabinets for a smaller home and the extras can be used to make filler strips etc to make it look custom to your home. This is rarely an overnight exercise -- it could take quite a while and lots of searching to find something that could work, but it would be more budget friendly than all new. With your current budget you'll be choosing from the bottom end of the cabinet market. Also with your budget you should be considering that you might need to do some of the work yourself which is going to be tough with small children. You mentioned you can save $1000/month. Even if you waited a year to add to your savings that would make a significant difference to what you can afford as well as a contingency for other things that will definitely come up, its not an "if" but "when" when you start renovating and taking out walls. Plumbing or electrical or both could give you issues or pipes might need moving, venting moved etc. Plan carefully and come up with a "must have" list, then a "nice to have" list. Work with someone you can trust and work through what you can get from your must have list with your current budget. Good luck and congratulations on the new home....See MoreNew Construction: Architect vs Design Build Firm
Comments (213)If you already have an idea of what you want, a design-build firm would be able to answer most questions and, if needed, bring in the required personnel. Sometimes they might do free consultations or estimates. An architect would be expensive, and you could get the job done with less money. I've heard stories of architects designing a house that's 2x budget. I remodeled my house two years ago, and I worked with https://www.boutiquehomeplans.com/the-process. They helped me out with everything, and it turned out looking fantastic. I hope this helped, and good luck with the build!...See MoreNeed tips on hiring an interior designer
Comments (3)That’s around the going rate. I work with an ASID designer. She charges $95.00 per hour and buys the products at her cost, then marks up 33%. Sounds like a lot, but you are still getting the product for less than if you went into the Design Center on your own. Have your perused the designers here on houzz in your locale? Give it a try…under “Find Professionals” choose decorators, put in your zip code and see who pops up. A profile and the designer’s reviews should give you an idea of what’s what. One caveat: you probably will be asked to sign a contract, with all its provisions. Just keep that in mind....See More- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
- 6 years ago
Related Stories
WORKING WITH PROS10 Times to Hire a Design-Build Firm
Find out when you should consider a firm that offers design and construction services as a package
Full StoryLATEST NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALS4 Tips for Building Your Firm’s Brand Online
Consistency is key when it comes to effectively branding your company
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN5 Reasons to Consider a Landscape Design-Build Firm for Your Project
Hiring one company to do both design and construction can simplify the process. Here are pros and cons for deciding if it's right for you
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever
If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESContractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design
Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road
Full StoryDESIGNING A BUSINESSDesigning a Business: New Advice Column for Pros Tackles Hiring
Design business coach Chelsea Coryell is ready for your questions. First up? How to know when you’re ready to hire
Full StoryLATEST NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALSRik and Andrea Fava on Running a Design-Build Firm as a Couple
A married contractor and interior designer discuss how they work together and what helps them keep home life separate
Full StoryHOUZZ TV LIVETour a Designer’s Colorful Kitchen and Get Tips for Picking Paint
In this video, designer and color expert Jennifer Ott talks about her kitchen and gives advice on embracing bold color
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSEA Designer’s Top 10 Tips for Increasing Home Value
These suggestions for decorating, remodeling and adding storage will help your home stand out on the market
Full StoryLIGHTINGA Designer’s Top 10 Tips for Interior Lighting
Consider these things when selecting the location, style and function of your home’s lighting
Full Story
Zen Cabinetry