Remodeling your home can be expensive, stressful and confusing. In Milwaukee, it is common for potential clients to interview a “design-build” remodeling firm. Design-build firms bill themselves as a “one-stop shop” for your remodeling project or new construction home.
While we have a draftsperson who can help you with architectural drawings on a small project, we would never advise you do a large project with a design-build firm or let them specify the finishes on the project.
What Is A Design-Build Remodeling Firm?
Design-build is popular in commercial construction where the budget is the most important part of hiring a builder. Everyone cares about their budget. However, in residential remodeling, clients also prioritize many other things:
- The quality of the materials and finishes.
- The design of the project.
- The contractors working in their home.
- The project management software and organization of their contractor.
- The reviews of their peers.
Why Is Design-Build A Negative?
From the outside, a design-build firm is appealing. However, there are several reasons that this type of firm may not yield the best project.
- Added Overhead: Many of these design-build firms employ commissioned salespeople, full-time designers, drafts people and have showrooms. Ask if anyone works on commission.
- Subpar Design: Milwaukee’s best architects and interior designers are working on their own, or for one of the great design firms in Milwaukee. Builders are not able to pay enough, and are not able to provide interesting enough work to attract top talent. By interviewing multiple designers, you can find someone who has the right credentials, who has the support of a firm behind them, has professional CAD software, and has a portfolio that matches your style and the quality you expect on your job. Ask if the designer is a licensed architect.
- Lacking an Independent Advocate: Having a designer who is not on the payroll of your home remodeling contractor is important. This way you know you will have someone with your best interest at heart. Some builders get kickbacks for selecting certain brands, or feel they can charge more because you can’t go elsewhere. Ask if you own the plans and if you can go elsewhere if you do not have a good feeling about the builder after the design process.
- Improper Insurance: Architecture firms should carry errors and omissions insurance. This insurance covers errors in design that can cause damage to your home. Ask the design-build firm if they have errors and omissions insurance.
Stay In Your Lane
Finding a builder who specializes in one thing, building, will serve you best and can save you money. While a turn-key package may sound appealing, the added expense and inferior product are not worth it. If you select an architect and interior designer you get along with, communicate well with, and who have a portfolio you love, you will get a great design that works for you and your family.
Selecting a builder who just builds, has great reviews, who drives a pickup truck, and who has extensive construction experience, will ensure that you are not only getting a high quality product, but that you also are not paying extra for services or salesmen you do not need.
Finding the Right Remodeling Firm
Construction projects do not have to be stressful. Picking an experienced design team and a separate home remodeling contractor will yield the best results. Not only are we well regarded by our clients, but we are also held in high regard by the design community in Milwaukee. At LaBonte Construction, we look forward to working with you and your architect on your next home remodeling project or new construction build.
Contact our remodeling firm today to discuss your next project.