Remodeling Can Be A Challenge
A major home addition or remodeling project can be a very daunting process for the homeowner. Defining your specific needs, finding an architect, working with them through the process of refining the design, and then selecting a qualified builder all can be very time consuming and frustrating. And there can be pitfalls and unforeseen expenses along the way.
To define your needs and acquire architectural drawings without knowing how much the project will cost to build can send you back to the drawing board if it doesn’t meet your budget, requiring you to go through the steps again and incur additional design costs. Once a project is underway, it is quite common for conflicts to arise between the architect or designer and the builder, especially if the homeowner asks for changes along the way.
The Design/Build Alternative
Design/Build is an alternative approach that streamlines the process and enables budget discipline from the beginning and all along the way. The design/build contractor takes full responsibility for design, construction, and satisfactory completion, delivering the project on time and on budget. In this method, as ideas are developed, all team members make decisions in a collaborative approach. This provides greater efficiency and a more satisfying result for the time and money invested.
A company with both design and construction expertise, as well as systems to control costs can provide pricing as soon as the scope of the project is determined. The architect, engineer and contractor are then able to focus on the project with an emphasis on quality, rather than protecting their own individual interests. The lines of communication are simplified and chances for misunderstanding are reduced. The construction expertise of the contractor and the aesthetic and ergonomics expertise of the design professionals are melded to produce a greater value for the homeowner than could be realized if both were working independently.
The client saves time and effort by dealing with a single source for all matters instead of separately with a contractor, an architect, an engineer, and subcontractors. Overall time to design and build the project is substantially reduced because design and construction activities overlap. For instance, a foundation can be poured to take advantage of favorable weather while choices of flooring finishes are still being finalized.
How the Process Works
The process begins with a meeting between the design/build contractor and the homeowner to discuss what they want to accomplish with the changes in their home, and to understand their budget parameters. Then an Existing Conditions Report is developed, a detailed survey of the property that includes measurements, photographs, structural elements and mechanical systems of the home.
Based on this report and the budget parameters set by the homeowner, a general budget range is provided and design discussion leads to a Design Contract. The next step is to develop conceptual floor plans and elevations utilizing “real time design.” This computer-based collaborative process makes it possible for the architect, engineer, and builder to meet with the homeowner to show renderings options for how the new remodeled space can actually look and integrate with the rest of the home before the investment is made in detailed drawings and plans.
Three-dimensional visuals are shown on computer screen or projected on an entire wall that visualize room layouts, surface materials and the location of built-in elements and major furniture pieces in the remodeled space. Real time design is a participatory process for the homeowner, making it easy for them to compare what options can look like and also to make changes in design and visualize them right on the spot. It also enables discussion of the budget implications for changes that are considered. With agreement to conceptual drawings, work is then begun on detailed plans for the project.
Selecting a Design/Build Contractor
In selecting a design/build contractor for your remodeling project, it is important to thoroughly research any company you are considering. Make sure they have done similar projects on homes like yours. Ask for references and be sure to ask about their satisfaction with the process, cost controls and of course the end result. Ask is you can visit them to view the completed projects for yourself. And be sure you meet the person who will manage your project. You may also want to also inquire about the real time design capabilities of the firm.
In St. Louis County, one of the most highly regarded design/build residential contractors is S.W. Scheipeter Construction. Scheipeter Construction have been honored with seven Homer Awards, the “Oscar” of the local residential building industry, recognizing excellence in design, workmanship, and value in residential construction projects. Scheipeter Construction earned the Chrysalis Award, a prestigious national award with fewer than 100 winners across the US, and were included in the list of the “Top 500” Remodelers in the US for 2006 and 2007 as determined by “Qualified Remodeler” magazine. Scheipeter Construction believes in using technology to fully share information with their homeowner clients, making extensive use of the real time design process.
Steve Scheipeter, president/owner is one of only 2,000 professional remodelers nationwide who have attained the Certified Graduate Remodeler certification, an exclusive professional designation recognizing exceptional business integrity, technical competence and a solid track record of customer satisfaction. He has also earned a C.A.P.S citation recognizing accomplishments in housing for older adults and handicapped people. Steve has served as Chairperson for the Remodelers Council of the St. Louis Home Builders Association. He makes it a point to communicate with each client from the initial stages throughout the entire construction process.
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