Design Build for Home Additions Is... Is... What Is It?

In the field of home remodeling, design build is a specialty.  It is both a business model and a specific methodology.

As a method, design build offers an ideal way to navigate the complexities of home additions projects. Structural changes and reconfigured interiors are almost always part of the program for an addition. This is when the smooth, methodical approach of design build will pay off in both the process and final product.

An awful lot of remodeling companies in the Washington DC area describe themselves as “design build” or list a “design build option” among their services.  A prospective customer could end up confused as to the exact meaning of design-build and the potential benefits that come with it.  We’ll try to fix that for you.

Not Really Design Build

Let’s start with what design build is NOT.  Four signs that a “design build” company is not really a design build company:

1. They regularly bid on plans that were developed by another company’s designer
2. They subcontract design work rather employ a full-time design staff
3. They don’t employ at least one full-time project management specialist
4. They don’t maintain a full-time carpentry staff

Okay, that’s what it isn’t.  So, what is design-build?  And what’s in it for you, the homeowner?

Integrated Design Build

Gilday Renovations is 100% committed to an integrated design build approach to home additions and renovation.  That means we exclusively design every addition we build, and we only build what we have designed.  We choose to work this way because it brings order to the enormous complexity of large scale home remodeling and additions.

In an authentic design build firm the day to day working relationship between the various departments (design, administrative, management, and construction) is entirely integrated.  Each of the players contributes from their area of expertise while supporting the other in delivering great ideas to the client.  There are no turf wars or competing interests to be navigated.

Results Are Organic, Coherent and Good

In an integrated design build process, the best design ideas and the best building practices intersect to produce results that are organic, coherent and good for everyone involved.  Plus, it’s fun (most days).

Multiple Viewpoints + One Vision = Fully Rendered Creations

If you are planning a major renovation or room additions to your home, you need an architect to design it—and an interior designer to do the kitchen and baths.  Then you need to find a builder.  Naturally, you want to hire the best architect, the best designer and the best builder.  If those attributes are embodied in a single company—hire that company.