How Our Design-Build Process Works (And Why It Saves You Time & Money)

Renovations are disruptive and can be highly stressful for homeowners – but the right process and people can ease the way. 

At Character Companies, we understand the challenges our customers face while their homes are under construction and do our level best to minimize the inconvenience. In leveraging a design-build methodology, we can reduce costs, accelerate timelines, and mitigate friction along the way. 

For us, design-build is the only way to go. Design-build allows us to identify problems (and solve them) before we begin. As a result, we can establish more predictable timelines, keep projects within budget, and anticipate issues so we can adapt as needed. All the while, we support you with real-time updates and do our best to minimize disruption to your life. 

By prioritizing transparency, integrity, and design-build, we can make the journey as pleasant as it can be. 

But what is design-build? And why is it the preferred philosophy for builders like us? 

Today’s article will dive into what you need to know about design-build and what makes it better than other strategies. We’ll also provide a few tips to help you navigate the construction process. 

What is Design-Build? 

Design-build is a construction delivery methodology in which a single contractor oversees every phase of design and construction. Design-build emphasizes collaboration between clients, builders, designers, and subcontractors, bringing everyone to the table from the outset to align and refine the way forward. 

For example, in our initial meetings, the architect may have some concerns about how the design affects the home’s structure or heritage status. Or perhaps the electrical contractor needs to do a significant upgrade to the wiring to bring it up to code. Water access, grading, and permitting are all concerns that can be brought forward before the work commences, so the team can collaborate and develop solutions and realistic budgets. 

By the time all the details are hammered out, the project should, hypothetically, progress smoothly from day one to completion. 

We always build in contingencies along the way, but when we know there is a potential for challenges or delays, we’ll be ready for them. 

Design-build is also better for the homeowner as it prioritizes collaboration and a single point of contact. You won’t have to deal with multiple trades or subcontractors, as they are all accountable to the general contractor. 

To summarize, the primary benefits of design-build include:

• Cost savings. Based on our initial meetings, we can create realistic budgets and avoid nasty surprises. 
• Streamlined communication. A single point of contact reduces confusion and anxiety. The client always has an empathetic, knowledgeable ear to turn to if they have a question or concern.
• More predictable timelines. Close collaboration enables some construction phases to overlap, mitigating delays and ensuring your project finishes on time. 
• Stakeholder collaboration. All technicians, subcontractors, and design professionals come together from the start and are fully aligned with the project and its goals. 
• Simplified contracting. Since a single contractor manages the entire process, the process is greatly simplified and more streamlined.

What’s the alternative to design-build?

Now that you know what design-build is, you’re probably wondering, what’s the alternative?

In the design-bid-build methodology, each phase of the project is separate. The owner works initially with the architect, and contractors are typically selected after the design phase is complete. Contractors have little input at the outset and must navigate problems as they arise. All contractors, subcontractors, and trades are hired separately. The homeowner is the contractor of record and is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and overseeing the entire process. 

So, while design-bid-build might be appropriate in some cases—if the project is straightforward, you don’t anticipate any changes or problems, and the owner is comfortable overseeing every detail—it’s not always ideal. Sure, you might be able to save a little money, but you’ll be working a lot harder, it’s more stressful, and the potential for stakeholder miscommunication is vastly increased. In some cases, it may even lead to long delays and even litigation if relationships become contentious. 

Ultimately, we feel that the design-build process is best because it prioritizes the homeowner. You’ll know exactly where you stand every step of the way and can be confident of your completion date and budget. Construction is stressful enough. Design-build helps to put your mind at ease, and that’s what Character Companies is all about. 

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Large-Scale Home Renovations

Despite the advantages of design-build, large-scale home renovations are always disruptive. Your routine is interrupted, your family might be displaced, and there is a massive emotional component to it, especially when there is considerable demolition going on all around you. No matter how much you are looking forward to the result, it’s hard not to be emotionally moved during such upheaval. 

We do everything we can to keep the project moving forward, but many factors beyond our control may cause delays. Permitting delays, change orders, and shipping delays frequently happen despite all efforts to minimize them. 

Through it all, we fully understand what you’ll be going through. Not that it makes it any easier, but we want you to know that you’re not alone. Other homeowners have been in your shoes before, and the journey is consistent enough that we can prepare you in advance for the peaks and valleys you’ll experience along the way. 

We created this Funk Chart specifically for that purpose!  

The Funk Chart helps you visualize each phase of the renovation journey and quantifies the emotional impact. Our philosophy is that if you know what to expect, you can brace yourself and won’t be caught off guard.

New projects always start on a high. Everyone is excited to get started and is thinking about the result. Then the budget comes in—your first blue funk. It’s a reality check for sure, and in some cases, we may need to do some value engineering. It’s okay! We’re getting the nuts and bolts hammered out to smooth the way forward.

The next stress-inducing phase comes just before all the drywall goes up. You’re looking at bare-bones, demolished, unfinished rooms, and it might be hard to imagine that the work will ever get done. When you work with us, you’ll be fully prepared and supported every step of the way, and even the most drastic moments won’t be such a shock.

Tips for Navigating the Construction Process

In keeping with our efforts to reduce homeowner stress during renovations, we also have a few tips that can help you minimize the anxiety for you, your loved ones, and your pets.

Our team does its best to stay out of your way and will always be respectful of your privacy and access needs. There may be equipment, additional vehicles, and strange people in your home during the renovation, but they will all be briefed on boundaries and will always maintain professionalism and discretion. 

In the meantime, here are a few tips that have helped our clients navigate the process.

1. Maintain Daily Routines

We recommend sticking to regular habits as much as possible. From your morning coffee ritual to family dinners, a little normalcy goes a long way to keeping life feeling balanced during the upheaval. 

2. Create Temporary Comfort Zones

A cozy mini-kitchen can provide you with all the essentials you need to prepare food or grab moments away from the construction noise. We’ll work with you to create temporary kitchens and other facilities so you don’t have to feel alienated from your life.

3. Distance Yourself from the Process

At times, it’s in your best interest to take a step back from the renovation. Remodeling has extreme emotional ups and downs, and it’s our job to stress about making sure all little things come together—not yours! If you know there’s a particularly challenging phase coming up, think about taking some time away until it settles down.

4. Step Away and Recharge

Take planned breaks from the chaos with outings, like a trip to the park, working from a coffee shop, or even going on a weekend getaway.

5. Give Your Pets Extra TLC

Pets often have the hardest time during a renovation. If your furry friends tend to be nervous by nature, you might consider boarding them during the noisiest or most disruptive phases of the work. Introducing your dogs to the workers is also a good idea, as they may become more relaxed. However, if your pet won’t settle down or becomes aggressive, it might be a good idea to take them to doggy day care while the work is ongoing.

6. Find Joy in the Journey

Celebrate small milestones—whether it’s finishing demolition or picking the perfect paint color. These moments remind you why you’re renovating and help keep spirits high.

7. Treat Yourself

Balance the stress with self-care. Enjoy little luxuries, like a spa day, a nice dinner, or even take an hour with your favorite book to recharge and relax.

The Bottom Line: Construction Doesn’t Have to be Stressful! 

Every renovation project is unique and brings a unique set of challenges. While it might be impossible to avoid stress entirely, working with builders like Character Companies, who offer a streamlined design-build process, can ease the anxiety and ensure you’re never caught off-guard. 

Focus on the big win at the end of the journey and trust Character Companies to always have your back. 

Reach out today to set up a consultation for your home renovation.