WHAT IS “Design/Build”?
Design/Build is the term for a new concept sweeping the country, which is correcting many of the problems often associated with remodeling. Those builders who understand how to implement these principles are finding a much happier group of clients singing their praises than ever before with conventional remodeling.  The following is an explanation of the concept.

DESIGN/BUILD DEFINED
A budget is defined before the project is developed. A design results from your budget, not the budget from the design.

A single contractor works as a team with an architect or designer during the design phase in order to accomplish cost efficiency and function within the design, development stage.

A full set of plans, elevations, an estimate, any engineering reports or tests, terms and conditions, specifications, a projected schedule, and a detailed warranty are provided to the client before any final decision or contractual agreement to build takes place. The client will know exactly what is going to be done before the project starts.

The contractor does as much work as possible before the job begins, so that tasks can be done in an orderly and efficient manner, enabling greater cost efficiency with a faster production schedule.
From concept to completion, you are working with one firm that manages the entire process. This eliminates blame shifting, where everyone claims it is someone else’s fault, leaving the customer falling through the cracks.

WHY NOT GET 3 FREE BIDS?
Historically, contractors have provided free estimates as a way of marketing their company. Consequently, it is often suggested for one who is interested in remodeling to obtain three estimates. This is supposed to help you find the best price and keep the contractor honest. How does this backfire in reality?

- LACK OF DETAIL - Since the contractor faces the risk of not being chosen for the job, it is difficult to spend the proper time needed to work on anything but the price. He tends to be hasty and skimpy on the details of the paperwork, because he can’t afford to do work for which he isn’t paid.   Unfortunately, you need to know exactly what he is going to do for this price in order to compare it with other bids, and be confident that the work done will be for the price quoted.

- INACCURATE ESTIMATES - The contractor bids low in order to obtain the job, figuring he can make it up in change orders throughout the job because of the vagueness of the contract. Since the contractor doesn’t get paid for his time, not a great deal of effort will be put into researching prices, often basing them on what the client can pay. Usually he will not guarantee compensation for missed deadlines, nor guarantee the price. This is not fair to you, the client, especially if your budget is limited.

- MANY CONFLICTS - when nothing is stated in detail, either on paper or in plans, both client and contractor have their own version of the project. This is the beginning of many arguments and can lead to mistrust, and frustration

- MOST JOBS TAKE LONGER THAN PLANNED - The reason should be obvious. Until the contractor gets paid, he won’t do much. A well-managed project must have a lot of preparation before construction begins, or else delays may occur. Coordination problems, special orders not arriving on time, scheduling problems with the subcontractors, legal requirement, selections not made, materials not shipped, and other problems all cause the job to take 30% to 50% longer than Design/Build. This can result in the nightmare of having your house torn apart longer than it should have!

 THE DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS

- FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION - our design consultants will gladly come to your home and listen to your ideas, needs, and design concepts, discus general prices, define a budget, explain the Design/Build process and explain how our firm will fulfill your wishes.

- PRELIMINARY DESIGN - upon signing an agreement for the preliminary drawings, one of our designers will take measurements and photos of your property, prepare fundamental sketches, and give a general cost outline of the project. Once the client has decided on a perspective for the project, an agreement for the Design/Build is signed, and sketches are given to the client.

- DESIGN/BUILD AGREEMENT - A full set of plans is drawn which include a site plan, floor plan, framing layout, roof lines, door and window schedule, electrical and plumbing schedule, room finish schedule, and specifications. In addition, a construction proposal with terms and conditions for the scope of the work is provided. Any engineering reports or city requirements are pursued at this time. Upon signing a construction agreement, the client receives the plans.

- THE CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT - Anything that has been discussed between the designer and the client must be written, or else it will not be considered part of the contract between the customer and the contractor. Anything else that the client wishes to have done will be done through a written change order.

- PRE-CONSTRUCTION STARTS - Before work commences, the client, project manager, and lead carpenter meet to discuss and further clarify the scope of work to be done and make any final adjustments that may be of concern. The construction begins soon after this meeting.

- CONSTRUCTION STARTS - Now that everything has been properly prepared while outside your home, the work can be done in an expeditious manner. We will try to be as considerate as possible, knowing that this interruption of your normal routine can be difficult.

THE ADVANTAGES OF OUR DESIGN/BUILD PROCESS

- YOU SAVE MONEY - Because the designer and project manager work together, cost efficient means of construction is designed into the project from the beginning. The project takes less time and our overhead is not charged against the job as much as it normally would be, reducing the overall price.

- BETTER ORGANIZATION - Since the project manager has a hand in the design, construction materials and methods, familiar to the company and crews are designed into the project. This means better management and an efficient use of skills. Since all the details are carefully spelled out, workers will know exactly what is expected of them.

- LESS CONFLICT - Most contractors strive for excellence but when details aren’t spelled out and addressed in advance, conflict between the contractor and client usually ensues. Our Design/Build concept ensures that will not happen by discussing these items in advance of the agreement and the actual work!

- IT TAKES LESS TIME - your home is disrupted for a shorter period of time, since a good portion of the work is done before the construction begins. Time delays are greatly reduced.

- FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CONTRACTOR - Since there is plenty of time for the contractor to demonstrate much of his character in advance, and the potential for conflict is reduced, there is a much better opportunity to become friends before the work commences. You’d rather have a friend working on your home, wouldn’t you?

- REDUCE HASSLES-MORE FUN - Actually remodeling can be fun when done in an orderly manner! This should be a proud moment for you. Why should it be ruined by unnecessary conflict and confusion?

Please call MANLEY ENTERPRISE for more information at 301-320-4381