Design-Build... or Bust!

Design-Build... or Bust!

 If you're thinking of doing a home renovation, you might be asking yourself "Where do I start?" Remodeling can be a scary endeavor, but, like most things... if you're working with the right people, this experience should be smooth sailing across the renovation seas!
 

I am lucky enough to work for one of the top design-build firms in Atlanta, Renewal Design-Build. Let me explain the "design-build" philosophy as it may not be something you're too familiar with. Everything you need to complete a renovation, we have "in-house". We have renovation consultants, a team of designers and architects, as well as project managers and estimators. It is our sole focus to take your dream... develop it during the design phase... and make it a reality during the production phase! I know I may be a little biased, but when you're making investments as large as this into your home, it's important to be educated... and I think design-build is the way to go. Here are just a few reasons why.


A ranch renovation in Atlanta completed by Renewal. Take a look at Houzz.com to learn more!
 

This dream renovation of yours typically comes with the dreaded "b-word"...budget. When your entire team is under one roof, they are looking at the project from all angles to make sure all the bases are covered. I always joke that when we do our initial site assessment, each person that's there takes photos of different things, and that's because of their different areas of expertise. As a designer, I tend to look at the space as a whole... how does the house function, and how could it function better? Our project managers look at the structural and mechanical components of the house... does the existing electrical panel have enough room to accommodate the new renovation changes? We take all of this information into account in order to create a solid scope of work that fits your budgetary goals.

A couple recent renderings I completed for our clients. The 3D images give them the assurance that they know what the finished space will look like.

 

 As I mentioned earlier, making a big change to your home will likely come with a big price tag. Many design-build firms will offer financing for these projects. The renovation consultants at Renewal work with local banks day in and day out to make sure that the process of obtaining a construction loan is easy for the homeowner. Going through the process of buying my own home... I know first-hand how difficult, and sometimes frustrating, it can be to get through that process. Knowing that your remodeler is on your side and helping you reach the end result is amazing!

 

Many homeowners just keep their fingers crossed that they get to the end result. A big fear that they have is that they will sign their name on the dotted line and someone will run off with their money before completing the work. They have this fear because, unfortunately, it has happened to people in the past. Working with a remodeler that is a fixture in the community and has a storefront should be a big way to put your mind at ease. There is a place to go if you have a question and you can't exactly pick up an entire office and "skip town". Another fear is that your project will take FOREVERRRRR to complete. Renewal is actually one of very few companies (if not the only company) that has a Guaranteed Renovation. This means that if we don't finish by the date we give you in the beginning of the project... you get a monetary credit for each day over that deadline. If that doesn't settle your nerves, I'm not sure what will!

 

 

Awesome "before" and "after" project completed by the Renewal design-build team.

 

 Flexibility. This simple word is so crucial in the remodeling industry. A lot of the clients we work with lead extremely busy lives. We take as much stress as possible off of them during this experience. As a designer, I know which clients want to see every faucet option that's available... and I know which ones would like to see just three choices. The trust between the renovation team and the client is key... which leads me to this...
 

In my opinion, the biggest advantage to working with a design-build team is the relationships you develop along the way. You have a group of people that are not only interested in your renovation project... but also in your life. You're having a baby... your son is getting married... your daughter got 1st place at her gymnastics meet... these are the things that make us love our job! We are not only here for you throughout the duration of your project... but also years down the road.
 

If it wasn't obvious already, I clearly LOVE this setup. If you're considering a renovation and have any additional questions on design-build, please feel free to leave a comment below or email me at: aCLeaRdesign1@gmail.com 
  

 

All photos courtesy of Renewal Design-Build