What is Design+Build?
Design+Build is a construction delivery method that uses one entity to deliver both the design and the construction of that project for the owner. Design+build relies on a single point of responsibility contract and is used to minimize risks for the project owner and to reduce the delivery schedule by overlapping the design phase and construction phase of a project.
Does Design+Build cost more?
In short, no. Because Design+Build companies have to build the designs they create, the plans are often more cost effective to build. Design-build saves time and money by encouraging innovation and collaboration between the owner and the builder. More design-build projects also get built. Only 30-40% of traditional method projects get built where 80-90% of design build projects get built.
How does Design+Build work?
We will do a site visit to discuss your project. Once we understand your goals, we will work with you to set a realistic budget range. After a design retainer is signed, we will start the design process to create the plans and the project specifications needed to complete the project. Once the plans and specifications are complete, we will create a contract price to do the work. Once the contract is signed, we will get permits and start the project and manage it through completion
Do you already have plans?
Many clients of ours have worked with a architect or other designer to create plans for a building. We can help you build it! Building plans are a great start, but the design work usually isn't done. Do you have a complete set of specification for the materials your are going to use in the home? We need to create this "spec sheet" before we can give you an accurate cost for the new project.
Do you charge for your initial visit?
We don't charge for initial design consultation as long as you already own you home. If you are purchasing a home and want a design consultation, we charge $195 for the first visit. During our initial design consultation we will talk about your needs and wants in the project and how we might achieve that. We will also talk about what a realistic budget might be for that project. If we both think we are a good fit for the project, we will begin with a design retainer.
What is included in the design retainer?
The design retainer includes everything we need to build the home; building plans, detailed specifications and a firm price to build it. East Avenue Design+Build does not do design only projects, we want to build the project, so East Avenue owns the plans until a contract to build the project is signed. It is important for both you and our team to be comfortable with each other during this process to make complete a successful project.