So, you are ready to remodel your home? It can seem like a daunting task and many people are unsure where to start. Whether you're renovating your kitchen, updating your bathroom, or transforming your entire home, one of the most critical decisions you'll face is choosing between a Design-Build Remodeler and a General Contractor. Understanding the difference is important when selecting which one is right for your home remodeling project. We’re going to share a few factors you should consider when making your decision.
What’s the difference?
Before delving into the distinctions, let's take a look at what makes them different.
Design-Build Remodeler
A Design-Build remodeler is a one-stop or turn-key solution. They manage everything from initial concepts to final construction. By integrating design and construction teams, they are able to streamline communication and make the decision-making process easy. Their cohesive approach often results in faster project delivery and cost savings due to increased efficiency.
General Contractor
General Contractors focus primarily on executing the construction phase of a project. They work with architects and designers chosen by the client, ensuring that the project is built according to the established plans and specifications. While General Contractors offer flexibility in design choices and may help clients save costs through competitive bidding, coordination challenges between separate design and construction teams can arise. The client will facilitate and mediate those relationships.
How do I know which is best for me?
That’s all good but how do you know which one is right for your project. We’re going to look at a few factors including project complexity, design, timeline, budget, and your personal preference to help you decide which might be best for your project.
Project Complexity
First up, let’s look at how complex your project is. Will your project have structural changes, have an involved design, or need out of the box solutions? If so, a Design-Build Remodelers would be a great fit, they excel at handling complex projects. Their design and construction teams work together regularly, they create the plans and fully comprehend the construction plans and have a very defined process. Their close coordination gives them the ability to address design challenges during the construction phase and mitigate potential issues.
If your project involves straightforward designs or minimal alterations to existing structures, a General Contractor may be a good option sufficient. Their expertise lies in efficiently managing construction tasks according to predetermined plans, ensuring that the project stays on track. They tend to thrive in projects where the design is already finalized, allowing them to focus solely on the construction phase.
Timeline
Living through a remodel can be a challenge, especially if a project drags on past its finish date. If you want a shorter construction timeline look into a Design-Build Remodeler. Their upfront design process ensures the construction process is efficient. With a single entity overseeing both phases, decisions can be made swiftly, reducing delays, and accelerating project completion.
While General Contractors may not offer the same level of integration as Design-Build Remodelers, they can still deliver projects within reasonable timelines. They rely on the client to coordinate the design and procure some materials like cabinets, hardware, lights, etc. If items are delayed or not ordered on time it is out of the hands of the General Contractor and can delay the finish date. If time is of the essence and design flexibility is not a priority, a General Contractor can meet your project timeline requirements.
Budget
Budget is important for everyone no matter where you fall on the financial spectrum. Design-Build Remodelers understand your budget up front and will work to create design plans and selections to adhere to that budget. Their team integration allows for better cost control, as they can identify potential cost-saving opportunities and make informed decisions throughout the project. This also ensures project accountability.
At Schloegel we work with you to identify every element of your project including subcontractors, material prices, hours needed, etc. so your contract price is all-inclusive. The price you sign on will be the price you pay unless there are unforeseen circumstances, or you want to make changes as the project progresses. There is peace of mind knowing you won’t be hit with a lot of unknown costs at the end of a remodeling project.
General Contractors are skilled at managing construction costs and optimizing project budgets, but design decisions and changes are out of their control. By leveraging their network of subcontractors and suppliers, they can negotiate competitive pricing and deliver cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Personal Preferences
This is a big one as we all prefer to do things differently. If a collaborative, personalized approach with a single point of contact sounds good to you, a Design-Build Remodeler may be the right choice. Again, their integrated design and construction teams offer convenience and continuity, creating a seamless experience from conception to completion.
If you have a specific architect or designer in mind and prefer to maintain control over the design process, a General Contractor might be a good fit. General Contractors offer flexibility and customization in assembling project teams.
Regardless of which type of contractor you hire, we recommend doing your homework before hiring them. Check out our list of questions to ask a contractor your considering. Hopefully this information will help you understand the difference between a Design-Build Remodeler and General Contractor, and which one might be the right choice for your remodeling project.
Ready to start a design build project? Contact us to discuss your project!