Design-Build vs. Traditional Construction: Why Cincinnati Homeowners Are Choosing Us

When you're contemplating building a custom home in Cincinnati, you're faced with a pivotal decision: Should you go for the traditional design-bid-build method or opt for the increasingly popular design-build approach? 

Understanding what design-build is and why it's gaining traction among Cincinnati homeowners can help you make an informed choice. Let's explore the design-build definition, process, and its pros and cons.

The Traditional Way: Design-Bid-Build

In the traditional design-bid-build model, the process involves multiple steps. First, you hire an architect to conceptualize your design. While architects are experts in creating plans, they often lack real-time insights into material costs and construction feasibility. Once the design is finalized, you then solicit bids from various contractors. After receiving the bids, you often go with the lowest bidder to execute the project.

This approach has its drawbacks, however. The separation between design and construction can lead to miscommunication, delays, and often, budget overruns. You're also tasked with the responsibility of managing multiple contracts and professionals, adding stress and complexity to the project.

Depending on the architect you hire, your fee may include only the design or the design and construction management. The latter will include their oversight to ensure your design is what it is being constructed. This may sound relieving but can be a cause of conflict if the architect and builder are at odds with how to address an issue, who’s to blame for miscommunication, and the feasibility of the design. 

The New Paradigm: Design-Build in Cincinnati

Design-build construction offers a streamlined, cohesive experience from concept to completion. In this model, a single design-build team is responsible for both the architectural design and the construction. This integrated approach fosters better communication, accountability, and cost-efficiency.

Why Choose Design-Build in Cincinnati?

To know if you should choose the design-build method for your custom home, let’s delve into what the benefits of the design-build method are.

Streamlined Process

The design-build process eliminates the need for you to manage multiple professionals. From finding land for your custom home to acquiring permits, ordering materials, and even problem-solving unexpected obstacles, a design-build contractor handles it all. This not only saves you time but also ensures that the project stays on track financially.

Improved Communication

In a design-build framework, consistent and clear communication is a cornerstone for project success. Your design-build team ensures you're always in the know, reducing the chances of misunderstandings or delays that can occur when dealing with multiple contractors. You'll have a single point of contact, typically a project manager, streamlining communication. 

Many design-build firms also offer specialized construction management software, facilitating instant communication, quick design updates, real-time scheduling, and daily progress tracking. This integrated approach allows for more efficient information exchange and faster resolution of any concerns during the project.

Cohesion and Collaboration

In the design-build approach, the team that creates your architectural plans also executes them, ensuring clarity and accuracy. Unlike the traditional design-bid-build method, where inconsistent bids and vague plans can lead to budget overruns and subpar work, design-build offers a unified process.

This is particularly important when you're looking to build a home for specific needs, like aging in place. Having a full team that will work together to create clear plans based on your exact needs and wants, all within your budget. 

Cost-Effectiveness

Design-build often proves to be more budget-friendly than its traditional counterpart. On average, choosing the design-build method can save you at least 6% on total costs. This is because the design-build team considers construction costs right from the design phase, allowing for more accurate and current pricing.

Here, the designer and builder collaborate from the start, ensuring your vision is feasible and budget-friendly. The quoted price is final, not a shifting estimate. Any changes to the budget occur only if you opt for different materials after contracts are signed, and always with your approval. This makes you an integral part of a transparent, predictable process.

Single Source of Accountability

With design-build, there's no 'passing the buck.' If challenges arise, the team works together to find a cost-effective and smart solution. This way, problem-solving occurs much quicker than in the design-bid-build model, ensuring that your project moves forward without delays. In the event of unforeseen challenges, surprises, or even mistakes, there is no finger-pointing or the need to track down the responsible party. 

Is Design-Build Right for You?

Understanding the difference between design-build and design-bid-build is crucial when considering how to find a custom home builder in Cincinnati. If you value streamlined communication, cost-efficiency, and a cohesive approach to home construction or remodeling, then design-build is the way to go.

Finding the Right Design-Build Firm in Cincinnati

Choosing a design-build firm is an important decision. At Chris Gorman Homes, we offer a seamless design-build process rooted in our core values of honesty, transparency, quality, and less stress. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your dream home to life in Cincinnati. You can also find out more about what to expect when building a custom home by downloading our free ebook!