What is Design Construct? Want to know how to choose a Design Construct Builder or Company?

Learn here how to avoid common mistakes when working with a Design Construct Builder or Design Construct Company.

And what to check before choosing this option for your renovation or new build project.

This is Episode #197, and in it, I’ll be talking about using a Design-Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation.

I’ll be sharing info about what these companies are, and the key things to know if you’re planning on using one.

Design-Construct Builders or Companies can seem like a great way to manage cost and still get a custom design approach inside a one-stop shop, with a single point of contact.

However there are a range of reasons why it may not work for your project, and where it can be problematic.

So, stay tuned, as we dive into Design-Construct and what you need to know.

What is Design Construct?

In a Design Construct Builder or Company, the design is done as part of working with the builder.

This can mean that the designer or design team is in-house with the builder, working as part of the team and directly employed inside the business.

Or it can mean that the designer is external to the building business, and hired by the builder as a sub-contractor, to provide design services to the building clients.

And so, homeowners work with the one company from start to finish. From initiating the design process, through any required approvals, and then into construction and completion of their new home or renovation.

The design process is managed and delivered within that relationship with the Design Construct Builder or Company.

Why do people use a Design Construct Builder or Design Construct Company?

There is much-known drama that can occur in a traditional Design-Bid-Build process, where homeowners work for months and months on a design with a building designer or architect, only to go out to tender and get quotes from builders, and find that they’re well over their budget.

Homeowners are often looking for a way they can have greater confidence at the outset that they can manage their design process according to a specific budget they have.

This is one reason why the volume builder or Project Home industry is so successful. They’ve literally turned the process of building a new home into something similar to shopping for, and choosing an item off the shelf.

By contrast, the process of working with a designer, navigating the design, approvals and documentation process … and then finding a builder and going through into signing contracts and construction … it can feel mysterious and difficult and full of unknowns.

However, if you want a custom design for your new home, or you’re renovating, then a volume builder or project home company will be far too limiting.

And so, these Design Construct builders and companies seem like a really great alternative.

Because this is usually the Design-Construct promise:

Work with us on the design of your choosing for your new home or renovation.

We’ll manage the design and budget throughout, and then help you build it according to that design and budget.

And we’ll give you one single point of contact and responsibility throughout it all.

So, we’ll be across everything, taking care of you, and you won’t have to juggle any other parts of the process.

And because we’re across it all, you don’t have to worry about anything getting missed along the way.

And it’s an attractive promise. To be dealing with a one-stop shop who will offer the full package.

However, the reality can sometimes be quite different. And I’ve had enough homeowners contact me with stories of a terrible experience to know there are pitfalls and hazards to avoid.

So, let’s start unpacking some of the things to be aware of if you’re planning to work with a Design Construct Builder or Design Construct company.

Listen to the episode now.

RESOURCES:

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” >>> FREE WORKSHOP

Want help with setting and sticking to your budget? This mini-course is a great resource to help you >>> LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR BUDGET HERE

Learn more about the 5C’s of choosing a builder, including collaborating with them and your designer in the design phase, inside my Choose Your Builder mini-course >>> CHOOSE YOUR BUILDER CONFIDENTLY