Expert Advice: Working with a Design Build Team

More than just a happening Instagram hashtag, Design-build teams have helped homeowners bring their design goals to life for generations. We sat down with local teams to learn more about their range of work and what to expect when you’re renovating with a design-build team.

Photo Credit : Bellweather Design Build - We specialize in major home renovations, home additions, and large-scale kitchen or bath remodels with a $200,000 minimum investment. Our design services include 3D renderings; interior design; custom cabinetry; structural engineering; preservation technologies; permits and zoning.

What Does A  Design Build Team Do?

A design-build company provides one point of contact from the start to the finish of the project and manages the entire process. From concept to completion, they coordinate the scope of the job, the pricing, and the subcontractors. And it’s all packaged in one contract. The subcontractors won’t just include painters, plumbers, and carpenters. The list would typically include attorneys necessary for permitting, architects, and engineers as well. Having a project management team that is deeply familiar with your plan before the construction even starts alleviates the stress of managing any surprises. A design-build company has the knowledge, experience, and tools to plan, budget, and execute all aspects of a remodeling project.

Emily DeMarco from Bellweather Design Build sheds light on why starting your renovations off with a team is beneficial, “We have seen so many homeowners come to us where their architect or designer sends out plans to multiple contractors to bid and alignment with budget, quality, design, and planning has been extremely unlikely and uncertain. At this point, the homeowner has invested so much of their time, money, and energy into the architectural design process and now can't afford the build price -- because it either wasn't discussed or the drawings depict a more complex project than let on in the drawings. Either way, this is creating a disconnect between design and construction phases, which is why the design-build method is so important." 

Know your own contractor or have a family member that wants to help you tackle DIY? Co-Owner Jenna Yankun McRorie from Fitzwater Interiors says no worries! “ If you have a different contractor you’d like to work with or if you prefer to do the work yourself, our Design Services will create a plan to make your home a joyful, livable space.”

When to Call 

If you’re planning a major renovation of one room or more, it’s worth going with a design-build team. As Bellweather advises “ the greater the scope of the project, the more you’ll find it attractive to hire a reliable design-build firm”. PHG agents Christian and Allison Fegel agree! They recently renovated their kitchen with Fitzwater Interiors “The best way to execute something really special is to work with a Design-Build Contractor.  It may cost a little more but if your vision is heavy on customizations and style to fit your specific needs and tastes, it's an absolute must- like getting a tailor-made suit versus buying off the rack. Collaboration and ease of communication were the highlights of a recent project with local design-build team Fitzwater Interiors.  Designer Samantha Fala assigned me to scan Pinterest for stuff I really liked and used our tastes as inspiration for her drawings of our kitchen redesign.  I sketched a sink for our tiny powder room on a paper napkin and Fitzwater designed it into an affordable reality.”

Unfortunately Fitzwater Interiors is no longer doing design-build projects in the Philadelphia area (they moved to Boston), they do however still continue to offer their design services nationwide.

photos: @dandoranphoto for Fitzwater Interiors

What to expect

Emily at Bellweather walks us through what to expect when you begin a project. First up, your design team will meet you for an initial site visit- put the coffee on because you’ll be diving into likes and dislikes, budget, fees, and timeline. Next the designer will begin drawing up your plans for final sign-off. Materials will be selected, permits are pulled, initial code reviews take place, and all the details are finalized. At this point your documents and fixed costs should be clear. Once everyone from your design team to the trade team are on the same page the fun begins! The tapping of hammers and the buzz of saws enter your daily life! Custom items are ordered and tracked by your project management team (whew!). And boom! Baby’s got a new kitchen! 

photos: @bellweatherllc

What if the unexpected occurs?

Careful planning from your design-build team means a clear expectation of project costs. Any of the reputable teams recommended in this blog will outline your costs, and work with you on options to fit your budget. However, one can’t always control the mysteries under the walls of the bathroom you are demoing or custom lighting vendors increasing their costs. Plan to pad your budget so when the unexpected happens it isn’t a surprise.

Bellweather Design Build offers a two-year warranty to help you have peace of mind after your renovation project. They will follow up periodically to ensure your complete satisfaction. Bellweather's kitchen remodeling warranty covers most labor-related issues including paint touchups, cabinet door adjustments as well as water supply connections. For appliances, the manufacturers’ warranties will prevail, and they encourage most clients to purchase an extended warranty on these products.  

photos l-r: @kole_made, @unitedmakers, @designmanifest

Where to Start?

Reach for your laptop and browse through the blogs and project pics of potential Design-Build teams to see who you might click with then pick up the phone and make that call! Put Kole Made, Design Manifest, and United Makers on your list as well. All the teams mentioned here come with the Philly Home Girls stamp of approval and are on our trusty contractor list. Want a peek at the list? It comes with your new home so give us a ring and we’ll get you settled and connected to your dream team!