Blog - Sardone | McLain Construction

What is Design-Build Remodeling and Why Does it Matter for Your Home?

Written by Stephan Sardone | Sep. 18, 2024

You’re terrified committing to a home remodel will sign you up for months of anxiety and chaos. Transforming your home should be an exciting and rewarding experience, not stressful or overwhelming. At Sardone McLain, we believe that remodeling is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it's about creating spaces that resonate with your lifestyle, needs, and dreams. Our design-build approach is the secret to turning your vision into reality, seamlessly blending design and construction to ensure a result that delivers your dream and respects your budget. But what exactly is design-build remodeling, and why does it matter for your home? Sardone | McLain offers white glove design remodeling services in Dallas, and we’re pleased to use our expertise to help you understand why this option is so valuable for those planning a home remodel.

What is Design-Build Remodeling?

Design-Build Defined

Design-build is a streamlined home remodeling approach integrating design and construction services under one roof. Instead of hiring separate designers and contractors and managing multiple contracts, you work with a single team that handles every aspect of your project from start to finish. This method simplifies the process and fosters better collaboration and communication.

The design-build process serves your vision and budget by having designers and builders work together. We’re not falling in love with a design that would cost twice your budget to create; we’re creating something you love that aligns with your means from the start. This cohesive approach allows for more innovative solutions and efficient project delivery, making the design-build meaning synonymous with quality and reliability.

What is a Design-Build Contractor?

A design-build contractor is your all-in-one partner for home remodeling. At Sardone McLain, our design-build team includes skilled professionals who take full responsibility for your project’s design and construction phases. This means you have a single point of contact accountable for every detail, from initial sketches to the final touches.

Working with a design-build contractor eliminates the finger-pointing and miscommunications that often occur when dealing with multiple parties. We’re responsible for it all, which means it’s in our interest to be efficient and excellent at every step. Instead, you benefit from a unified team dedicated to bringing your dream home to life with precision and care.

Design-Build vs. Design-Bid-Build

Understanding the differences between design-build and design-bid-build is crucial in appreciating the advantages of the former. In the design-bid-build approach, homeowners hire an architect or designer to create the plans and then put the project out to bid to contractors. This more traditional approach to remodeling lends itself to a "them vs us" bidding process rather than the team approach, where everyone is committed to success from the beginning. Pitting your team against each other is a poor foundation for a collaborative project. Design-bid-build often leads to disconnects between the design intent and the construction realities, resulting in higher costs, longer timelines, and more stress.

On the other hand, the design-build method integrates design and construction, allowing for concurrent steps and real-time adjustments. This leads to more accurate budgeting and scheduling, ensuring your project stays on track and within budget. Having a single team responsible for design and construction minimizes the risk of miscommunication, leading to a smoother and more efficient remodeling process.

Benefits of the Design-Build Method

Detailed Planning During Design

One of the standout advantages of the design-build method is the emphasis on detailed planning right from the start. At Sardone McLain, we believe that meticulous planning is the cornerstone of a successful remodeling project. During the design phase, our team of experts works closely with you to refine every aspect of your project. 

Considering Cost and Design Together

One key benefit of the design-build model is the ability to consider cost and design together from the outset. Traditional methods often lead to scenarios where homeowners fall in love with a design that exceeds their budget, causing delays and disappointments. In contrast, our design-build approach ensures that your aesthetic desires are balanced with financial realities right from the start.Sardone McLain uses our expertise to provide realistic cost estimates during the design phase, allowing you to make informed decisions about your investment. This strategic approach helps avoid costly changes and revisions during construction, ensuring your project stays on budget and schedule. 

Time Savings and Efficiency

Time is a precious commodity, especially when it comes to home remodeling. The design-build method often offers significant time savings by streamlining the project timeline. With design and construction phases overlapping, our team can begin construction work while final design details are completed. This concurrent workflow reduces downtime and accelerates project completion.

Sardone McLain’s design-build process is designed for maximum efficiency. Our integrated team works collaboratively to address potential issues before they become problems, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted construction process. This approach saves time and minimizes stress and disruption for you and your family.

Improved Communication

Effective communication is critical to the success of any remodeling project. The design-build method fosters improved communication by unifying the design and construction teams under one roof. This cohesive team structure enhances collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page throughout the project.

Psychological and Practical Advantages of Design-Build Remodeling

The design-build approach is not just about practical benefits; it’s also about managing the emotional and psychological aspects of remodeling. Traditional methods can leave homeowners feeling frustrated and disappointed if the final project doesn’t match their expectations or exceeds their budget. Design-build addresses these concerns by keeping the client’s vision and budget in constant focus, ensuring a satisfying and rewarding experience.

Why Choose Design-Build?

Here’s the bottom line: choosing the design-build method means choosing a strategic, client-focused approach that balances what you love with what you’re willing to invest in. Traditional methods like design-bid-build often lead to falling in love with a design you might not feel comfortable investing in, only to spend 12-18 months and tens of thousands of dollars to realize this mismatch. In contrast, design-build is designed to ensure that 85-95% of projects take off, compared to only 30-40% for the traditional approach.

The design-build model is designed to be the best available experience in remodeling, focusing on managing your expectations and ensuring your satisfaction throughout the project. Choosing a design-build firm is prioritizing your mental health during your project. At Sardone McLain, we take pride in not just meeting but exceeding your expectations, making your remodeling journey as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Sardone McLain today to schedule a consultation and discover how our design-build approach can make your remodeling dreams come true. We cannot wait to meet you.