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Advantages and Disadvantages of “Bridging” With Design Build

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Home remodeling is a complex process, but the end results can reap great rewards for the homeowner. When planning a remodel, you may find yourself working with a designer or architect early on in the process. For a variety of reasons, you may later seek the services of a design-build firm. This may even come during the design process. But likely, this decision won’t be made until the actual construction is about to be underway. When you take the design work from a different firm and decide to work with a design-build company, this is known as “bridging.” Is this a good idea, and are there are any potential drawbacks? Read more

Why Renovating Without a Budget is Bad

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If you’re getting ready to do a home renovation, don’t just haphazardly start making purchases. Hire a contractor and figure out a budget together to make it worth your while. There are many reasons why renovating without a budget is bad for you, as well as your home. Here are some of the main things to consider. Read more

Why You Should Pull a Remodeling Permit

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Applying for a permit can be a hassle, but it is a very important step when doing many types of remodeling projects. You can encounter a number of problems if you don’t go through this process. Read more

Design Build Done Right – General Guidelines & Best Practices

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Design Build is a popular process for homeowners that undertaking major remodels. But how do you know that you are getting the most out of the design-build process? To help you set some expectations, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) suggests four best practices DesignBuildwhen it comes to executing design build projects. We promise to deliver on these promises and more.

Our whole construction firm, from inception, is founded on the goal of delivering a superior remodeling experience, and delivering projects that stand the test of time.

#1 All design-build team members should be educated and trained in the design-build process, and be knowledgeable of the differences between design-build and other delivery systems.

Design-build teams should always have members that are well-educated and experienced in the process, but also must be well suited to the necessarily collaborative nature of the design-build process. In design-build, the design and construction teams work closely at each stage of the project. It’s not design then build, but rather an ongoing collaboration. Also, the best design-build teams will either have experienced tradespersons on hand or have access to tradespersons that are used to working on design-build projects.

#2 The project team should establish logistics and infrastructure to support integrated project delivery.

A project’s success is always going to depend on the collaborative abilities of the team, but communication is paramount in design-build projects. It’s recommended that design-build teams should always try to have their design and construction teams both working on location whenever possible to streamline communication so that unnecessary delays don’t occur. The process should be well-understood by all and any changes that need to be made should be expedited as soon as possible.

#3 The project team, at the outset of the project, should establish processes to facilitate timely and effective communication, collaboration, and issue resolution.

One of the best things about the design-build process is that there should be regular monitoring of the project’s progress and clear communication with the homeowners. These open lines of communication are paramount during the design-build process so that all parties involved understand where everything stands at any given point.

As a homeowner, however, it’s important to be prepared to make timely decisions when they are needed. You should have the expertise and experience of the design-build staff to help you, though, and should quickly and completely explain any issues that may impact the overall project cost or schedule as outlined in the original scope of work/contract. If you need to make a decision, it should be a very well-informed decision.

#4 The project team should focus on the design management and commissioning/turnover processes and ensure that there is alignment among the team as to how to execute these processes.

Essentially, this means that both parties, homeowner and contractor, should understand the level of involvement and effort required depending on the scope of the project. The DBIA suggests that the contractor should also dedicate sufficient resources to foster the most collaborative environment for the work. Also, per the DBIA, it is our responsibility to develop a design plan that keeps you as the homeowner engaged in the entire process. It’s our job to make sure that you get to meet regularly with key members of our design-build team to know exactly where things stand.

Both homeowner and design-builder should be in agreement on how the design and construction processes will go.  There should be a realistic plan which does everything possible to be in harmony with both parties’ schedule and other project-specific goals.

It is up to us to ensure that advances in design and any changes to the project and related documents are completely tracked. There should be a clear understanding as to when the homeowners are integrated into the decision-making process and be notified of any design changes.

Design-build teams also establish what is called a “trend system” towards the beginning of the design process. Using a trend system helps identify, track and evaluate any potential changes before they can adversely impact the project’s cost or schedule. It is also our responsibility to clearly and immediately communicate any potential issues that would be found using the trend system to the homeowners.

Using these best practices, you can be sure that your design-build project will be done right. Peace of mind and a fantastic end result are two of the greatest benefits of using such a collaborative system. After considering these points,  we hope you will choose us as your design-build partner for your next project.

 

Multiple Room Renovations

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Multiple room renovations can be fun and rewarding. Jazz up your living space by creating an open floor plan with the use of one or more rooms. Open up a small kitchen and add useful space by connecting it with a living or dining area. No matter which rooms you’re planning to remodel, contact your experienced licensed contractor to get started with your ideas right away.

Opening Up a Small Space By Combining Areas

If you have an area of your house that is fairly small, try adding more space by combining it with another area. Knock down a wall or so to create a more open area. This is common in the kitchen home-designarea, as many people like to view the living or dining area while preparing meals. Remember that only a licensed contractor should do this kind of work, as it needs to follow code and requires building permits.

Creating a Fluid Living Space

Going for even more flow than is offered in joining two rooms? Try creating a fluid living space by combining three or more rooms. Some may choose to do this with the kitchen, dining, living, and playroom areas. That way, everything flows together nicely and the space available is also maximized. Others may do this with a child’s bedroom and playroom or a parent’s office with the playroom (for keeping a closer eye on smaller children). Whichever areas your family would use together the most or access from each other the most make for the best fluid spaces.

Open Master Bedroom Additions

Looking for more room to relax, but need an easy way to get to and from the bed and relaxation area? Try combining your master bedroom with another adjacent room for more space. An open floor plan in your master area can help things flow more easily. Obviously, you may want a door or wall separating the toilet area. However, some enjoy the comfort of an open floor design that brings multiple rooms together as one master bedroom. This often includes the sleeping area, a lounging or game area, and the master bathroom.

Open Floor Basement Ideas

Whether your basement serves as a master getaway, a family retreat, a gaming and lounge area, an exercise space, something else, or all of the above, try an open floor plan. By opening things up, you can make a smaller space seem big and a bigger space seem like a luxury. Open floor designs make it easier to get to each area and also help you maximize space. Oftentimes, they create a more organized look and feel as well.

Should You Go With an Open Floor Plan?

Before deciding on an open floor plan, consider your lifestyle. If you enjoy having a more fluid layout without so many walls and doors, this option may be the right choice for you. Talk with a licensed remodeling contractor about your ideas, needs, lifestyle, and budget to find out what works for you. Their experience with a large variety of options will help you explore and discover the ideas that fit your family’s lifestyle.

 

Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

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Remodels can become very stressful business even with the best planning. However there are ways to reduce stress to a comfortable minimum. Surviving a kitchen remodel is as much about leaving the hard part to the professionals as it is about being clear and understanding from the start. Learn how to get what you want from a remodel while expecting the unexpected.

Be Clear From The StartEastmoor Columbus Kitchen Remodel

When you give clear and concise details upfront, surviving a kitchen remodel is much simpler. Communication plays a major role in things going smoothly. For the best results, your contractor should always know exactly what you’re looking for. Try to be clear about each details, including knobs and hardware, if these need to be specific. That way, the end result is what you expect or better. For instance, if you don’t like nickel finishes, this should be specified before the project begins so that the proper materials are used. The more detailed you are, the better.

Expect the Unexpected

The basic idea is to understand that things will happen during a remodel that could cause some unexpected twists and turns in the course of the project. Rather than focus on what could go wrong, focus on whatever progress is being made no matter how big or small. If something doesn’t go according to plan, it’s best to work with your professional kitchen contractor to sort out the solution quickly, rather than get upset over the details. Generally, these twists can occur due to hidden construction issues or miscommunication. Both the contractor and homeowner should remember that problems will get resolved quicker if everyone remains calm and works together on the resolution.

Understanding and Managing Delays

Managing delays is the most important part. They are a common part of remodeling and have to be accepted as such. Sometimes a special selection may take longer to order, which could delay the kitchen remodel. If it’s important enough to wait, don’t let it deter you from your dream look. The best way to handle something like this is to be prepared beforehand. By going into a remodeling project prepared for the worst, you will more readily be able to handle any changes. Usually the worst is avoided. But being prepared just in case will help you understand small delays and appreciate positive results.

Discuss Changes Quickly

If you decide to change the materials used in your kitchen remodel, inform your contractor as quickly as possible. This will help avoid unnecessary costs. One simple change in countertop or flooring can slow down the process and/or change the cost of your kitchen remodel. Therefore, changes should be made before things get underway, wherever possible. If you have a change of heart after things get started, express your concerns right away. That way, if a change does need to happen, it’s less likely to affect other materials in the process. For instance, changing the sink choice after the countertop is installed may require installing a new countertop as well, since sink measurements can vary significantly.