What is Design/Build and is it right for me?
Traditionally, when a homeowner is interested in remodeling, renovating or adding on to their home, there are 2 different avenues to choose from in order to find a design that works and a contractor that can build the job to specifications and budget.

The first avenue is the traditional avenue which was to contact several contractors to come over to give an “estimate” based on verbal explanations of what is trying to get accomplished. One problem with this approach is that each contractor may interpret the homeowners’ wants and needs in a different way. Another problem is a lot of contractors do not look at the details such as how the new addition will blend with the existing style of the home and how the roofline will tie in or how the floor levels will meet exactly. And of course, the biggest problem is, what is the homeowner actually getting for the price the contractor is quoting? How many windows and what style? What type of interior floors? What type of paint (if any)? What are the actual room sizes of the renovation or addition and where are the closets and storage areas? What is the layout of the new kitchen cabinets? The list can go on and on.

The second avenue is to hire an Architect to design the proposed remodel, renovation or addition. This way all contractors will have the same plans and the price should be the price, right? Not exactly. There are still a lot variables in the finished product unless the homeowner pays the additional fees for interior design. Also, the homeowner will typically have a budget for their investment and Architects are not builders and typically do not know what it costs to build, the cost of building materials, permits, etc. Thus, a lot of times the actual estimates from contractors are a lot higher than what was expected and the project will have to be redesigned after the first design was already paid for!

Tamer Construction combines the best of both avenues. We are a Design/Build company, which means we work with our clients from the very start by trying to achieve their goals and needs while trying to stay within their target budget during the design stage. We have our own in-house designers using 3-D computer generated plans so our clients can not only see a 2 dimensional view on paper, but a realistic 3-D view of what their project will look like from any angle! We also have Drafting professionals and Architects we work closely with and an Accredited Interior Designer to help our clients with space planning and selections.

If and when we enter into a Design/Build agreement, there is an initial investment for the time it takes us to do all of the design work. This design fee will be paid one way or another whether an Architect is hired, or a contractor is awarded the job because drawings are always needed to obtain plans from city governments. What our clients can enjoy is the fact that once the design is completed a formal proposal will be written. At this point, if we enter into a full build contract, the design fee will deducted from the price of the proposal! Our clients will also enjoy the ability to have input into the design every step of the way. Our computer software allows our clients to use a web based application to view their plans in progress, make notes and arrows, and view in 3-D in the convenience of their own home!

Please contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our Project and Design Consultants!