Why You Should Choose Your Builder Before Your Architect
When embarking on a home renovation or extension project, the first step is often perceived to be hiring an architect or designer to draft your vision. While this approach might seem logical, it can lead to significant disappointments and financial setbacks. Instead, choosing a design and build service—like what we offer at Addstyle Master Builders—can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s why:
Comprehensive Design and Build Services
At Addstyle, we provide a full design and build service. This means that from the initial concept to the final construction, our team is involved every step of the way. Our experienced in-house architect and renovation-specialist building designers work closely with you to develop a concept that meets your needs. They understand the nuances of renovation and extension projects, ensuring that the design is not only beautiful but also practical and financially achievable.
The Benefits of Design and Build
Choosing a design and build service has numerous benefits over the traditional route of hiring an architect first:
- Integrated Approach: Our design, construction and estimating teams collaborate on every project, ensuring that the design is practical and cost estimates are realistic. This integrated approach eliminates the disconnect often found when separate architects and builders are involved.
- Financial Efficiency: Architects typically focus on the aesthetics and functionality of the design without a thorough understanding of current building costs. This can result in beautiful designs that are prohibitively expensive to build. We are contacted multiple times each week by homeowners presenting architectural plans for tender only to be disappointed that building costs have been severely underestimated by their designer. Our own design and build team provide regular updates on project costs throughout the design development process to ensure that our clients are always well-informed as to where costs are heading.
- Tendering Pitfalls: Tendering plans to multiple builders often results in a comparison that isn’t consistent. Each builder may interpret the plans differently and use varying quality materials and construction methods, making it impossible to compare “apples with apples.” This inconsistency can lead to significant discrepancies in cost and quality.
Quality and Resources Matter More Than Design
When renovating a home, the quality and resources of the builder are far more important than just the design itself. It’s not merely about the lines on a page; it’s about the content of the Project Specification and the experience and expertise of the building team that are engaged to undertake the work. A comprehensive Project Specification includes precise descriptions of all materials, fixtures, and fittings to be used in your renovation. This attention to detail ensures that you know exactly what to expect. By focusing on the quality of materials and the skill of our building team, we deliver exceptional results that align with your vision and expectations.
Cost Savings with Design and Build
One of the significant advantages of a design and build service is the potential for cost savings. Architects are paid for their designs regardless of whether the project is built. This can lead to scenarios where homeowners invest heavily in architectural plans only to discover they cannot afford to bring them to life. With Addstyle, our architects and designers work with financial considerations from the outset, ensuring that every design decision is informed by the overall project costs.
Expertise and Experience
At Addstyle, we pride ourselves on our highly qualified team. Our architects and specialist renovation building designers have extensive experience in the industry. They understand the unique challenges of renovating existing structures and are adept at integrating new construction with old.
Ongoing Cost Updates
Throughout the design process, our team provides regular updates on project costs. This transparency allows you to make informed decisions and adjust your design preferences as needed. Our goal is to create a design that suits your needs and lifestyle while ensuring financial feasibility.
Conclusion
Choosing a design and build service for your home renovation or extension project offers numerous benefits. It provides a cohesive and integrated approach and the assurance of working with experienced construction and design professionals. At Addstyle Master Builders, our full design and build service ensures that your project is beautifully designed, expertly constructed, and financially viable. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your dream home.
