Building a house can be a roller coaster of emotions. Building a new home is an expensive and time-consuming undertaking that rarely goes from start to finish without a single hiccup or hiccup. To that end, it’s important to find the right partner who is easy to work with, has the right style and skill set, and streamlines the entire building process.

The first steps can be overwhelming. Where could one start? A good starting point is to get a solid idea of ​​what the house will look like. Traditionally, residential home builders are minimally involved in this stage of the process. Clients separately hire an architect, who works with the client to create a plan for the contractor to follow. However, this can lead to additional conflicts as two independent parties try to push the process forward. The architect may want to achieve his artistic vision, while the contractor may prioritize development of the structure in a logical manner that complies with permits and codes and stays within the client’s proposed budget. These conflicting priorities can and do cause friction within the operation, adding to the emotional turmoil of the experience.

An easy way to mitigate this situation is to consider hiring a two-in-one or design-build contractor. Consider the following five advantages of finding a company to do both jobs:

1. A design-build contractor provides the same advantages as general contractor home builders, while simplifying the design-build process with a one-stop shop.

2. Clients can find significant potential cost savings by not retaining a third party firm. Architects can be an expensive part of the process, and contractors often offer a discount to clients who use them for both parts of the build.

3. Clients can also find potential cost savings due to a more practical and timely process, as the architect side will create original plans taking into account the construction budget proposed by the client, avoiding disputes and disagreements between the two parties. Often, clients have to pay the price for these disagreements through change orders or redesigns because the architect planned for something that the general contractor cannot build within the client’s proposed budget.

4. The company takes full responsibility for the project, as they are responsible for both parties and provide expertise in both fields. The client can be sure that the company will have great experience in how pricing, sequencing, scheduling, and construction go together.

5. A design-build company will provide consistency and continuity throughout the process that is often lost when using two separate companies. There is a much lower chance of things falling through the cracks as the same company is involved from A to Z, providing inherent efficiency. This has enormous potential for cost savings and time savings for the customer.

Any client considering building their dream home should remember to do their research, read reviews, and look for price quotes. However, they may find that the best home builders will also provide design services.