When it comes to building a new home, the choice of project delivery method plays a crucial role in determining the success, efficiency, and overall satisfaction of the home-building process.

Here at Twin Construction, we offer a design-build approach to new construction and renovations. While we still work with architects for our clients, our design-build company offers a streamlined and collaborative approach to construction, allowing homeowners to witness their vision come to life seamlessly.

In this blog post, we will explore what a design-build company is, how it differs from the traditional design-bid-build method, and the myriad advantages of opting for design-build for building a new home with Twin Construction.

What is a Design-Build Company?

In essence, a design-build company is a single entity that takes on both the plan design, interior design, and construction for a project. Unlike the conventional design-bid-build model, where a separate architect and contractor are involved, our design-build team is integrated with plan designers, the owners—who are structural engineers, project managers, and interior designers, allowing them to work together throughout the entire process.

From the initial conception and planning stages to the final construction and handover, the design-build company manages all aspects of the project.

Differentiating Design-Build from Design-Bid-Build

Collaboration and Communication

One of the most significant distinctions between design-build and design-bid-build lies in the level of collaboration and communication between project stakeholders. In our design-build approach, the homeowner, plan designer, owners, and construction team work together from the outset, ensuring that the vision, budget, and timeline are aligned. This constant collaboration fosters better communication, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes problem-solving at the early stages.

On the other hand, in the design-bid-build method, the roles of the architect and contractor are separate, often leading to misinterpretations. The separated communication between these entities can result in changes and revisions being made late in the process, causing delays and increased costs.

Efficiency and Time Savings

Design-build companies are known for their efficient and streamlined approach to construction projects. With our team at Twin, decisions can be made promptly, reducing the time spent on lengthy bidding processes. Furthermore, since the design and construction phases overlap, any potential design issues can be addressed in real time, minimizing delays.

Design-bid-build projects, on the other hand, are sequential. Once the design is completed, the project is put out for bidding, and the construction phase begins only after a contractor has been selected. This linear approach can lead to delays, particularly if revisions are needed during construction.

Cost Management

Cost management is another area where design-build shines. With a design-build company, the homeowner receives a comprehensive and detailed budget early in the process. Since our team at Twin is involved from the beginning, we can provide valuable input on material costs, construction methods, and potential alternatives to keep the project within budget.

In contrast, design-bid-build projects can encounter cost overruns due to discrepancies between the initial bid and the final construction cost. Moreover, change orders, which are common in the traditional approach, can lead to additional expenses for homeowners.

Accountability and Responsibility 

A design-build company takes full responsibility for the project, from its conception to completion. This single point of accountability ensures that any issues that arise during construction are resolved efficiently. Homeowners can rest assured that their project is in capable hands, and any concerns will be addressed promptly.

In the design-bid-build model, accountability is divided between the architect and the contractor. If an issue arises, it can be challenging to determine who is responsible for resolving it, potentially leading to delays.

The design-build approach offers a compelling alternative to the traditional design-bid-build method for building a new home. With its collaborative, efficient, and cost-effective nature, design-build empowers homeowners to play an active role in the creation of their dream home.

From inception to completion, our integrated team at Twin Construction ensures that the project is executed with precision, resulting in a high-quality, personalized living space that meets both the practical and aesthetic needs of the homeowner. By choosing to work with our plan designers at Twin Construction, homeowners can embrace a creative, transparent, and rewarding journey as they watch their dream home come to life.

Ready to design and build your dream home? Contact us at Twin Construction to take the next steps!