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In recent years, more Greater Lafayette homeowners are choosing design-build remodeling instead of a traditional construction approach to reduce the challenges of working with separate architects and contractors. This approach offers fewer miscommunications, delays, and budget overruns, making it a simpler, more efficient solution.
S. Brown Construction has been using the design-build approach to remodel homes in the Greater Lafayette area since 1999. In this blog, you’ll learn how the design-build process works and why it’s the best option for your home remodel.
Table of Contents
- What Does Design-Build Mean in Construction?
- Why Greater Lafayette Homeowners Prefer Design-Build Remodels
- Popular Design-Build Remodeling Projects in Greater Lafayette
- How Does the Design-Build Remodeling Process Work?
- Design-Build vs. Traditional Remodeling Comparison
- How to Choose the Right Design-Build Contractor for Your Remodel
- How Much Does a Design-Build Remodel Cost?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Start Designing Your Home Remodel?
What Does Design-Build Mean in Construction?
In the design-build construction method, one company handles both the design and construction of your project. Traditional building involves a separate architect and contractor, which can create more challenges for homeowners, while design-build uses a single, unified team from start to finish.
Why Greater Lafayette Homeowners Prefer Design-Build Remodels
There are many reasons Greater Lafayette homeowners seek design-build contractors for their home improvement projects, from small bathroom renovations to whole-home remodels:
- Single point of contact: Simplifies communication and decision-making.
- Streamlined process: Everything is managed by a single company.
- Faster project completion: The design and construction phases overlap.
- Reduced stress for homeowners: Less coordination to juggle and fewer surprises once construction begins.
Popular Design-Build Remodeling Projects in Greater Lafayette
The most popular design-build remodel projects among Greater Lafayette homeowners are:
- Whole home remodels: Updating each room with a cohesive feel throughout your home.
- Home additions: Adding more space for your family to grow.
- Kitchen renovations: Upgrading appliances, changing layouts, and replacing outdated designs.
- Bathroom remodels: Making your bathroom easier to use and more visually appealing.
- Basement finishing: Making use of the space you already have, and adding lifestyle upgrades.
To see examples and get home remodel ideas for your project, check out our portfolio.
How Does the Design-Build Remodeling Process Work?
Our process begins with a foundation of trust and transparency. It’s structured to provide our clients with a clear understanding of what to expect at every stage of the remodeling journey.
- Initial consultation call: Allows us to understand your goals, timeline, and budget, and for you to determine whether we’re the right fit for your remodeling project.
- On-site meeting: Talk through how you use your home today, what you’d like to improve, and understand the areas of your home we’ll be working with.
- Design agreement and planning: Once we both agree the project is a good fit, we’ll begin a formal agreement, and our in-house design team will work closely with you to determine every detail. Every decision is documented, so you’ll have clarity before construction begins.
- Estimating and budget alignment: After the design is finalized, you’ll receive a full estimate based on exact materials and specifications, and we’ll discuss any adjustments you want to make.
- Construction contract: We prepare a fixed-price construction contract that outlines all specifications, timelines, and expectations, so both sides have a clear path forward.
- Construction phase: We manage scheduling, site supervision, quality control, permits, and communication, while keeping you informed every step of the way.
- Final walk-through and completion: Once construction is finished, we complete a detailed walk-through with you to address any final items and ensure your expectations have been met.
Design-Build vs. Traditional Remodeling Comparison
- Communication: Centralized with a design-build team, fragmented with a traditional approach.
- Timeline: Design-build timelines are faster than traditional construction.
- Cost control: Cost is more predictable with design-build, while traditional projects are often less predictable.
- Accountability: There’s only one source of accountability with a design-build team, while traditional construction involves multiple parties.
- Homeowner stress level: Working with a design-build contractor is much less stressful than navigating between different teams.
How to Choose the Right Design-Build Contractor for Your Remodel
Choosing the right design-build contractor for your remodel is essential to ensuring your project goes as smoothly as possible. The key factors to look for:
- Local experience and knowledge: You want a contractor who works in your area and knows the ins and outs of working on local homes.
- Strong portfolio of remodeling projects: Their past work should speak for itself, demonstrating high-quality deliveries.
- Licensed and insured team: It’s important that whoever you hire is properly licensed and insured for the work you need done.
- Transparent pricing and timelines: The right contractor is transparent about cost and timeline estimates up front, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Positive customer reviews: Demonstrate the quality of the jobs they’ve completed for other Greater Lafayette homeowners.
How Much Does a Home Remodel Cost?
The cost of a design-build home remodel depends on the size and complexity of your project, as well as the materials and finishes you choose. Here are some examples of cost ranges for popular projects, all of which include design, permit pulling, labor, and construction materials:
Whole House Remodel
- Refresh (Cosmetic): $50 - $100/square foot
- Fresh paint throughout
- Cabinet refacing
- New baseboards and trim
- Standard luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring or carpet
- Fiberglass shower or surround
- Mid-Range Remodel: $100 - $100/square foot
- Full kitchen/batch remodel
- Semi-custom cabinets
- New interior doors and hardware
- Quality tile or hardwood flooring
- Solid stone shower kits
- Luxury (Gut Renovation): $250+/square foot
- Structural layout changes
- All custom cabinets
- Custom millwork and high-end doors
- Premium natural stone
- Custom tile walk-in showers
Home Addition
- Starter (Bump-Out): $150 - $225/square foot
- Standard vinyl windows
- Basic shingle roof tie-in
- Standard LVP flooring
- Pre-built stock cabinets
- Laminate countertops
- Mid-Rage: $225 - $350/square foot
- Energy-efficient windows
- HVAC system extension
- High-end LVP or tile flooring
- Semi-custom cabinets
- Solid surface or quartz countertops
- Luxury: $350+/square foot
- Designer window systems
- Full new HVAC zone/system
- Premium hardwood or heated tile floors
- Fully custom millwork
- High-end natural stone countertops
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a design-build contractor?
A design-build contractor is an all-in-one solution for your remodeling or custom home projects, with design and construction teams under one roof. It’s different from traditional construction, which involves a separate architect and contractor.
Is design-build better for remodeling projects?
Design-build usually offers a better experience for homeowners than traditional construction methods for these key reasons:
- Better budget control: Real-time cost input during the design phase of your project.
- Fewer delays and change orders: Problems are solved early before construction begins.
- Improved collaboration: Designers and builders work together from the start.
- Higher quality results: A unified vision and streamlined process lead to better craftsmanship.
How long does a home remodel take?
The timeline for your remodel varies widely depending on the size and complexity of your project, how quickly you make decisions, material lead times, and seasonal constraints. Here are some of our typical ranges for different project types:
- Kitchen/bath remodels: ~2-4 months
- Home additions: ~3-6+ months
- Whole home remodels: ~5-10+ months
We usually spend about 2-6 months in the design stage to ensure your remodel reflects your exact specifications and the construction process goes smoothly.
Do design-build contractors handle permits?
Yes, design-build contractors will handle pulling any permits needed for your project. With nearly three decades of Greater Lafayette home remodeling experience, we know which permits are required for different projects and how to obtain them.
What is the cost of a home remodel?
The cost of your remodel depends on many factors, including the type of project. A home addition costs $150 - $350+ per square foot, while a whole home remodel can cost $50 - $250+ per square foot. The other main factors that impact cost are:
- Design complexity
- The size of your home or the room
- The materials you choose
- Structural changes
- Whether permits are required
Ready to Start Designing Your Home Remodel?
When you’re ready to begin your Greater Lafayette remodel, contact us to explore the possibilities for your home.
