How to Design a Successful Project: Assembling Your Team
We are back with PART TWO of our series, “How to Design a Successful Project.” (If you missed part one, you can find that post here!)
Today, we’re talking about how to build the ideal team to design and execute your home project. This team will include the homeowner (you!) and a group of professionals in the design, construction, architectural, and engineering industries.
Because every project and homeowner is unique, so is each team of professionals. Different combinations of industry professionals will serve different needs, and understanding these subtle differences will help ensure that your team is a great fit for your scope, style, budget, timeline, and desired project approach.
Let’s explore some of the most common combinations of professionals, how they work together, and some pros and cons of each model. And, of course, try to answer the burning question…. which model would suit your project best?
Different Types of Teams
While there are MANY ways of working on a remodel or new build, and MANY types of companies out there, we’ve boiled it down to FIVE groupings we see most often. Each of these models has pros and cons… this is not a “good or bad” or “right or wrong” comparison! Instead, it’s about finding out what will work best for YOU.
Homeowner as the Contractor
The homeowner brings in trades, manages schedules, orders products, arranges storage and deliveries, and troubleshoots issues. This route is less expensive but time-consuming for the homeowner, and the quality of the finished project is not guaranteed. Some homeowners appreciate the control and oversight on their project, as well as the cost savings. Potential challenges may include an extended construction phase, less expertise to draw on during construction, less control over the timeline, and more stress on homeowner through duration of project.
Red Flags…
You don’t have experience in construction, remodeling, familiarity with products, or implementing design details.
You don’t have existing relationships with reliable, high-quality trade contacts to do the work.
The project needs to be completed on a particular and/ or tight schedule.
There are no detailed plans, documented project scope, or materials/ finishes selected.
How KRD can add value:
By providing “road map” documentation to help the project run smoothly. This may include floor plans, cabinetry elevations, electrical plans, or material selections. We think a great design with decisions made up front is especially helpful if you’re taking on the construction on your own!
2. Homeowner + Contractor
The homeowner partners with a contractor who manages all of the project details. The contractor offers the benefit of their relationships with high-quality tradespeople, a detailed project proposal and timeline, and professional guidance and expertise throughout the project. All contractors have varying pricing structures, as well as different levels of communication, attention to detail, and quality of service. Some contractors may have a design aspect to their business, but there is a range of capability, and often the homeowner is responsible for making sure the details of the design are carried out. Finding the contracting company that is a good fit is vital to the success of any remodel or new build project.
Red Flags…
Willing to start demo and construction without a detailed plan and project schedule, and only allowances.
Limited details on project proposal, minimal communication expectations, or vague process or approach.
Pricing comes back significantly less expensive than other bids.
How KRD can add value:
We can provide the design “road map” with all of the design decisions documented, which helps ensure an efficient timeline and a more accurate bid from the contractor. We are also available on an hourly basis for things like cabinetry shop drawing review, trade walk throughs, or design trouble-shooting.
3. Homeowner + Design-Build Firm
The homeowner partners with a design-build firm, which means that the designer and contractor are all under one roof, and the homeowner is collaborating with a single team and process. Homeowners may appreciate the cohesive approach, potentially simplified communication, and possibly quicker timeline. Certainly, design-build firms vary as much as contractors, architects, and designers, so finding the right fit is just as important. With one company rather than multiple entities involved, there are fewer checks and balances on the process, and therefore more potential for conflicts of interest or limited competition when bidding the project. Ultimately, the design-build approach requires a high level of trust in the company you choose to partner with.
Red Flags…
No (or very few) reviews or referrals from past clients.
Poor initial communication, unclear expectations, little transparency in proposals or process.
Project bid comes back significantly less expensive than other bids for comparable scope of work.
The design portion of the company is less of a focus; for example, the contractor is also the designer.
How KRD can add value:
Our involvement in this approach is limited, since most firms want to manage the entire process in-house. We may be able to add value by reviewing floorplans, designing cabinetry elevations, or providing interior design services and furnishings.
4. Homeowner, Contractor, + Independent Designer
The design team consists of the homeowner, independent designer, and contractor. The homeowner may connect with the contractor first, and get a referral to a preferred designer. Or, it might be that the homeowner finds the contractor by way of the designer. Either way, it is valuable to have involvement from all parties early on in the process for the best outcomes. Ask questions early on about how the designer and contractor plan to work together - a team approach and good communication is essential to making this model successful. With good communication and a common goal (your successful project!) this approach means that everyone has your best interests in mind.
Red Flags…
No (or very few) reviews or referrals from past clients.
Poor initial communication, unclear expectations, little transparency in proposals or process.
Either party has reservations partnering with the other.
How KRD can add value:
We often pair clients with a contractor we work with regularly. Other times, clients already have a contractor, and we can partner with someone new. We have multiple opportunities in our process for the contractor to be involved as the design progresses so everyone is on the same page.
5. Homeowner, Contractor, + Architect and/or Independent Designer
The design team consists of the homeowner, architect, designer, and contractor or builder. If you hire an architect, you may be referred to a builder and interior designer that they work closely with. Or, your architect may have interior designers on staff and only partner with an outside builder. Sometimes, an architect provides plans and is less involved in the finer details and execution of the project. Either way, it’s a good idea to discuss the architect’s approach and decide if it’s a good fit for you. Many homeowners appreciate the level of detail and expertise that an architect brings to a project. If you find an architect that understands your goals and aesthetics, it can be a very holistic approach to your design. The investment of hiring an architect may make more sense for some projects more than others.
Red Flags…
Poor initial communication, unclear expectations, little transparency in proposals or process.
Unclear roles and responsibilities between the architect and designer.
There is no formal process for gathering information about your wants and needs in the design.
Selections, materials, and cabinetry designs are finalized after breaking ground.
How KRD can add value:
If you hire an architect, we can still add value to your design. One way is by weighing in on the finer details of the kitchen and bathrooms. Another is to dig into the cabinetry design and details. If your architect has all of that covered, we can also provide full-service interior design and furnishings.
So, of these five approaches, which one appeals most to you? We hope you can see that with any construction approach, having a stellar design and a detailed plan will add value and ease to your overall project. If you have more questions on this topic, sign up below for a complimentary Meet and Greet virtual call below… we’d love to chat about how we might add value to your unique project!