The Design Builder's Blog

One Person's Opinion: Robert Wright

 His Dad a civil engineer, Rob has grown up around construction sites in Canada from a young age. In the early 1990’s, he and his Dad set up a construction company and took on projects in the commercial and residential fields.  In 1994, he joined and took over Citadel Renovations in Ottawa. He has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years, including holding the position of Renovation Council Chair in the past and now sits on the Health and Safety Committee.  He also continues to volunteer at Algonquin College on the Advisory Committee of the Building Construction Technician program.

Design Build Definition

Everyone seems to be getting on the design build bandwagon lately.  Strange, I was talking about it and trying figure it out over 20 years ago.  The more things change…..

What is design build anyway?

I have in past newsletters suggested my thoughts on what design build is.  Basically its a process where the homeowner(in this case); the builder, and design pro in a collaborative process ensure the homeowner receives value for dollars invested; and the design to project completion experience is pleasant.

This seems to me to be a valid starting point for the design build definition.  We would all look at the various parts of this and based on our experiences have some comments about how to improve this – usually to have our viewpoint take priority.  This conversation is ongoing and I would strongly suggest that our professional associations should get involved in this conversation and set the standard.

This is not a new idea; the architects do it; the engineers do it; doctors do it; and everyone’s favorite whipping boys - lawyers do it also.  I have long considered myself a professional, and think its high time that, we in the construction industry and the renovation industry in particular, need to be considered professional and that what we do is an honorable way to earn a living.

So what is the alternative?  Have something imposed on us...

Who is going to impose this definition on us?  The least evil choice is going to be the insurance industry.  At least they have contact with us, try to understand us, take our money and provide a service in return.  You can also sit down with your insurance provider and discuss how you can cut costs and increase protection.  This allows us to come to an agreement we can live with.

Who else is going to impose on us?  Courts – they don’t like us, because they don’t understand us.  What makes perfect sense to us makes no sense to a judge and to most lawyers.  So what happens when you get an unhappy client and a lawyer that doesn’t understand construction?  A whole lot of pain for you, and a new way to do things for all of us because our lawyer said so.

Worse case scenario is to have the government impose it on us.  Do I need to say anything but lead? 

So what can you do about this? 

Get involved and insist that your HBA knows about it, gets it sorted and ensures that it is accepted.  Its about your controlling the situation and not the other way around.

Guest Blog: Design/Build From A Salesperson's Perspective 

Guest Blogger: Kim Holmberg has been selling custom new homes for 20+ years in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.  The majority of those years was with The Charles Cudd DeNovo company, including 5 years as their Marketing Director while continuing to sell.   Embracing the change in our industry due to the recession, Kim then went to work for a Design Consultant for a regional company that finishes basements.  Recently she moved on from that company and took her experience to Lecy Bros Homes and Remodeling, where today she designs and sells custom finished basements, kitchens and master baths.  

A Design/Build Company

By: Kim Holmberg

The subtle move in the marketplace, of the traditional “hire an architect to design, then find a contractor to bid, then back to the architect to revise because the price came in way over budget, then back to the contractor, and then maybe, just maybe start building”, has changed.

Today, consumers demand service.  They want to know from their very first conversation that their needs, desires AND budget are all being considered throughout the process.  I design and sell for a Design/Build firm.  From my perspective, we offer the very best of the process, by combining the design, pricing and the build component into one single element.

It’s a very simple and effective process actually.  The prospect calls the company, saying they’re interested in getting their basement finished, kitchen remodeled, or thier bathrooms remodeled, etc.  I set up that first meeting ideally with BOTH the decision-makers at the same meeting.  We look at the space, talk about their family needs, how they live, how they entertain, etc. I have them sign a very simple design agreement and collect a small fee to help defray the cost of our design time. We discuss budgets (I often spend some time educating prospects on local averages). Assuming all are realistic, I then get to work designing typically two concept plans for them to review.

But from the moment I meet these prospects, I’m aware of their budget, schedules, needs and wants.  Because I know what materials cost, and what labor costs are, I’m able to help guide the design into something that will work for my prospects. I also have the ability to bring my trim carpenter, or drywall sub-contractor, or electrician into the process. And because those professionals have worked with my company for more than 20 years, they understand my designs, and I have a pretty good understanding of how they price their work! 

Working for (and with) a Design/Build company makes the entire process seamless for the client.  It makes what I do very transparent for them. It also eliminates any finger pointing from an outside designer to the builder/contractor.  We are all a team from day one and work hard to turn that prospect into a lifelong client.