Home Remodeling, Additions, and Renovations FAQ
What is the difference between a design/build and a construction firm?
The difference between a traditional construction firm and a design + build firm is, simply put; the people building your project also design it.
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Design/Build Firm:
- One-point accountability
- Responsible for budget during design phase
- Construction Firm:
- Can blame architect for plan problems
- No budget responsibility
- DB firm has sole accountability Homeowner can get stuck with extra costs
- Decreased likelihood for “change orders” Increased likelihood for “change orders”
A design + build firm oversees a project from the initial design and estimating phase through the final construction phase. There are many advantages to hiring a design + build firm:
- Communication is enhanced and streamlined since the customer works with one company.
- The budget can be considered early in the process, and the design can be steered toward the budget.
- Detailed drawings prepared in-house prior to construction minimize errors and make the construction process more efficient.
- Product selection is done prior to construction, thereby minimizing changes and cost increases.
- The design + build firm has the expertise to act as a guide for the entire construction process.
New home construction or large remodeling projects are some of the most personal decisions you will ever make, and they can take an emotional and physical toll on many. Unlike home remodeling projects where you are only changing a portion of your home, when you undertake a full new home construction project, there are a wide variety of decisions to consider. Some of these decisions could include: mechanical layouts, energy efficient options, number of rooms, plumbing fixture selections, interior, and exterior finishes – to name a few. Finding the right design/build contracting company will make all the difference between a well-thought-out project and a “slap up and go” project. A good design/build contractor will take into consideration your immediate needs as well as your future goals to ensure that your money is spent once, in a cost-effective manner that will save you money in the future. Planning for the future is one of the most important elements in the design/build process. When embarking upon a design/build project, the client’s budget is always the starting point. Presenting a budget to the design/build contractor will enable the contractor’s team to direct the client into material selections, design elements that fit the particular budget, and much more. Yet this is only the beginning of the relationship. How does one create a budget? If you’ve never completed any type of kitchen/bath remodeling or never undertook a large dormer or extension project, a good place to start is to ask around and find people who have undertaken such projects. Ask what were their costs and what were they satisfied or dissatisfied with upon viewing the end result. The key to any successful job is building an honest and trusting relationship with your design/build contractor; this will ensure that the foundation of both your home and relationship is solid.
What is Design/Build?
Design/Build is a method of project delivery in which the homeowner/client contracts directly with a single entity that is responsible for both the design and construction services for a client’s project. Design/Build is the alternative to design – bid – build.
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Under this approach, design and construction are split into separate entities, separate contracts, separate scopes of work. This separation is the key disconnect in the process which can cause confusion, increased costs to the client, and many times is the start of the blame game.
What are the benefits of using the Glickman Design Build process?
Single Point of Contact Your New Construction or Home Remodeling project is in the hands and is the responsibility of a single entity. This allows the client to focus on timely decision-making, as well as consider present and future needs.
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Quality Your design/build contractor is responsible for ensuring that the design documents are complete and free from error. We’ve all heard the stories: “these plans are incomplete,” “these plans are not accurate; this doesn’t work.” This process eliminates the blame game. Cost Savings Value engineering and construct-ability are continuously revisited during the design/build process. This eliminates additional costs for poor architectural design or design that does not take into account mechanical works. Time Savings With the responsibilities of a design/build firm, overlapping from conception to completion allows for a tighter schedule for all scopes of work. This also allows for minimal downtime during the entire process of building… This single element lowers cost and ensures earlier completion of the desired project. Reduced Burden Using this method lessens the burden on the client during the project. The client is able to instead invest time in selecting desired plumbing fixtures or looking into solar value, to name a few possibilities. Construction Costs Design/build allows the contractor to estimate design and construction costs simultaneously, so the team can accurately predict construction costs for a complete project, rather than for individual phases only. Improved Risk Management One entity controlling all aspects of the project allows for improved scheduling, and increased quality control while balancing the responsibilities and risks appropriately. The points mentioned above are just a few of the key benefits of the design/build process. This process is proven to save time and money for the client as well as for the contractor. To ensure your next home remodeling or commercial project is completed on time, within budget and with all desired design elements incorporated, be sure to hire a qualified Design/Build Contractor.
Why should I choose Glickman Design Build for my project?
- Trust: We have been providing design/build services for over 33 years and have build a strong reputation based on our integrity and commitment to client satisfaction.
- Experience: There’s over 75 years of remodeling and building experience between Russ Glickman and Wayne Jackson
- Communication: We communicate well; we ask good questions; we understand your expectations so we can meet your needs.
- Teamwork: We include you as an integral part of our team, every step of the way
- We Care: We are committed to creating a positive experience for you. We go above and beyond to make sure that this happens for you.
- Proven track record & unmatched credentials
Is your firm licensed and bonded? Yes, Glickman Design Build is licensed and bonded in Washington, DC, Maryland, and VA & also has the highest level of licensing in Virginia (Class A), MD and DC based on our financial strength.
How much will my project cost?
The final cost of your project will depend upon several factors including the size and number of spaces to be addressed, materials to be used, the types of appliances and fixtures you choose, and more. We do our very best to provide you with the most accurate project cost possible to assist you in your planning.
Do you offer financing?
Glickman Design Build has longstanding relationships with trustworthy organizations that provide financing and can assist you with obtaining financing from these sources.
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How can I finance remodeling or new home construction? Typically one of three methods of financing is used by our clients. Popular options include: utilizing a line of credit on your home, refinancing your home and getting cash out, or a combination of a construction loan then refinancing at the completion of the work. Some clients tap a line of credit on another property they own. We are happy to provide you with resources that could help you in finding the best financing option for your project.Typically one of three methods of financing is used by our clients. Popular options include: utilizing a line of credit on your home; refinancing your home and getting cash out, or a combination of a construction loan then refinancing at the completion of the work. Some clients tap a line of credit on another property they own. We are happy to provide you with resources that could help you in finding the best financing option for your project.
What is your process?
We walk you through our signature 3-phase process that you can understand the full scope of your project and show you how we will support you each step of the way.
What kind of quality assurances or guarantees can you provide me with?
We stand behind our work 100%. To prove our commitment to delivering the highest quality service, we offer all of our clients a 5-year structural warranty.
My last contractor left me in the lurch, how can I know that you won’t also?
We’ve been designing, remodeling, and custom building homes in the Washington, DC metro area for 33+ years. In all honesty, without the solid reputation we’ve built over that time, our company would not have survived for so long.
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Too many contractors, whether intentionally or not, end up leaving their clients with unfinished projects. Many times this happens because the contractor needs to “rob Peter to pay Paul” because he has not charged enough in order for him to earn a fair profit on the projects he has previously committed to building. He may have under-estimated project costs incorrectly on jobs before yours. He may have run over budget on those projects he was previously building and needs cash from the down payment of your project in order to finish those projects. In certain cases whereby a contractor may offer you a low price, he may have underestimated your project. During the course of building your project, after he realizes his mistake, he often may need to leave your project to start another project in order to “rob Peter to pay Paul” and later try to finish your project. Glickman Design Build is a financially healthy firm and our fee structure is designed to protect your investment every step of the way. We invite you to review our profile on:
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection Dun & Bradstreet Maryland Home Improvement CommissionHow can I check a contractor’s background for complaints? How far back you can search for complaints?
In Maryland, anyone may check a contractor’s complaint history by calling the Home Improvement Commission, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, at the following telephone numbers: 1-888-218-5925 (toll-free) or 410-230-6309 (Baltimore area), or by sending an email to [email protected] You do a license search at this website
I have heard horror stories about “change orders”. How do I protect myself from unfair extra costs after I signed a contract?
We advise you against choosing from among the lowest-priced contractors. In the beginning, it may sound like the best bang for your buck, but in the end, typically ends up costing much more than you anticipated.
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Contractors who bid on projects by being the lowest priced often need to make up for a low bid by adding extra “change orders” during the job. Ensure you choose an experienced, fair-minded design/build contractor who knows how to estimate jobs. Look for a firm with 15+ years of experience.
Why do design/build estimates tend to be higher than preliminary estimates from firms that specialize only in construction?
Design/build firms have a responsibility to you for the total price of the completed project whereas contractors do not.
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Too many times homeowners have shared horror stories about having received attractive, low ballpark estimates from contractors who did not do design/build. Based on the initial ballparks from the contractors, the homeowners hired expensive independent architects to design an attractive project in an acceptable manner for the homeowner. After the plans were completed, the contractor’s bid was double his initial ballpark. Sometimes, homeowners cannot get the original contractor to return their phone calls.
Where can I see live examples of the work you’ve done?
Please visit our portfolio to see examples of a range of projects we have completed. If you would like to visit a site, please contact us to discuss it in more detail.
