Design + Build

Extraordinary Advantages

THE ADVANTAGES OF DESIGN + BUILD

Offering Architecture-Construction under one roof allows us to tackle the most challenging projects on the market. It is the best way we know to ensure your goals are supported by beautiful, realistic and cost-efficient design and construction plans – made even better with our three-year warranty and emergency service.

On your project we will form a united partnership that includes our licensed architect, builders, project management team, long-standing subcontractors, suppliers, craftspeople and – most importantly – you.

Why should I hire a single firm that specializes in Design + Build as opposed to designing a project with an architect and bidding the project out to multiple contractors?

The most compelling reason is that it is more economical. You can stretch the dollar farther with a firm specializing in both Architecture and Construction than you can when there is a separate Architect and Contractor. Additionally, Design-Build is the better way to create something with architectural distinction and construction integrity.

A single vision under a single contract with a lockstep workflow and a constant perspective of the “big picture” opens the door to:

  • cross-discipline insights that save money
  • concurrent productivity and advance information that save time
  • open-book information that solidifies expectations
  • focused expertise that promotes innovation and inspiration
  • higher responsibility that elevates standards

What is the difference between Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build?

In the Design-Bid-Build model the owner hires an architect to develop plans and specifications to describe the scope of work with design and construction services split into separate entities, separate contracts, separate work. Once approved by the owner, the plans and specifications are sent out to local contractors for competitive bidding/contract award and, finally, construction.

Design-Build is a method of project delivery in which one entity – like the Scott Simpson Design + Build team – works under a single contract with the project owner to provide design and construction services. One entity, one contract, one unified flow of work from initial concept through completion – thereby integrating the roles of designer and constructor.

With one entity responsible for client satisfaction, Design-Build is able to successfully deliver construction custom home projects with superior results – no matter what the project type.

What is the financial advantage of Design-Build?

The Design-Bid-Build model is a popular method of proceeding because it gives clients the benefit of the bidding process. Competitive bidding has great psychological advantages because it makes the owner feel like they have been vigilant in seeking the lowest market price for their work and that they have vetted the market. However, studies show that this is not actually the case.

Hiring the architect and builder as one unified Design-Build team is simply less expensive and more expedient. Design-Build (vs. Design-Bid-Build) has a:

  • 6.1% lower overall cost
  • 12% Faster Construction Speed
  • 5% Faster Delivery Speed
  • 2% less cost growth
  • 4% less schedule growth

Therefore, comparing Design-Build to the Design-Bid-Build method a $1,000,000 Design-Bid-Build project with a 12-month construction schedule would:

  • Cost $61,000 less
  • Take 1.5 months less time to construct
  • Take 6 months less time from initial design contract to completed project

 

The market is shifting as owners are becoming more versed in the better option of Design-Build. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have or connect you with other Scott Simpson Design + Build clients so they can tell you more about their experiences.

When you hire Scott Simpson Design + Build, you partner with a seamless team that is authentic, accessible and has devoted their lives to the craft of elevating spaces. Let’s get started on a home that matches your family needs, evolves timelessly, is kind to the environment and delivers inspiration and beauty with grace.

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Scott Simpson Design Build Team

Enjoy a look at our 30+ years of designing and building custom homes on the North Shore!