We are a family of 4 (2 children) and are planning to remodel our 1900 Sf home w/ a 2nd (small) story addition plus a whole house remodel. We want to incorporate as many green building elements as our budget can afford and want to avoid building more than we need. We are confused as to what is the best path to go: (a) select an architect to do the design that is best for us and then present that design to, say three different contractors to bid on, or (b) select a Design/build company and have it do everything. Please help!!! Betty
OK, now, here is my recommendation. Hire an architect to come up with an initial concept for the remodeling. Then have your architect send this to three likely contractors. Then interview each with your architect and select the one with whom you feel most comfortable.
Then, ask the selected contractor to put a preliminary price on the concept. Agree to pay them for their efforts if the project doesn't go.
Work as a team to bring the project within your budget.
We've used this process successfully on several similar projects. It establishes common goals for what will likely be a very complex project.
Sarah says that you can do either. The challenge with a design/build company is that if they don't have an architect who is heavily involved in the process, it becomes a build-driven project, and the design can get scaled back. If you do go the way of the design/build company, just be sure to interview several companies very carefully to find which have the architects most involved, and choose the one with the best portfolio and recommendations according to what you're looking for.
Hi Peter and Marie, Thank you for the quick reply and for your advice. I will discuss the options with my husband and hopefully we will make the right decision. Will post after selection is made. Betty
Betty, Building Green requires a great team. That means an Architect and a Builder that are both committed to helping you achieve your goals - and Ideally have worked together on previous projects. My firm Larson Brenner Architects for example has created some great relationships with a number of builders. Depending on the clients needs, we can recommend the best team for the job.
I would start the process by interviewing Architects and ask them if they have any builder recommendations and - have they worked together as a team before?
