Design Build Done Right – General Guidelines & Best Practices

 

Design Build is a popular process for homeowners that undertaking major remodels. But how do you know that you are getting the most out of the design-build process? To help you set some expectations, the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) suggests four best practices when it comes to executing design build projects. We promise to deliver on these promises and more.

Our whole construction firm, from inception, is founded on the goal of delivering a superior remodeling experience, and delivering projects that stand the test of time.

#1 All design-build team members should be educated and trained in the design-build process, and be knowledgeable of the differences between design-build and other delivery systems.

Design-build teams should always have members that are well-educated and experienced in the process, but also must be well suited to the necessarily collaborative nature of the design-build process. In design-build, the design and construction teams work closely at each stage of the project. It’s not design then build, but rather an ongoing collaboration. Also, the best design-build teams will either have experienced tradespersons on hand or have access to tradespersons that are used to working on design-build projects.

#2 The project team should establish logistics and infrastructure to support integrated project delivery.

A project’s success is always going to depend on the collaborative abilities of the team, but communication is paramount in design-build projects. It’s recommended that design-build teams should always try to have their design and construction teams both working on location whenever possible to streamline communication so that unnecessary delays don’t occur. The process should be well-understood by all and any changes that need to be made should be expedited as soon as possible.

#3 The project team, at the outset of the project, should establish processes to facilitate timely and effective communication, collaboration, and issue resolution.

One of the best things about the design-build process is that there should be regular monitoring of the project’s progress and clear communication with the homeowners. These open lines of communication are paramount during the design-build process so that all parties involved understand where everything stands at any given point.

As a homeowner, however, it’s important to be prepared to make timely decisions when they are needed. You should have the expertise and experience of the design-build staff to help you, though, and should quickly and completely explain any issues that may impact the overall project cost or schedule as outlined in the original scope of work/contract. If you need to make a decision, it should be a very well-informed decision.

#4 The project team should focus on the design management and commissioning/turnover processes and ensure that there is alignment among the team as to how to execute these processes.

Essentially, this means that both parties, homeowner and contractor, should understand the level of involvement and effort required depending on the scope of the project. The DBIA suggests that the contractor should also dedicate sufficient resources to foster the most collaborative environment for the work. Also, per the DBIA, it is our responsibility to develop a design plan that keeps you as the homeowner engaged in the entire process. It’s our job to make sure that you get to meet regularly with key members of our design-build team to know exactly where things stand.

Both homeowner and design-builder should be in agreement on how the design and construction processes will go.  There should be a realistic plan which does everything possible to be in harmony with both parties’ schedule and other project-specific goals.

It is up to us to ensure that advances in design and any changes to the project and related documents are completely tracked. There should be a clear understanding as to when the homeowners are integrated into the decision-making process and be notified of any design changes.

Design-build teams also establish what is called a “trend system” towards the beginning of the design process. Using a trend system helps identify, track and evaluate any potential changes before they can adversely impact the project’s cost or schedule. It is also our responsibility to clearly and immediately communicate any potential issues that would be found using the trend system to the homeowners.

Using these best practices, you can be sure that your design-build project will be done right. Peace of mind and a fantastic end result are two of the greatest benefits of using such a collaborative system. After considering these points,  we hope you will choose us as your design-build partner for your next project.

 

Tips For Planning Design Build Additions

Planning can add to the fun of getting home additions done. This is the part where you get to figure out what you want and start seeing the possibilities of the finished project. Your design build contractor will be there for you throughout the process. They will do the hard work so you can enjoy the end result.  However, there are some things you should consider while planning your potential design build additions.

Research Licensed Design Build Contractors

One of the most important steps in planning a design build addition is researching contractors. Choose a licensed professional that is experienced in the process. In most instances, a permit will be required and in some cases, an architect. Therefore, you need to make sure the professional you choose knows the design build process and has the proper licensure required for the project. The design build process differs from the standard build process, in that the project is uniquely planned and designed specifically for each individual.

What Will the Space Be Used For?

Before you start thinking of all the things you want, consider what you need first. What will the addition space be used for? Be sure that you plan for what fits your needs best and the design options mimic that, as well as your style. Your licensed design build contractor will help you with this during the process as well. However, it’s a good idea to mull it 9ver yourself and write down what’s important to you. This will be a big help during the process.

Are You Hiring the Right Professional/s?

Once you’ve done research, you should have it narrowed down to a few professionals. To choose the best one, review their websites, licenses, and experience to decide on the best one. Good design build contractors will be able to consult with you and provide examples of prior finished work. They should also be committed to providing you with the best addition for your budget and style.

Know Exactly What You Want and Need

When you begin planning for your addition, you should know exactly what you’re looking for. This will help your design build contractor complete the best work possible. If there is something in particular that you feel is a must-have, be sure you express this. Also be sure to express any concerns and dislikes as soon as possible. This way, the end result will be something you love. Having good communication from the start is key to a successful finish. Change order requests, concerns, and expressing what you love will help both you and your contractor.

Leave Some Flexibility in Your Budget

Be sure that your budget has a little wiggle room, in case there are unplanned changes. Sometimes hidden issues present themselves. You may also decide on different materials than you chose initially. Your contractor will help you stay within your desired budget as much as they can. However, things will run smoother if you set aside something extra for any last-minute changes that may arise.

 

Home Improvements and Septic System Regulations

Live on a Septic System? Check with the MA Board of Health Before Making Improvements

There are number of factors that you need to take into consideration while making home improvements. One of the most frequently overlooked is the regulations regarding septic systems.

If you live on a septic system, then you may need to check with the local health board and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before proceeding. You may need special approval if you are making any improvements to your bathroom or another portion of the house that is adjacent to a septic system.

Understanding the Regulations Before Making Any Improvements

Most of the regulations that apply to septic systems fall under The State Environmental Code Regulating Septic Systems (also known as “Title 5”). The law was put into place to protect local communities from nitrogen pollution and other problems associated with septic problems.

State authorities are rarely involved in enforcing the law. The DEP states that local health boards are typically the regulators that you need to speak with before planning any projects involving a septic system, because the state Legislature has delegated implementation of Title 5 to local officials.

However, DEP can still answer any questions that you may have about Title 5 regulations. You can reach them through their website during regular business hours.

Working With Regulators

The local health board will want to ensure that you are in compliance before starting any project involving a septic system. Title 5 has established a minimum set of standards that people need to meet to ensure the safety of their septic systems. However, the regulations also allow local health boards to make exceptions for homeowners that can’t make these changes without facing undue hardship. If you are unable to make these changes, then you can compromise with the regulators to make some minor changes instead.

You should also consult with the local health board before making any other improvements that may affect your septic system, because you could inadvertently cause damages that will require costly repairs. The cost of repairing a septic system usually costs at least $4,000. You will need to make sure that you don’t make any improvements that could cause any damage to it, because you may be on the hook for expensive repair costs down the road. Regulators can provide some good guidelines to help you ensure that you don’t incur these unnecessary costs.

You will also need to outline all proposed improvements before you can receive a permit. Tell the health board about the purpose of your improvements, the duration of the project and the names of the contractors that will be working on it.

Why is it better to renovate now and enjoy it for a few years?

 

The best time to renovate is not just when you plan to move. While it sounds good to say your kitchen or bathroom has recently been redone, you may find that there comes a time when you just need to remodel for your own sake. The prevailing wisdom seems to be that you get the most value at time of sale, but if a remodel is done correctly the value is still going to be there. The numbers may not be as clear, but there are advantages.

Return on Investment

When many homeowners research what home remodeling projects to pursue and how much to spend on them, they typically are checking the average ROI (Return On Investment) of any given project. Most often, this ROI is calculated on what a certain remodeling project will return at the time of sale. This is usually the only concrete measurement of a remodel’s ROI, but that doesn’t need to be true.

You don’t have to be selling your house tomorrow to remodel because if you plan to be in your house for years to come, you want to be sure your house is still well-maintained and functional. That isn’t to say you should let a kitchen or bathroom fall apart before you remodel, of course, but you should keep in mind that having a up-to-date space helps you as much in the long run as a future owner.

While it’s harder to put a number on doing a remodel five years before sale than only a few months before sale, there still is value. Having kitchens or bathrooms that aren’t brand new, but are recently updated, function well and are still appealing is going to help a sale in any case. Sometimes, a remodel may not be what the new owner wants in the first place, and they’ll remodel again as soon as they get in the house. A remodel that was done in the past few years and is more lived in gives more confidence to a potential buyer that it’s functional and little has to be done with it.

Emotional Value vs. Monetary Value

What it all comes down to is weighing emotional value against the monetary value of a remodel. The problem with trusting ROI numbers at time of sale is that every home and every neighborhood is different. Also, doing a remodel for the sake of a remodel screams I want more money for this house. A remodel should be done because it suits the house, not simply because you want to squeeze every dollar out of your home that’s possible.You want to keep in mind that most home remodeling projects typically will recoup about 50 to 70 percent of costs at the time of a sale. Remodels are most effective at providing the best ROI when there is already a structural issue or design flaw, in which case property values can be adjusted favorably and perhaps turn the remodel into a profit in the long run. That’s why if you plan to keep your house for the foreseeable future, you try to remodel in a way that is mostly universally appealing. If you don’t plan to sell at all, then you can throw caution to the wind and do whatever you want, of course.

Knowing that you’ll have the kitchen, bathroom, or other room that you actually want to have does more for you in the long-term in emotional value. But you can argue that a well-loved home with recent upgrades in the past few years is better than remodeling the house all at once just to fetch a better sale price. In the end, the return on investment could well be almost the same.

Shrewsbury Contractors Considering New Housing Options for Seniors

The Shrewsbury housing market has rebounded in recent years. The Shrewsbury Lantern and Massachusetts Association of Realtors are confident that the recovery will continue for the foreseeable future. While this news is encouraging for investors and residents throughout the city, there are still some lingering concerns. One of the biggest challenges is trying to create sufficient housing for retired seniors.  Fortunately, developers are exploring new options to solve the problem.

Contractors Must Respond to Community Feedback

Many contractors have recognized that there is still insufficient housing inventory for low income residents. However, community members have mixed feelings about creating new inventory. Many residents protested proposals to create new affordable housing last fall, because they were concerned that it would lead to more traffic congestion, an influx of new students at the city’s already crowded schools, higher unemployment and a host of other problems.

However, most people didn’t express the same concerns about affordable housing options for seniors. They seem to acknowledge that existing seniors in Shrewsbury are already struggling to find places to live and can’t afford many of the existing senior housing options.

New Efforts to Solve the Affordable Housing Dilemma for Seniors

Southboro-based Capital Group Properties is among the contractors that are trying to address the affordable housing shortage in Shrewsbury. They originally intended to create a 40 bedroom housing unit on Walnut Street. However, they realized that there is a serious shortage of assisted living units for seniors, so they have changed their plans and started constructing those units instead.

According to their new proposal, Capital Group Properties is going to build 150 units for low income Shrewsbury residents. The majority of these units will be dedicated to residents over the age of 55. Capital Group Properties President William A. DePietri said that the plans were changed after community feedback underscored the need for additional senior housing options in the rural community.

“As we further investigated the demand for traditional apartments with age restrictions, the feedback we received was that the real demand in the senior-living markets are for products with more services such as independent living and assisted living.”

DePietri’s new proposal should help older citizens find places to live without paying unreasonable rental fees. However, additional housing stocks will need to be created to address the problem. Other contractors are expected to construct more affordable housing units for seniors in the future as they realize that there is strong demand for them.

Massachusetts Pending Home Sales Show Spring Rebound

The Massachusetts housing market has been on the mend in recent months. Real estate professionals believed that demand stalled last fall after sales unexpectedly declined and foreclosures began to rise.  Edward Glaese, the director of the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, said the trend was discouraging but advised against becoming too alarmed. Fortunately, more recent data shows that the market appears to be rebounding this spring, which is encouraging for anyone trying to buy or sell a home in Shrewsbury. Read more

Benefits of Installing a Basement Kitchen

There are many benefits to having an extra kitchen installed in the basement. This can ring true whether your household is large or small. If you ever wondered what to do to make your basement more useful, this is one way many people have done so. Get  more use out of your basement with an extra kitchen. This could also save you time and money — and possibly even help you earn some money too! Read more

Importance of Following Building Codes in Shrewsbury

Over the last few years, the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations has been actively pursuing unlicensed housing contractors throughout the state. The biggest reason that they are targeting illegal contractors is that these professionals often misrepresent themselves to homeowners, do not provide clear contracts and fail to perform the work they promised. Another main reason that they pursue these contractors is that they often fail to follow building codes, which leaves homeowners vulnerable to massive fines and potential disasters. Read more