Why Design-Build Delivers the Ideal Kitchen Remodel

It’s finally time to overhaul that outdated kitchen and create a gorgeous, efficient space for cooking and gathering. But the prospect of a major renovation can be downright scary – picking designers, contractors, products and finishes while trying to avoid cost overruns and delays. The solution? Go with a design-build firm to streamline the entire process.

Design-build provides a single point of contact and closely aligned team dedicated to bringing your dream kitchen to life. Here’s an in-depth look at why design-build is the smart choice for your upcoming kitchen remodel.

Unified Process for Cohesive Results

With traditional remodeling projects, you must find and coordinate an architect, general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers separately. This fragmented approach often leads to miscommunication and scheduling issues as the baton gets passed from one party to the next. Who is ultimately accountable?

Design-build firms have cohesive teams with the designer and builder working hand-in-hand from concept to completion. There is no inefficient back and forth. Just clear collaboration toward a shared goal – a stunning kitchen tailored to your specific needs and preferences. You simply work with a designated project manager to make it all happen seamlessly.

Budgets Set in Stone for No Nasty Shocks

Nothing derails a remodeling project faster than an exploding budget. Traditional projects often go over budget because the architect designs without input on pricing from the builder and subcontractors. By the time the contractor provides their estimate, it’s back to the drawing board to redesign aspects that are over budget.

Design-build firms are meticulous about establishing clear project costs upfront based on your budget. The designer and builder work together to suggest layouts, features and materials that make the most of your available dollars. There are no budgetary surprises down the road that leave you unable to afford that marble backsplash or commercial stove.

Scheduling Bliss for Uninterrupted Kitchen Function

Let’s face it, living through a major kitchen renovation is no fun. From demolition dust to weeks without a functional cooktop, traditional remodels can disrupt your household’s normalcy for months on end. But design-build firms have processes to minimize the headaches.

Design-build projects can typically be completed much faster thanks to close coordination at each step. There is also better staging of work in phases. For example, your sink may stay operational while cabinetry gets updated on the other side of the kitchen. You may even have access to a temporary cooking area during parts of the remodel.

Laser Focus on Kitchen Design for Optimal Results

General contractors handle all types of remodeling projects from bathrooms to basements. But with design-build, you work with experts who focus exclusively on kitchen design. These niche specialists will ask the right questions upfront about how your family uses the space. Key details make all the difference – like the number of typical cooks and if kids do homework at the kitchen table.

You’ll get a highly functional floorplan tailored to your unique prep, cooking, clean-up and dining needs. The designers understand optimal lighting, storage, work triangles and traffic flow. And the builders are adept at installing the latest kitchen innovations you’ve been dreaming about like induction cooktops, under-cabinet lighting and concealed waste receptacles.

Tips for a Smooth and Seamless Kitchen Remodel

Follow these tips when working with a design-build firm to ensure your kitchen remodel goes as smoothly as possible:

Provide plenty of detail about your current kitchen during initial consultations – what works, what doesn’t, and what your ideal kitchen looks like.
Have a clear decision maker or hierarchy for product selections to prevent delays if there are differing opinions between family members.
Set a deadline for making all design selections like cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes to keep the project timeline on track.
Declutter your kitchen and dining areas several weeks before work begins so the demolition and installation crews can access all spaces.
Photograph your kitchen prior to demolition from multiple angles to better appreciate the transformation later.
Ask your project manager for recommendations about where to set up a temporary cooking area with key appliances, prep space and storage during the remodel.
Frequently check in on the progress and address any concerns immediately to prevent small issues from ballooning into bigger problems.
Schedule a walk-through of the finished kitchen with your project manager to identify any punch list items that need correction before final payment.
With design-build guiding your kitchen remodel, you can look forward to an efficient process, expert results and a gorgeous new heart of your home tailored to exactly how your family lives.