+ What is Design Build?
Design Build is a method by which both design and build services are delivered to a client by a single company. This is in contrast to other methods where you, the client, will need to hire a number of different companies to complete a home project. We believe Design Build is the best method for a lot of reasons and this is based on our experience in Real Estate Development where we were the clients ourselves. We have experienced the home building process from the clients point of view and have modeled Broadway Design Build to address the pain points we felt as clients.
+ When do clients typically engage with you?
Our clients engage with us when they are ready to move forward on a home project. We typically see engagement happening at three different phases in a client’s journey:
Decision has been made to build a home from the ground up and client needs engagement before purchasing a plot of land. The Broadway team can step in here to help find a suitable lot based on the client’s desires in their future home.
Decision has been made to purchase a home to renovate, a “fixer.” The client will engage with us to help them find a property to renovate. We partner with local agents (or an agent preferred by the client) to search for properties on and off-market. Our experience can provide valuable insight during the property search, advising our client in order to avoid purchasing a home with major underlying issues that will cause problems in executing the desired scope. Additionally, early advising can help to reveal properties that have inherent malleability, favorable zoning or easily added square footage.
Decision has been made to renovate a home that is already owned by the client. We will start with a discussion about scope and budget and proceed from there down the Design Build journey.
Our services are outlined in detail here.
+ You said you can help us get the right property for the project, do you have a Real Estate license?
No. We partner with Real Estate Agents who specialize in your area to research and locate land and/or existing homes to renovate. With our experience in Real Estate Development we can provide value in acting as an advisor to you and help you find properties that meet the criteria set by your scope in terms of Zoning, Permitting, Timing, Budget etc. We also choose Real Estate Agents that understand the various elements of research necessary to verify your scope can be achieved prior to purchase. Our goal is to ensure that your desires for a new home can be achieved and avoid commonly missed pitfalls in the buying process. For example, if you wanted to build a pool at your new home, we would speak with the zoning department directly to verify the property layout and zoning codes allow for it.
+ I have a specific Architect I want to work with, can we still work with you?
Yes. We welcome collaboration with any Architecture firm. We would remain the point team on your project to ensure delivery to our standards.
+ I have a specific Real Estate Agent I want to work with for purchasing land, can we still work with you?
Yes. We will work with any Real Estate agents you prefer. The reason we provide our own partnerships is to give you access to agents who are well versed in purchasing off-market properties, financial analysis, and in some cases, agents who are specific to a target neighborhood which could give us the upper hand in finding the right property.
+ How is your fee structured?
Our fee is based on a percentage of construction cost and is paid regularly through the project based on completion of phases of design and construction work. Additionally we determine our fee percentage based on project scope. If you have more questions about this please feel free to contact us.
+ Do I have to use your products?
No. We are a custom design build shop meaning we provide the most flexibility in sourcing materials. We do not sell our own lines of kitchen cabinets or hold our own product lines.
+ Are renovation projects cheaper than ground-up construction?
Not necessarily. Depending on the extent of the renovation there may be higher costs that are not associated with ground-up construction. It can be much easier to build from the ground up rather than trying to fit new spaces into existing structures. Especially with older structures, the process of construction can be longer because the existing structure is inherently not square or level. Additionally, some renovation projects require extensive foundation work or lifting the entire home. These can be much more complicated than a brand new foundation on undeveloped land. Finally, there can be hidden unknowns in a renovation project. For example, you may think the house is sheet rocked but upon demolition, the workers may discover that sheetrock was placed over plaster and lath which contains asbestos. This will increase the budget as demolition costs for plaster and lath are higher because it is much more time intensive. Additionally it will be costly to abate the asbestos in the walls.
These are just some examples we have experienced first hand. In summary, the cost of renovation vs. ground up construction can only be determined through a professional analysis of the two routes with your design goals in mind. This is of course, a service we offer with all of our clients if needed.
+ Are you on Facebook?
No, we have intentionally chosen to forego a Facebook account but you can find us on instagram @broadway_design_build and we would love to engage with you there.