We’ve been building homes in the Bay Area for nearly 50 years now. One of the first mistakes we see Homeowners make is hiring an Architect without involving a General Contractor. We have all heard the common story “Our project took longer and cost nearly twice what we expected!” Why is this often the case?
When most people begin project planning, they seek an Architect to design their project. Nothing wrong with that so long as the Architect has a strong sense for what their projects cost… and how long they take to build. The problem lies with those who don’t know current construction costs and don’t advocate for Contractor involvement early.
An Architect develops a design, project specifications, construction details, and even suggests which consultants to hire… all without feedback from a Contractor. More often than not this leads to project costs 2x or even 3x their client’s budget. We see this scenario play out all the time. The client receives initial pricing for the project and gets sticker shock … their first major setback. From there, the Architect must work backwards redesigning and decreasing scope. The client’s dream home gets smaller and their disappointment grows. In addition, this redesign takes more time and design fees from not only the Architect but also consultants i.e. Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Landscape Architect, Interior Designer, etc. This brings us to that age old saying “Time is Money”. If the client is living in the home they intend to renovate no a big deal, but what about the clients who’ve purchased a new property but not moved in yet? Every day counts.
The more time and involvement a Contractor has in the planning and pricing stages …. the less time and money it will take to build the project. It is truly that simple. In addition, projects run smoother and clients are happier in the long run.
FURTHER BENEFITS OF CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR EARLY:
The Contractor can advise on budget at the beginning AND throughout the different design phases. The builder also knows which consultants and subcontractors are best for your build. We have spent years building lasting relationships on trust and accountability. We know the service you will get when you trust us to help in team development. Building a home is a multifaceted process and the more rapport you have with Architects, Subcontractors, and Engineers, the quicker and more efficient the building process becomes.
- Value Engineering & Subcontractor Involvement / Feedback.
- Specification Development
- Permitting Assistance
- Guaranteed Start Date and Proper Staffing.
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. To talk or learn more about the pre construction process please fill out our contact form or give us a call today 415-897-4500.