Home Remodeling | By Barry Novisel

Barry Novisel is a Design & Sales Consultant with Action Builders Co. Inc. A Graduate of the Maryland Design Institute, he began his career in the Washington D.C. area in Interior Design. Hired by Action Builders in 2003, he provides Residential Design consultation and Construction Management services. To reach Barry, call 724-514-7299.

Time is Money

Design-build companies offer many advantages over the basic architect/builder relationship. Design-builders streamline the construction process by locating everything you need to complete your project in one place. A project designed and built by one company avoids the pitfalls commonly associated with remodeling. A design-builder’s budget and schedule is more realistic because a design-builder is more aware of the challenges related to remodeling. A successful design-builder’s goal is simple: Finish the job on time and on budget. Time is money.

A recent project epitomizes this relationship between homeowners and their builder. As with many young families, a client was experiencing a few growing pains. A home that seemed very large a few years ago now felt smaller with the addition of children. They really loved their home so moving was not an option. They decided an addition to their home would provide the space they needed while providing an opportunity to include features and amenities found in custom homes. This would prove to be their best solution.

After the initial meeting with the property owners, a designbuilder will become familiar with the property, measure the home, and take a number of photographs for reference. Back at the office, preliminary drawings are sketched and a design concept is developed. This particular proposed design involved several technical challenges that were solved by incorporating innovative design techniques. The client had a pretty good idea of what they wanted. Project goals and objectives were quickly established, while a realistic budget that met their expectations was maintained. The owners enjoyed the entire design experience — discussing design options and reviewing the sketched ideas. The kitchen proved to be the starting point, very open and modern with lots of seating. The master-suite design provided the owners with a peaceful place to relax after a stressful day. It included a spiral staircase that descended into a new kitchen. The addition of a master suite allowed enlarging the existing bedrooms and bathrooms. The family room design created an area for recreation with a large fireplace. After a few meetings, the design really took shape with furnishings, cabinets, and lighting. The addition was well on its way to becoming a reality.

Modifications to the main hall improved circulation and privacy. Exterior elements included an attractive concrete patio with a curved mosaic retaining wall, which refined the transition from the addition to the rear yard. An elegant pergola provided cool shade from the summer sun when the family entertained outdoors.

The construction phase of the project went well due to the exceptional planning and communication added by the design-builder concept. The owners selected all the fixtures and finishes prior to the start of construction. This allowed all the material needed for the completion of the project to be ordered well in advance, saving time and money. Construction benchmarks and milestones were also coordinated with the owners in advance to minimize disruptions to the household. This also helped ensure that they were comfortable with the progress being made.

When embarking on a major project with many things to consider, don’t involve too many people. A single company that can handle the entire project might be your best choice.

FEATURES

Home Remodeling 2008

As savvy homeowners remodel, they are doing so with an eye to the future.



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