Planning a home remodel? One of the first decisions you’ll make, before picking out the perfect tile or the right lighting, is choosing who will bring your vision to life. Should you hire a designer? A contractor? A design-build firm? At White Birch Design, we often hear this question from clients who are starting the remodeling process and are a bit unclear about their options and/or which choice is best for their project. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences and why they matter.
What Does a Designer Do?
A designer focuses primarily on the aesthetics and function of your space. They work with you to select layouts, finishes, materials, and color palettes that align with your lifestyle and design preferences. If you’re looking for help selecting lighting, cabinetry, flooring, or finishes, a designer is your go-to expert.
But here’s the catch: oftentimes, traditional designers work separately from the contractors who actually build the space. That means communication gaps can arise, and you may find yourself playing middleman.
What Does a Contractor Do?
A contractor focuses primarily on the construction side of your remodel. Often working solo or with a small crew, a contractor typically will help with the overall design but does not get involved in the selections process, leaving you to navigate choosing your tile, countertops, cabinets, etc. Their job is to execute the build according to the design, handle permitting, and ensure the project stays on schedule and within scope.
This can mean more moving parts (and more decisions) for you to manage. It also means you miss the expertise that comes with having a designer working alongside you for the design of your project.
What Is a Design-Build Firm?
A design-build firm, like White Birch Design, combines both design and construction under one roof. Instead of managing multiple vendors, you work with a single team that handles everything from initial design to final installation. At White Birch Design, we have both designers and project managers on our team, along with a pool of trusted contractors and tradesmen whom we regularly partner with. What does this mean for you?
- A smoother, more collaborative process
- Real-time conversations between the designer, project manager and contractors
- Better alignment between your design vision and the final result
- Fewer surprises when it comes to timeline and budget
- Beautiful outcomes that exceed expectations
The Benefits of the Design-Build Approach
When you work with White Birch Design, you’re not just hiring a designer or a contractor or a project manager. Instead, you’re gaining a partner who walks with you through every step of the remodeling journey. From space planning and material selection to construction and final walkthrough, our integrated approach is focused on integrity, communication and designed to be efficient, transparent, and, dare we say, enjoyable!
Because we manage the entire process, we can often spot potential issues before they happen, saving you time, money, and headaches.
See additional photos and learn more about this Lakeville, MN kitchen remodel
Still Deciding? Here’s What to Ask Yourself:
- Do you want one point of contact or multiple?
- Do you prefer a more hands-off approach, not having to worry about every single detail?
- Do you want to ensure your design uncovers every opportunity to improve your home?
If your answer is “yes” to any of the above, a design-build firm may be the right choice for your project.
Ready to Start Your Remodel?
Whether you’re dreaming of a refreshed kitchen design, a refinished lower level, or a stunning bath design, White Birch Design brings beauty, functionality, and thoughtful details to every project.
Ready to #LoveWhereYouLive? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference of working with our locally owned Lakeville, MN design-build remodeling team.
