Making the Right Decision: 7 Questions to Ask a Design Build Firm

Did you know the average cost of a fixer-upper home is $150,000?



Although many people love the idea of buying a cheap fixer-upper and remodeling it to fit their taste, you never know what you will find when you tear down a wall. To get the house of your dreams, sometimes it is necessary to start from scratch. 

If you're thinking about building your dream home, you came to the right place. Read on to learn which questions to ask a design build firm.

1. If Hired, What Will the Process Look Like from Start to Finish?

When you're in the process of building your dream home, you want to make sure the design firm gets your vision. However, you also want to hire a design firm that will give you a realistic timeline. 

By asking these questions, you will get an overview of their process, priorities, and benchmarks. When it comes to building a home, time is money. If you're not sure the design firm's timeline aligns with yours, you need to know before hiring them. 

By asking this question to all of the design firms you interview, you will get an idea of each firm's working styles, approach, and priorities.

2. Will You Be Working on the Project? Who Else Will Be Involved?

When you interview a design firm, you will likely meet with the principal or a lead architect in the firm. However, when designing and executing the project, other people will likely be involved in the process. 

During your initial meeting with the firm, you must learn more about who will be doing most of the work. With many large design firms, a junior associate might execute a lot of the work and be supervised by the lead architect.

If this is how the firm operates, it's important you meed and learns about the qualifications of all the people working on your project. However, working with a junior architect will help reduce some of the costs if you're on a tighter budget.

3. How Much Time Will You Spend on the Project?

As with any successful design firm, they will likely juggle several projects at the same time. 

If the firm takes on more than they can chew, your project might fall behind, and the timeline won't be met. You must ask the firm how much time they can devote to your design. 

Pay attention to firms that cannot give you a realistic time commitment. 

4. When Can You Expect the Builder to Join the Project?

Although the design firm will put together the plans for your dream home, the builder and their team will be the ones to raise it from the ground up. 

During your meeting with the design firm, ask the lead architect when they can expect to get the builder involved. Bringing a builder early in the design process can create more accurate estimates. 

5. How Will Contracts With the Builder Work?

Most of the time, a design firm will work with contractors they're familiar with for a smoother process. Design firms like to work with contractors they're familiar with because they know their working style and prices.

However, if you already have a relationship with a great contractor, you can bring it up to the designer. The design firm should put in the contract that the client gets to choose the contractor.

6. Is the Project Feasible on My Budget?

While you might have a great idea for your dream house, it's important you have a realistic budget. During your initial meeting with the design team, it's crucial you talk budget.

Chances are, if you're getting a custom home, you have the budget to do so. However, even on a generous budget, there might be things about the design that your budget might not cover. 

Ask the design team for their honest opinion on whether or not the project is feasible on your budget. The success of the project will depend on staying within your budget. 

7. Do You Foresee Any Obstacles During the Course of the Project?

If you have ever been on a job interview or interviewed someone for a job, then you know the importance of asking this question. You're essentially interviewing design build firms to create your dream home.

By asking about potential obstacles, you get a glimpse of their problem-solving skills. 

Also, you will get a glimpse into the problems you will run into in the future. You also want to be sure you're working with a design firm that will help you solve them with careful consideration.

8. What Are the Deadlines to Request Changes?

Even the most decisive person has a change of heart from time to time. If you decide to change the layout of the kitchen a month into the project, it could create a problem for the builder.

During the meeting, you should ask the design team the deadlines to make changes. Also, if you decide to make a change last minute, what would be the implications and cost of the changes. 

It's important you also express to the design team if you're unsure about something. This will give the team a heads-up that you will possibly make changes in the future.

9. Can You Breakdown Your Fees?

Before you sign a contract with a design build firm, you must learn about their fee schedule. Once you get a written estimate from the design firm, it's important you ask them to go through the entire fee break down. 

Don't forget to ask questions if you don't understand the fee breakdown.

10. Do You Have Any References?

Any reputable firm will want you to see the previous work they've done. It's not enough to see the firm's portfolio, but you also have to ask them about their references. 

They should be happy to put you in touch with previous clients. 

Are You Ready to Hire a Design Build Firm?

Now that you know about the questions, you should ask a design build firm; you're ready to start designing your dream home. 

During your meeting with the design firm, it's important to talk about your budget, ask who will work on the project, how they will choose a contractor and more.

Are you in Miami are looking for a luxury build firm? Contact us today for a free quote.