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Design & build firm or traditional builder?

7 years ago

I would really appreciate some help...

we have got 3 quotes from different design & build firms for an extension, opening up internal walls, fitting a kitchen, excavating an old patio and building new etc. All 3 are in a similar ball park, and all much higher than we anticipated!

Would it be much cheaper to go with an architect and separate builder? We already have planning permission but still need party wall agreements, structural engineer etc.

is it worth paying more for D&B to have one point of contact and make everything easier? Or is the cost saving worth going with a more traditional set-up of architect plus builder?

Thanks in advance for any help!

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Comments (3)

PRO
Acquie Consulting
7 years ago
D&B is certainly a much easier route but like you said you pay for it. You might save a bit going traditional, the issue there is more the hassle of project managing than having one point of contact. You can go down the traditional route if you are prepared to and able to manage the project. Having said that some architects do include coordinating their designs with the builder within their services. Might be worth getting quotes for architects and traditional builders to compare with the D&B to help make an informed decision.

Another option a lot of people don't consider is having a cost/project manager. For a reasonable fee they can help you with your budget and manage the project, saving you a lot of hassle.

Good luck with your project.
PRO
Ikonografik Design
7 years ago
A decent architect or architectural technologist can act as project manager [in the wider sense] and should also control costs and use a standard building contract. If costs come in above budget then negotiations need to take place and certain parts need to be removed or downgraded, about compromise. Check out the ARB or CIAT websites to find someone local to you. Good luck.
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PRO
Croydon Window Company Ltd
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Hi Abby, we work closely with a design and build company called Speargold Ltd, feel free to contact them and mention me from Houzz.. Where is your location? Here are a few of their projects we have supplied for their projects..

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