Tag: chesapeake bay homes

Choosing Project Delivery: Traditional vs Design-Build

Which Process Will Work for You?

Are you a homeowner considering starting a project and are interested in learning more about Traditional vs Design-Build? Below you will find the steps for each process to help you determine which would fit your project best.  

Traditional Project Delivery: 

During the traditional project delivery, the homeowner must manage two separate contracts between the designer and contractor. This can make it difficult when issues arise, due to having to track everyone down for a meeting to resolve the issue. 

Traditional Project Delivery Process 

  1. Select designer.
  2. Start the design process.
  3. Send drawings out for bids.
  4. Select contractor.
  5. Begin construction.

Select Designer:  Typically, in this type of setup, the homeowner would meet with an architectural designer.  

Start Design Process:  The homeowner begins to work with the architectural designer to produce design/construction plans for their project.  

Send Drawings out for Bids:  The drawings received from the designer are then sent out to contractors. From there, the competing contractors complete what is called a bid. In a bid, each contractor will send the homeowner estimates based on the project.  

Select Contractor:  After receiving bids, the homeowner then compares and then chooses the one they would like to work with. Sometimes the homeowner may only send their project to one contractor to bid. 

Begin Construction:  Now the project begins to come to life. 

Design-Build Project Delivery: 

During the design-build project delivery, the homeowner only needs to hold one single contract. This contract would be with the contractor who has a specialized team of staff. The team would consist of any type of architectural designer, engineer, estimator, and field crew. This team would work under one roof, which means when problems arise, they can be resolved quickly.  

Design-Build Process: 

  1. Select the design-build contractor.
  2. Attend pre-construction meetings .
  3. Start the design process.
  4. Begin construction.

During all four phases, all team members work together and keep each other up to date on any changes made during the design project, or any changes made or needed during the construction process.  

Selecting a Design-Build Contractor: This is the first step in the Design-Build process. You can interview Design-Build contractors in your area to figure out if they are qualified for your project.  

Pre-Construction Meeting: This next step is where you would meet with a member of the company to review all aspects of your project. This is where you can discuss your wants, needs, and a timeline for the project. 

Start the Design Process: The architectural design step is when you are able to meet with a member of the design team to start bringing your project to life! Construction blueprints, design storyboards, and more will be presented and reviewed. 

Begin Construction: The construction step is when your project begins to come to life. Throughout this stage, you will coordinate meetings with the architect and contractor. 

Did you know that Lundberg Builders can deliver your project through whichever method you choose?

Lundberg Builders uses the turnkey approach which features a full design-build team dedicated to producing results that meet their clients’ needs. So, rather than managing multiple companies, Lundberg clients enjoy a unified design-build firm working together with single-source responsibility. 

Lundberg has their own in-house architects and designers but is also very willing to work with the architect or designer of your choice. 

Let’s get building! 

This blog was written by Tyler Marold, UDPC. Residential Designer/Drafter for Lundberg Builders, Inc.

Deck or Patio?

As the weather warms up, it is natural to want to create an outdoor space to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. Patios and decks are both fantastic options for extending the home outside. So which is right for you and your home?

Decks

Decks are raised to be at floor level with the home. Because of this, they are great for uneven ground. They are highly customizable with a variety of shapes, designs, and materials at your disposal. While decks have traditionally been made from wood, composite decking boards are becoming increasingly popular. Composite decking does not require regular staining or maintenance, comes with warranties against rot and wear, and is offered in a variety of grain textures and colors. Companies like Azek and Trex offer deck boards in different lines for different budgets, making a composite deck an attractive option for homeowners. Along with decking material, homeowners can also customize their railings. Instead of traditional wood railing, composite decking is matched with vinyl rail systems that can be pure vinyl or include baluster styles made from vinyl or aluminum. Cable railings are also gaining popularity. The latest creation in the decking world is aluminum decking boards by Nexan Building Products. Aluminum deck boards still come in a selection of colors and have the benefits of composite decking, however, boards do not hold heat and therefore are not hot to the touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[The deck above was built by Lundberg Builders,  Inc. and includes Nexan Light gray aluminum decking, Nexan powder coated white aluminum framing, and a Nexan cable rail system with white aluminum posts.]

Patios

In contrast to decks, patios are ground level and therefore do not require railings. They are often less expensive than decks and have a quicker install time. Patios, too, can be customized in a variety of shapes and designs. When choosing materials for a patio, the main decision is on the type of hardscapes used to create the area. Choices include gravel, pavers, concrete, stamped concrete, stone, flagstone, and even wood. Most patios also incorporate landscaping. Patios can be used as an outdoor space that is an extension of the home or can be a standalone space in the yard. Patios are also great for finishing off areas around pools as seen in this picture below. Pavers can connect the pool area to the home, deck, and pool house providing a stunning frame for the inground pool. Porcelain pavers, like selections from Belgard,  are a great choice because they look like real stone but are not hot to the touch.

[Patio courtesy of Lundberg Builders]

Both decks and patios can incorporate added features like outdoor kitchens or fireplaces. Rain and sun cover can be added to through pergolas and roofs. Decks and patios can be custom designed by Lundberg Builders, Inc. to meet your needs and bring your vision to life.

Return on Investment

When creating your outdoor space, it is important to consider the return on the investment you are making. According to HomeAdvisor, decks have a return of investment between 60-80% while patios return of investment is slightly under 50%. Either choice will add some value to your home’s resale value and, most importantly, will add to your quality of life.

If you are thinking of building a deck or installing a patio, contact Lundberg Builders, Inc. so we can begin the design process and get you out enjoying your custom outdoor space.