As a design+build renovation company specializing in smaller projects with shorter timelines, we understand the challenges of transitioning from a design-only company to a full-service design+build firm. While this transition is a natural progression for many companies, it's not without its hurdles. In this article, we will discuss some of the challenges we faced during this transition and the solutions we found to overcome them.
The first challenge we encountered was the learning curve related to design and actual construction cost. As a design-only company, our focus was primarily on creating beautiful designs for our clients. However, as a design+build company, we had to consider not only the aesthetics of the design but also the actual construction costs of the project. To address this challenge, we invested time and effort in learning about construction materials, labor costs, and other factors that affect the project's cost. This helped us provide accurate estimates to our clients, ensuring that they were satisfied with the final result and the project stayed within budget.
The second challenge was timelines. As a design-only company, we had more flexibility with timelines. However, as a design+build company, we had to manage both the design and construction timelines. To address this challenge, we developed a more organized and efficient project management approach. We worked closely with our clients to ensure that we understood their timelines and managed our resources effectively to meet their needs.
The third challenge that we faced was qualifying clients on the long build process ahead. As a design-only company, our clients were often interested in a single design project, and the relationship ended once the design was complete. However, as a design+build company, our clients were now committing to a long build process. To address this challenge, we educated our clients on what to expect during the build process, including timelines, budgets, and potential challenges. This helped our clients make informed decisions and ensured that they were committed to seeing the project through to completion.
The fourth challenge was managing the blue-collar workers who would be executing the build. To address this challenge, we developed a management style that focused on clear communication, team building, and problem-solving. We created a collaborative work environment that fostered open communication between our design and construction teams, which ensured that the project was executed smoothly and to the client's satisfaction.
In conclusion, transitioning from a design-only company to a full-service design+build firm is not without its challenges. However, by investing time and effort in learning new skills, developing an organized project management approach, educating clients on the build process, and managing blue-collar workers effectively, we were able to overcome these challenges and provide our clients with a comprehensive and complete service.
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