An addition can add valuable and much-needed space to the home you love. It can be a great way to increase your square footage for a home office, bigger kitchen, or even a guest suite. While deciding to expand your home can be exciting, a lot of homeowners in Ann Arbor worry about juggling the architects, engineers, and contractors needed to make it happen.
A design-build home addition can make this process so much easier. This method streamlines every phase of the project by bringing architects, designers, and builders together onto one unified team. Instead of coordinating multiple companies, homeowners work with a single project manager who handles everything from concept to construction. The home addition process becomes a lot more manageable, so you can design the home you’ve always wanted, without the hassle of moving or leaving the neighborhood you love.
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What Does “Design-Build” Mean?
Design-build is a project delivery method where the same company handles both the design and construction of your home addition. You sign one contract and work with one team throughout the project. This is a different method from the traditional design-bid-build approach, where an architect designs the plans, a contractor bids on them, and a separate builder actually completes the work.
With design-build, one team collaborates on your project. Designers are aware of construction realities, and builders understand the designer’s intent, because they’ve all worked together from the start. Because everyone is working toward the same goals, the process moves more efficiently and has fewer surprises along the way.
How the Design-Build Home Addition Process Works
Every home addition is unique, but the design-build process generally follows a similar path:
- Initial consultation: The team meets with you to understand your goals, challenges, and vision for the new space. This includes discussing budget ranges, architectural style, and project feasibility.
- Conceptual design: Designers create early sketches and layout options that fit your home and lifestyle. Because builders are involved at this stage, they can offer input on structural requirements, material costs, and potential challenges.
- Budget development: You receive a realistic estimate based on the complexity of the design. This step eliminates guesswork and prevents expensive surprises that often come from traditional building models.
- Revisions and final plans: The team refines the design until it meets your expectations. Plans are detailed enough for construction and for obtaining necessary permits.
- Permitting and scheduling: Design-build teams handle all zoning and approvals, which is especially valuable in Ann Arbor’s historic neighborhoods.
- Construction: Once construction begins, the team follows the agreed timeline and maintains open communication about daily progress. Because design and construction teams are aligned, the project stays consistent with the approved plans and selections.
- Final walk-through: You review the completed addition with your project manager so every detail is finished to your expectations.
The full-service approach to home additions reduces delays, improves design accuracy, and produces a cohesive final result that integrates beautifully with the rest of your home.
Why Design Build is Ideal for Home Additions
A design-build home addition offers several advantages, especially for homeowners expanding older or historic homes in Ann Arbor.
Better Communication from Start to Finish
With a single team handling everything, communication is clearer and more focused. You don’t have to act as the go-between for architects and contractors. It reduces your stress and eliminates a lot of miscommunication.
More Accurate Budgeting
Because pricing is developed early with builder input, estimates reflect real construction conditions. Potential issues are identified before final plans are completed, which protects you from unexpected costs.
Faster Timelines and Workflow
Design and construction phases often overlap, which keeps projects moving forward. When adjustments are needed, the team can pivot quickly without waiting for outside approvals.
Better Consistency in Craftsmanship
A design-build team works with a single goal. Details like finishes and architectural features are determined at the start of the project. This works well for historic homes where additions need to blend into the existing structure of the home.
Easily Tailored to Work in Older or Historic Homes
Many homes in Ann Arbor were built decades ago. They need structural and mechanical updates, along with the addition. Design-build contractors understand how to bring homes up to current standards without taking away from their historic charm.
What Types of Additions Work Best With the Design-Build Process?
Design-build is flexible and works well with a wide variety of home addition projects, including:
- Primary suites
- Kitchen or dining expansions
- Second-story additions
- Sunrooms or four-season rooms
- Garage conversions
- Basement expansions
No matter which type of addition you choose, the unified process of a design-build team can make the final space look and feel more cohesive with the rest of your home.
Why MBK Constructors Is a Trusted Design-Build Partner for Home Additions
MBK Constructors has decades of experience designing and building home additions throughout Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities. Our team understands the complexity of expanding older homes and the importance of craftsmanship that respects the original architecture. We guide homeowners through every phase of their home addition with a process that puts your comfort and vision first.
Our design-build method creates a smoother experience with fewer surprises and a result that matches just what you imagined (or even better!). Let our team bring precision, skill, and design to your next project. Contact MBK Constructors today to schedule a design-build consultation.
