Why Work with an Affiliated Design-Build Firm In Portland, Maine?
Benchmark Real Estate has had a long-standing relationship with local Design-Build firm Cornerstone Build & Restore. We’ve worked with this firm to help many clients achieve their real estate development and investment goals. But why a design-build firm specifically? There are many reasons to work with a local design-build firm; we’ll explore several in this blog.
What Is a Design-Build Firm?
A design-build firm is a team of craftspeople, suppliers, artists, and designers working together to complete a real estate project. When you choose a design-build firm, both the design and construction teams are part of the same company, meaning you collaborate with the same people from start to finish.
Design-build firms are ideal for mid to large-scale projects, from kitchen remodels to office buildings, where a detailed design matters in the final build. The most significant advantage of working with a design-build firm is how the design and construction teams work together, and you don't have to juggle different contractors.
Some design-build firms operate like general contractors and have their construction teams skilled in everything from framing to finishing, while some only subcontract specialized trades like electrical and plumbing.
The Benefits of Choosing a Design-Build Firm in Portland, Maine: Simplify The Process
One of the primary reasons people choose to work with a design-build firm is that it simplifies the process and makes things easier for the client. Instead of entering a separate contract with a construction and design firm, every aspect of the project is handled under one roof.
Instead of juggling multiple contacts, you have one reliable team who is on the same page overseeing everything. Keeping all aspects of the project with one team can also prevent communication breakdowns that can lead to costly errors. This not only saves you time and money but also reduces your stress.
Partnering With One Team Saves Time & Money
Time is money in real estate, and established design-build firms excel in delivering projects on time and within budget. Studies show that projects completed through the design-build approach are often 33% faster than those using traditional project delivery and can reduce project costs by 6-10 percent. With one entity overseeing the entire project, you get accurate estimates, timelines, and budgets and are better able to track expenses.
Better Communication
What often happens when you have multiple companies handling design and construction? Poor communication. Whether it concerns scheduling, contractors understanding their scope of work, or your wishes being honored, tensions can arise. When you hire an established company, they prioritize clear and honest communication, ensuring you're always in the loop.
Because they take on a limited number of clients, they can give you the attention you deserve and address any concerns promptly. Since they’re local, they can check in with vendors, stay aware of any issues, and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes so you can focus on the fun stuff.
Keep Your Project Local
When you shop locally, your money stays in the community. The same goes for home builders. Local builders invest, hire, and operate within the area, keeping jobs local. They're usually part of the community, supporting local businesses and services. By choosing a local builder, you help keep money and jobs in the community, contributing to its growth and well-being.
Using a local, experienced builder also benefits you! When you work with a local team, you're tapping into their network of trusted contractors and suppliers in the area. This saves time from the beginning and ensures quicker troubleshooting and access to resources. For example, if building materials are on backorder or there is another issue, they have the connections to find another supplier and get the problem solved quickly.
Flexibility and Customization
The ability to customize a build is usually one of the main reasons why people choose a design-build firm. Unlike remote/national designers or builders, they can better capture your design ideas and make sure they suit your needs and preferences.
Quality Control
Because their name, reputation, and community trust are on the line, locally established design-build firms take pride in producing reliable, quality work. By using a single contractor for both design and construction, you also eliminate the blame game that often accompanies issues. Instead, you can trust that your project is in the hands of a team dedicated to delivering top-notch results consistently.
Ready to Design & Build Your Dream Project?
Are you ready to make your real estate dreams a reality? Meet Benchmark Real Estate's sister company, CornerStone Building & Restoration, founded by Tom Landry. CornerStone is a full-service design, building, restoration, and renovation company in Portland, Maine, with a reputation for excellence in the industry. From new construction to renovations and remodels, we’ve worked on various projects throughout Maine and have the skills and experience to bring your vision to life. Get in touch with us, and let's do something unique together.
