What are the differences between design-build and the design-bid processes?
The basic definition of the design-build process is that one company is responsible for both the design and construction of the project. Clients have one contract and one contact, and no outside designers or external contractors are involved.
In the plan-and-bid method, separate parties come together through a bidding process. The process is fraught with challenges because winning bids are normally the least expensive, which means aggressive contractors build in shortcuts, minimal construction methods, lower quality materials, and costly penalties for change orders to win the bid. This method also requires the homeowner to manage both parties.
How can Canyon Design Build promise my project will be within budget?
Our company is design-oriented and budget-driven. That means we will remodel your home for a mutually agreed-on budget that is set before we start drawing the plans. The budget will include combined figures from the design and contractor teams up front. There is no guesswork on your part.
What is your fee structure based on?
Our experience and approach translate into important cost savings for you. The Canyon Design Build fee structure is transparent. What you see is what you get.
What is the average cost of your midrange remodel?
Typically, our remodels range from $25,000 to $450,000 and normally take from 30 to 120 days. Since we do all sorts of work, each project is different. Please Contact us to speak with a design-build professional about your project.
What does remodeling green mean?
To us, it means future-proofing your remodeling investment while collectively making a choice towards conservation and energy efficiency. Green homes, products, and materials use less energy, water, and natural resources; create less waste; and are more durable and comfortable for occupants. A simple way to getting started is to remodel using more energy-efficient windows, which will save on your energy bill.
Two of our highest profile green remodeling projects include The Moraga Barn and “The Greenest Little House in America” (Metropolitan Home, April 2009).
What is green washing?
Green washing is disinformation published by a company to present an environmentally responsible public image. Many design-build companies state they are experts in sustainability or green solutions on their websites.
Canyon Design Build is not one of those companies. In recent years we’ve had more than 50 employees go through the Build-It-Green, Green Building certification course. Canyon Construction and Canyon Design Build have LEED-accredited professionals on staff, including Senior Designer Veronika Rathert. Veronika is credited for her work on an Oakland bungalow remodel that’s been heralded as the greenest home in America (Metropolitan Home, April 2009) and received the highest LEED for Homes rating in the country for 2009.
What is LEED for homes?
Perhaps the most encouraging trends of this last decade are the widespread acceptance of new and green building technologies and the pervasive use of a common environmental standard (LEED) to judge sustainability. Specifically, LEED for Homes is a rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes. Green homes use less energy, water, and natural resources; create less waste; and are more durable and comfortable for occupants. Appraisers agree that “green in means green out,” which means people will pay more to purchase or rent a LEED-rated home.
