This kind of remodeling is probably the most profitable and also the most challenging. I’ll go over some of the advantages of Design-Then-Build (DTB) to help you assess if this is the right niche for you.

A design and build company is a company that offers a one-stop shop, as it can guide the customer from the initial concept to the final product. It will help the client to evaluate and plan the project before building, and provide a roadmap to guide them from the initial concept to the end of the project. Generally, this type of contractor will perform larger jobs that require some type of design. Kitchens, baths, master suites, home theaters, basements, attics, additions, and whole-home renovations make up the bulk of this niche. DTB can be a highly profitable niche, as you can reap the benefits of product design, selection and consultation, material purchasing, and actual project construction. When a client hires you to design the project, they are pretty sure they will get the job because they have already invested time and money in you. (I keep the design and build contracts separate). You will also keep control over all the work, which I think is of the utmost importance. In addition to what I mentioned in the General Remodelers article, here are some of the services that you can offer to your clients if you are a design and build company.

Project Concept Development – During this phase you will gather all the client’s ideas, images and sketches and begin to formulate the concept drawings. You must first listen to the client’s dreams and ideas, see if the basic project is feasible, and then, without going any further, give a rough estimate of the project. Learn how to do this and it will save you weeks and even months of wasted time. A large portion of the general population still thinks that a kitchen with fine cabinets, built-in appliances, and granite countertops can be built for $ 15,000. Well, you can’t. And if that’s your budget, it’s time to say it was a pleasure meeting you and getting back to the office. Develop the overhead costs for each type of project and use those figures as a benchmark to get started (or not). Over time, you will refine your figures as you have more and more historical data. Once you’ve gotten at least a vague idea that they can afford the project, the next step is to let them know how much your design work will cost. With these two items on the table, they can now make the decision to go ahead with the design.

Product selection: In most cases, you cannot complete a design without selecting most of the products. Emphasize this to the customer. With most of the selected products, you will be way ahead when the project begins. I use product selection as another profit center, charged one hour after the design fee is met or integrated into the design retainer.

Building the project: You might think that there is no difference between a DTB building a project and a general remodeler. The main difference is that you have had time to study and prepare for this project since its inception. You already know the customers well and you already have their trust. You know which products they have selected and you have put together a purchasing schedule so that work goes smoothly on schedule. This creates a great advantage for you. You will be able to schedule and build the project in the most efficient way, which can only mean more profit.

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