These real questions are answered by me and US Master Builders after receiving them from readers of my e-book, "Residential Development Made Easy." Question 1.
'Design / Build,' sometimes called 'Design / Construct' is a development process where
contractor (the builder) engages all consultants for project and submits a price for design and construction of project to developer meeting developer’s requirements as far as aesthetics and space requirements.
The builder, if awarded project, goes ahead and builds project without developer having to deal with any consultant. This generally saves developer hassle of going through various tender exercises. Can you elaborate further on this issue please?
Master Builders & Developer's Reply:
Essentially what you have said above is correct, however as with most things in life, there is a "BUT" involved.
"But" - not all builders can provide 'Design / Build services.
Just because a builder can build a house, does not mean he can design one or supervise design of one. Remember, in pecking order of seniority in industry, designer architect usually 'tells' builderwhat to do. 'Design / Build reverses these roles.
Builders are usually practical people - they get things done - and like to complain about fancy ideas of designers. However it is fancy ideas that distinguish your house for one next door and makes it work better and sell better.
Now lets go up a few rungs on builder expertise ladder to Master Builders level. Well as with all human endeavors, there are different levels of expertise.
Design / Build is basically what I do at USA Master Builders.com (formally ProCustomHomes.com) except we have taken process several steps further.
We call our Design / Build teams, "Residential Development Teams." Where we go further than other Master Builders is as follows:
* We do basic market research for you. * We create demand for properties. * We locate buyers. * We provide financing and insurance. * We locate a developer who develops properties in a specific price range we've specified.
Question 2.
Will builder be able to work out a package with me where I provide initial concept and schematic design whist builder provides all working details and specifications to come to an agreed fixed price plus agreed profit?
Master Builders & Developer's Reply:
Depending upon Master Builder you choose they should be able to do this for you. Let me walk you through how we work with developers.
Let's say that you've done your home work.
Know what property you want to build.
Know how much you want to budget for each property. (If not, we can assist)
