So let’s flash back to the beginning…architect interviews.  We talked to a design-build guy with flashy tri-fold fliers, a fancy-pants firm that specialized in restoring historic homes (we were basically laughed out of that office–our home is old, but not really “historic”), a freshly-out-of-architecture-training dreamer babbling about 3d rendering, and a guy with a roll of tracing paper and a drafting ruler.  We went with the tracing paper guy, he was referred to us from a co-worker.  

I am no expert in this. We have hired a sum total of two contractors and 1 architect in our life. I am sure there are lots of discussions online comparing the pros and cons of different options and likely you will (and should) choose an architect that you have a personal referral for, but here are my two cents.

Handling Design Puzzles

Our architect had many years of experience that resulted in good ideas for how to puzzle piece things together within the available footprint.

Budget

We were WAY off on budget estimates. The architect just really couldn’t speculate on cost and unfortunately you can’t really even get a contractor quote until after the building and structural plans are complete. At this point you have already sunk at least 20-30K (if not more!) into the project and it’s more expensive to make changes to reduce budget. A design build firm may have been able to help us understand the budget considerations of building from the beginning–even if there’s not much we could do about it. In our case I don’t think we really had too much choice about where to place the new upstairs room, but we were definitely scrambling for loans once the real estimates started coming in. Unfortunately, once you sign with a design build firm, depending on the terms, you might be stuck with them for the long haul while and architect will sign off the plans to any contractor you choose. This allows you to shop the plans around and get a really feel for the range of costs out there.

Subject Matter Experts

One last argument for using separate designer and contractor is that between building code, planning requirements, and structural components, I would assume it is really hard to be an expert in all aspects of a home remodel. I can appreciate a contractor that really knows his stuff when it comes to accurately following a plan, getting the right materials, and knowing how to talk to inspectors, just as I can appreciate an architect that knows roof angles, site planning restrictions, and optimum layout options like the back of his hand.

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If we were to do it again, I am still not sure what we do. Realistically the best option probably has more to do with how SUPER familiar someone is with the local building codes, permit process, and guidelines. If it’s a simple addition, and budget is a big factor, then design-build might be the way to go.