Design Build VS General Contractor
Which one is best for the homeowner?
It is no secret that working with a contractor can be excruciatingly stressful and costly because they increase the price once the project starts, make a mess of your house, don't return phone calls, lack communication skills, along with taking weeks if not months longer than what they said they would.
In the United States, 79% of homeowners agree that having lower risks is the primary reason they chose to work with a Design-Build company.
What is the Design-Build Construction Model?
Homeowners have much more power and control over things in the design-build process. Some contractors don’t like it, but we know it is the best business model for the homeowner.
A regular general contractor will spend 30-60 minutes in your home and then base that short amount of time on your remodel proposal. This is why remodeling companies are notorious for drastically increasing the price on you once the project starts.
With the Design-Build construction model, you pay the company to develop the scope of work for the project, while adhering to your budget, creating the designs and spec book, along with all of the planning upfront.
We do an in-home evaluation and provide a proposal before the homeowner decides if they want to do the package.
Essentially, we put everything on paper before swinging hammers. This feasibility, planning, & design process usually takes 4-8 weeks depending on how many rooms are being remodeled and how extensive the remodel is.
You own the entire design, planning and scope of work package. So you can use it with any remodel company you'd like.
If you choose to use Phoenix Home Remodeling for the construction, the retainer is proactively applied to your remodel costs.
Why Design-Build & How It Helps Homeowners
The Design-Build system reduces risks by combining design and construction quality, cost, and scheduling into a single point of liability. Unlike the General Contractor method, you might be facing problems such as inaccurate estimates, project disputes, design changes, etc. The responsibility for those situations gets put on the homeowner, which is not ideal.
Since the design & construction services are delivered under a single remodel company, Design-Build services reduce risks and management requirements.
Ultimately, this means a Design-Build project is typically higher quality, lower cost, and completed on schedule.
Something to consider...
When you are looking to spend tens of thousands of dollars, having to commit all of that with a construction contract right off the bat is risky.
This is the riskiest industry, and you are paying a lot of money upfront for nothing tangible at first. You don’t know exactly what you are buying. With design build, you pay for the feasibility, planning, and designs.
Then you decide if you want to work with that same company or take the entire ready-to-go package to another contractor.
You own the entire package.
Lets say a pandemic hits… you can hit pause at end of design package and hold off on the construction.
Remodeling is already so hard as it is regardless of how organized, caring, and process driven the company is.
When we are making decisions on the go, many issues can arise that could be avoided through feasibility assessments, planning, design renders, and picking selections.
Imagine that you don’t have the feasibility assessment along with the designing and planning in the beginning and you are several weeks into construction and the company comes back and tells you - we can’t do what you wanted.
Well thats very disappointing. Or worse, they say yeah we can do it but its going to be another $8k.
You can avoid those bad surprises with the design build process.
We DO NOT Underbid Like Some Phoenix Contractors
We feel obligated to do this so we know the price we are providing is right.
This way you know that the price is legitimate and is not a bait & switch situation which is unfortunately common in this industry.
You could be an attorney and yell at or threaten the contractor all you want, but if you don’t pay them the extra amount you are often in breach of contract and they can walk off your job or put a lien on your house.
We do the design-build business model where you pay us for the feasibility, planning, & design package first. Once everything has been planned out and all design items have been chosen, we can provide the actual price so you don’t have a bad surprise later on.
This process is great because you can make adjustments so you can balance your wallet with your wishlist before you get to the construction phase.
You then choose if you want to work with us for the construction phase so it gives the homeowner much more control. This process also makes sure we are a good fit for one another before doing the construction phase.
Homeowner Benefits Of The Design-Build Model
Minimize Homeowner Risk
Accurate & Controlled Budget
Communication & Transparency
Saving Money / Lower Cost
Faster Project Completion
Detailed scope of work & pricing
Accountability and continuity
Single-Source Management / Teamwork / Shared Goals
Experienced Guide with specialized expertise
Higher Quality
Project Management Help
Process
Would You Prefer Design Build VS General Contractor?
Here is a quick way to compare the Design Build Remodel Company versus a General Contractor
Design Build Company
VS
General Contractor
Thoughts on Design-Build
Here is a question to consider...
“If we don’t design it, how can we price it? ”
If your space isn't designed up front, how could you possibly get a correct price from the remodel? If that part of the planning isn't done, think of all the issues that will come up as the project starts.
"How much can a 30-60 min visit at your home do to get all of your needs, ensure everything is functionally planned, and priced correctly? "
How Much Does The Design Build Package Cost?
Design-build remodel companies have 3 different ways they charge for the Feasibility, Planning, & Design Package:
- The first one is a flat rate of around $1,000 - $6,000 per room being remodeled.
- The second one is to charge 5% - 10% of the total project cost.
- The third one is to charge an hourly rate usually between $100 - $250/hr.
We charge $1,500 per full room remodeled for the Feasibility, Planning, & Design package.
We can often offer multi-project discounts. Small projects like a 1/2 bathroom can often be considered a partial project at a reduced amount. We do not charge this package for projects not needing a design phase such as flooring or painting.
This per-room pricing model allows homeowners to know the exact price while not having any conflict of interest with the other options such as an hourly or percentage based retainer.
We do an in-home evaluation and provide a written proposal before the homeowner decides if they want to do the feasibility, planning, & design phase.
The Feasibility, Planning, and Design Retainer is proactively credited towards your remodel costs on the proposal when you move forward with Phx Home Remodeling for the construction phase to simplify the math and transparency.
If you are interested in our Feasibility, Planning, & Design Package, you can purchase it here:
If you have questions you want to discuss over the phone, or haven't had to a chance to see if we are a good fit for each other, see our good fit page with the button below:
What Do I Get With The Design-Build Feasibility, Planning, & Design Retainer Package?
Design consultations with our Certified Designer
You be able to discuss your design tastes (even if you aren't sure what they are we help you discover them) and our designer will help with all aspects of the design, space planning and layout.
This eliminates any surprises that can normally happen with a remodel.
Expert advice from the design & functionality standpoints
While design is very important, so is the functionality, which is often missed with certain types of designers.
We will help ensure the functionality of the space(s) is well thought out and you love using it.
We help you solve the issues you have with your space.
Design renderings so you know what your remodel will look like
The design renderings will show any changes to the layout or structure of your space(s).
You'll be able to see the actual selection items you have chosen such as cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, paint and other items in color.
This ensures you get the look exactly as you want it before you start construction.
Get a budget estimation so you know what it will cost and adjust accordingly
One of the biggest complaints consumers make against contractors is having them increase the price after the project starts.
One of the reasons for this is because the design and scope of work aren't planned out ahead of time.
This package ensures everything is thought through, designed and prepared for when you are ready to remodel.
Scope of work with details on what needs to be remodeled and what is covered
Another reason contractors have the 2nd most complaints in the US is because items are missed and the contractor has to drastically increase the price on you.
We will provide a detailed scope of work that ensures everything is included and there is no big surprises later on.
This way you also know what construction elements are involved during your remodel.
Design selection items along with allowances for each item
From our years of experience we have noticed picking selection design items can be intimidating for many homeowners.
This eliminates that stress and makes it a fun process for homeowners!
It also ensures your designer helps you pick items that go well together and you know the total price for all design selection items so there are no bad surprises.
Homeowners can actually enjoy the remodel with this process & package.

Everything you need for design and construction
Design Renders, Scope of Work and Help Choosing Selection items
Takeaways
We do an in-home evaluation and provide a proposal before the homeowner decides if they want to do the package.
You own the entire design, planning and scope of work package. So you can use it with any remodel company you'd like.
If you choose to use Phoenix Home Remodeling for the construction, the retainer is applied to your remodel costs.
When you work with us, your remodel project is going to be so well thought out and detailed which will keep us on budget and keep us on schedule.
When a contractor does the demo and tears up your space, it going to be a major inconvenience and we don’t want this project to drag on for 4-8 weeks longer due to not having things planned, all design items chosen, and all materials on site ready to go.
If you are interested in our Feasibility, Planning, & Design Package, you can purchase it here:
If you have questions you want to discuss over the phone, or haven't had to a chance to see if we are a good fit for each other, check out the page with the button below:
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
"Easy to work with this team. I've worked with many contractors over the years and I must say this is the first time I've ever really been impressed.
They showed up daily on time, worked hard the whole time they were there, listened to what we wanted, did an awesome job, completed on time as promised, fairly priced and cleaned up their job site daily.
Would definitely recommend and will use them again if needed. Thanks to Jeremy for reaching out to my request, and thanks to Mark and Ben for helping us create our dream shower!!"
Dawn | 2018
"I recently had Phoenix Home Remodeling complete renovations in both my master, (2) guest bathrooms, kitchen, and entertainment wall in my home. I can’t tell you how happy I am with the results!!
The process they set in place and communication on a daily basis made the entire project so much easier than expected.
The use of BuilderTrend software helped to keep me on budget and communication between the team and myself seamless. The team of employees were amazing to work with; especially given this was my first time remodeling a home.
The work and amount of care for my home, lifestyle (we lived in the house during the construction), and quality of work was evident from day one until completion. I would highly recommend this company to anyone who is in need of a home project or upgrades.
I am pleased beyond measure with my newly updated home and cannot thank Phoenix Home Remodeling enough for their time, effort, and personalization they put into making this project well worth the investment. Thank you PHR!!"
Julie | 2020
As a commercial contractor my experience with residential contractors has been less than stellar so I am generally jaded towards them. These folks are not like residential contractors.
These guys have a good business model in my opinion and do excellent work!
On time, reasonably priced, and quality installation.
Our first remodel and largest expense outside of the home or auto purchase and they made it as easy as possible for us. If you can wait for this team to do your remodel you will not be sorry.
Colin | 2019
"We recently used Phoenix Home Remodeling to remodel our early 2000’s Kitchen.
The process was very easy and we enjoyed getting to know the team that came to do the work!
We appreciated the straightforward approach to the overall plan, expectations, timing, and cost.
This is a local to Ahwatukee company which was very reassuring that these folks not only work but live in this community with their name on the line.
Communication was seamless and the work was exactly what we wanted! We will definitely use them again for future work and highly recommend them.
Thanks for a great experience, and fantastic results!"
Maggie | 2021
Schedule Your Phone Consultation
By scheduling the phone consultation, it ensures everyone gets a call back at an exact time that works for both parties.
Our Admin Manager will review your remodel needs, provide advice, answer your questions, and provide a price estimate. If it s a good fit at the end of the call, we schedule the in-home evaluation and then provide a written proposal.