What is Design-Build and Why Do I Need it For My Project?

Your family has been talking about doing something to the backyard. For a lot of families that discussion has been going on for way, too long. But this is the year you’re actually going to do it, right? But what to do…exactly? 

Like a lot of families, you may only have a vague idea and a rough budget, but you also have this feeling inside of you that, once you see it, you’ll know whether it’s ‘the one’. Somehow, some way, you’ve got to take that vague feeling inside your brain and transfer it into the reality of your family’s backyard paradise. 

And it’s important because you and your family plan to really enjoy it, to practically live out there as much as is practical, for the next twenty-plus years, and for the generations after that. 

It’s a big deal, you’ve got to get it right, and you’re now realizing that you need some professional help if it’s ever going to happen. Might be hard to believe, but to end up with the ultimate backyard, you need help from a visionary, someone who can express your family’s story so well that your clan, along with everyone who visits, will immediately ‘get it’ when they see your place. That’s what you want—right?

So…where do you look to find this storyteller, this transformer of a mundane space into a magical and wonderful one? But we need a storyteller who also has a practical side, someone who can not only work well with others, but work well with budgets, and city inspectors, teams of tradesmen and subcontractors, public utilities. Oh…and also possesses a huge knowledge of engineering and architecture and real estate smarts. Whew!

That’s a lot to ask but, if you could find that in one person or company, it would be really great, and would certainly be valuable, wouldn’t it? The good news is that the solution to your dilemma—the storyteller--not only exists but is more than willing to help with both the creative and all the ‘heavy lifting’ of construction. Congratulations, you have just read the job description of a design-build firm!

And--get this: in most cases, hiring that company darn near pays for itself. Such is the value received when you hire the right design-build company.

We are Josh Landscape Company, a design-build firm serving Rochester, NY, and Finger Lakes for over 20 years, so we do know something about design-build, and trust that you find value in the information we are providing for you. For your peace of mind, we know you’ll want to perform your own due diligence. We’d love to be your design-build firm—your storyteller--and help you create the family memories you want to make in transforming your backyard. 

Just know that we are as close as your phone: (585) 582-1212, and we’d be delighted to meet with your family, see the property and provide a free consultation along with a ton of ideas for you to consider. If you prefer, drop us a quick email, at office@joshlandscape.com. At the very least, we can begin with phone calls, texts, or emails. We are as accommodating as they come! Now…let’s consider a few questions you might already have.

Why Hire a Design-Build Contractor?

Let’s take a look at the practical reasons to hire a professional landscape designer-builder for your project. There are multiple advantages of a design-build process, such as these.

1. At its simplest, it provides a process which is easily understood, and it just makes sense.

2. Often times it can provide the lowest overall construction price for the combination of both design and construction.

3. Instant communication. Because the designer and the builder are one entity, there is no loss of time in transmitting ideas and information, which is very helpful in overcoming any obstacles.

4. Also implied in this is the fact that, by definition, there is a unified vision. If a design-build company is in charge of a project, then it is one entity with the goal of creating the best possible project. It’s built-in!

5. Also built-in is accountability. No finger-pointing!

6. You get one entity with absolute expertise in the two main areas of concern: project design and construction.

7. If and when needed or recognized, customization is infinitely easier. As the homeowner, there is no need to make your case with either the design or build team and then have to also go and convince the other side that the change makes sense. 

What is Design-Build?

Likely, everyone has either heard of the term or is at least somewhat familiar with the concept  But how common is it? The short answer is: “VERY!”

Design-build has been around for hundreds of years. The very first building projects were constructed this way because construction companies didn’t exist! The king had someone who put together a design and then built the thing with a huge ‘public works’ project. That’s how it was done. It wasn’t codified until 1993 when it became officially known as “design-build”. Often time, the largest projects were built this way, with one contract between the project’s owner and the design-builder. Smaller projects work equally well this way.

Designing and Building a Beautiful Backyard

You might ask yourself the question, “What is possible?” and “What’s really popular in the greater Rochester area, which also adds value to homes?” In two words: OUTDOOR STRUCTURES. In no particular order, these are some tips and topics, and thoughts for you, especially with respect to your outdoor areas.

1. Pool houses and pool cabanas. If you have a pool, you’ve probably considered one or the other. We’ve built plenty of them. We can help.

2. Your neighbors love (and you’ll love) adding a deck, maybe even a covered deck. Ever thought about that?

3. What do you think about having a pergola or pavilion as a focal point in your yard?

4. Or, maybe you’re a chef or grill master, and the idea of a backyard kitchen is your thing. Well…they are our things, too! We’d love to help you get cooking on that idea.

5. Does a covered patio make more sense? Here’s a pro tip: don’t try this as a DIY project! There are permits and inspections involved, and it is an art form to do it right!

6. Planning for a pool. Got a pool in the works? JLC is an expert at working with and coordinating our portion of the work with pool companies. We know how to get in and get out, and to stay out of the way of other trades, all of which will help your project to flow…and get finished!

7. Front yards, too. We can help with the planning and work for a front landscape renovation, which would really help the curb appeal of your home. 

At JLC, it all begins with a phone call or an email. Call us at (585) 582-1212, and we’d be delighted to meet with your family, see the property and provide a free consultation and a ton of ideas for you to consider. If you prefer, drop us a quick email, at office@joshlandscape.com.

At the very least, we can begin with phone calls, texts, or emails. We are as accommodating as design-build companies come! Let’s work together and truly ‘Make Coming Home a Vacation’ and not just a dream.