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ARDO Contracting, Inc.
"We build satisfaction."
Q: Well then, what is "design-build"?
A: Simply put, "design-build' refers to combining architectural design services and construction under one roof, with both entities working as one team, for one fee structure.
This allows the architectural design to be done using the clients budget, and the contractors accurate estimating. Then, the team can file for building permits and commence construction even while final decisions and selections are still being made. This allows the processes of design, estimating, specification writing, permit application, and initial construction to proceed MUCH more swiftly than when using conventional architect - builder timelines. It saves time and money, and maximizes efficient design and accurate cost analysis.
Q: Why should I work with ARDO's Design-Build Division as opposed to other DB remodelers?
A: Other remodeling companies typically offer "design" through some employee, who is really a salesman or an estimator, and not a trained architect. ARDO is one of the few Maryland companies with a licensed architect as a full-time staff member. There simply is no comparison between architectural services from a licensed architect skilled in remodeling, and unlicensed, untrained employees of other companies.
Q: Won't I pay more to use ARDO's Architect, than going to other companies without an architect?
A: NO! Jim Molinelli, ARDO's staff architect, does remodeling sales and estimating for our Design-Build Division. As such, he holds down a traditional position that exists in every remodeling company. So his presence adds no additional cost.
ARDO's construction costs are the same as any high-quality, professional remodeling company that excels at $100,000+ architect-designed projects. The big difference is that ARDO's services come to you without the architectural fees added on! We actually save you time AND money!
Q: Can I go to an independent architect to have my project designed, and then have ARDO and others 'bid' on my project?
A: Sure. But be prepared to spend a lot more total money. Why? Because in addition to your project cost, you must then pay the architectural fees. These fees can often run between $3,000 and $20,000 for residential remodeling work. Most clients don't have a budget large enough to allow for those additional fees.
Also, architects are usually not very good remodeling estimators. Often the projects they design come back from bids costing between 20% to 50% more than the initial project budget. That cost difference will cripple most projects.
You will spend thousands of dollars less with ARDO's Design-Build Division, and get a unique, creative solution that meets your needs AND your budget.
Q: Do some other design-build companies use real architects to design client projects? How?
A: Occasionally. A few firms 'partner' with outside architects. In those cases you must still pay separate fees for the architectural design. Such fees often run from $1500 to $10,000, and they are payable before you get any services, see a single sketch, or hear any estimated costs.
Since the architect is not an employee of the remodeling company, you pay directly for their fees, and then pay the full cost of the remodeler as well. This is not design-build service at all, it's separate architecture and separate construction.
ARDO's Design-Build Division not only offers true DB services, but it is better, faster, and less expensive than these so-called DB companies.
Q: Do the outside architects of the false-DB companies continue to work on my project throughout construction, offering supervision?
A: No. Not unless you pay them for that service. Typically the outside architect is only for the design phase of the work. So you work only with the remodeler after the permit drawings are filed, unless you pay extra fees to keep the architect involved.
So, in this format, you actually fail to get the real benefits of true design-build:
Q: How do you "get bids" from Design-Build companies?
A: You don't. The only way to ever get meaningful "bids" is when several remodelers submit fixed prices (bids) on exactly the same project drawings and specifications. This usually happens only with independent architect designs with complete specifications and selections. Otherwise everyone offers prices based on a myriad of assumptions and variables rendering the 'costs' you receive of little value for comparison and selection purposes.
Q: How should I select a Design-Build remodeling company?
A: You simply select one based on their reputation, their past success, their staff architect, and your impressions after interviewing them. Then you work WITH the selected design-build firm as PARTNERS using:
ARDO Contracting * (410) 290-9899 * MHIC License #19789
