Seattle is known for its unique blend of modern and historical architecture, with many homes reflecting our city’s rich history. From charming Craftsman bungalows to mid-century modern residences, these aging homes carry a distinct character that newer construction can lack. However, as these homes age, they often require significant updates to meet modern standards of living while preserving their original charm.Â
With over 40 years of experience in the Seattle market, we’re experts at revitalizing these aging homes in the Emerald City. Design-build companies, like ours, play a crucial role in this process by offering an integrated approach that combines design and construction under one roof. This ensures that every renovation respects the original architecture while introducing modern functionality, creating a seamless blend of old and new. Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of working with a Seattle design build firm like CRD for your next remodel.
What Is a Design-Build Firm?
First, let’s define what a design-build firm brings to the table. Essentially, a design-build firm is a company that handles both the design and construction aspects of a project. Unlike traditional methods, where homeowners hire a designer, architect and a separate contractor, a design-build firm offers a single point of contact throughout the entire process for all services needed. Furthermore, a design-build firm can pull from years of experience in order to make the process smoother, more timely and on-budget.
This integrated approach allows for better communication, more cohesive design and fewer surprises during construction. You may find our Comprehensive Guide to Design-Build helpful in learning more about this home remodeling approach, plus learn more about the design-build process.
Design-Build vs. Traditional Construction
In traditional construction, the homeowner hires a designer or architect to create a design plan and then separately contracts with a builder to execute that plan. This can lead to miscommunication, unexpected costs and delays as the two parties coordinate—especially if it’s the homeowner’s first time managing a remodel. With so many moving parts in a remodel, having an expert to help you navigate it all is invaluable.
Remodels can be daunting, but because the entire process is managed under one roof, design-build clients have an experience that is significantly less stressful. By hiring design build services, the approach is streamlined and led by a team of experienced professionals. The end result is a smoother project with a unified vision from start to finish.Â
Advantages of Design-Build in Home Renovation
The design-build approach is especially advantageous for home remodel projects. For example, this method offers faster project completion times, as the design and construction phases overlap. It also tends to be more cost-effective, as the design-build team can identify potential issues early and make adjustments without causing delays. Most importantly, it ensures that the finished product aligns perfectly with the homeowner’s vision. Overall, we’ve found that a streamlined experience brings results that exceed expectations which is the ultimate goal!Â
Benefits of Working with a Design-Build Firm
As we’ve touched on, working with a design-build firm offers numerous benefits, especially when renovating an aging home here in Seattle. Simply put: older homes can be complex. However, with a streamlined process and clear communication, design-build services help to ensure a cohesive vision from start to finish. Additionally, design-build firms often have experience with historical homes, ensuring that renovations respect the home’s original architecture while introducing modern conveniences.
Finding the Right Design-Build Company in Seattle
When searching for a design-build company in Seattle, it’s crucial to look for firms with experience specific to older homes. A portfolio of past projects and strong client testimonials are the best place to start when considering a Seattle design-build company. Here at CRD Design Build, for example, our team has extensive knowledge of transforming aging Seattle homes. Whether it’s a whole home remodel, a kitchen refresh with our Home Services or increasing a home’s footprint with an addition, we’ve got over 40 years of industry expertise and a portfolio of projects to back our experience.
Here are a few questions to ask before hiring a design-build firm for your older Seattle home:
- What experience do you have with revitalizing aging homes in Seattle?
- Can you provide references from clients who have had similar older homes remodel projects completed?
- How do you approach preserving the historical character of an older home while incorporating modern updates?
- What is your estimated timeline and budget for remodeling my aging home?
Design-Build Services for Aging Homes
Home Renovation and Remodeling
In the Seattle market, design-build firms like CRD Design Build are pros at revitalizing aging properties. While we don’t exclusively remodel older homes, our extensive experience in the Emerald City has given us deep expertise in this area. Here’s a quick overview of our process:
- Initial Consultation: The client meets with us to discuss project goals, budget, timeline and key details.
- Design Development: The design team creates preliminary concepts based on the client’s requirements and vision.
- Construction Planning: Detailed plans and schedules are established and necessary permits are secured.
- Construction: The building phase begins, with CRD overseeing all aspects of the construction process.
- Completion and Handover: The project is finalized, thoroughly inspected and officially handed over to the client.
As you can see, we provide comprehensive services that cover everything from the initial design consultation to the final touches of construction. This ensures that every detail aligns with the homeowner’s vision, breathing new life into older homes while preserving their unique character.
Modernizing Outdated Spaces
One of the key benefits of working with a design build company is access to our wealth of knowledge and experience. From the latest appliance technology to updated code requirements, a design-build company can help you seamlessly navigate modernization. For example, many older homes in Seattle have outdated kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces that no longer meet the needs of modern families. We are often hired to reimagine these spaces and incorporate updated design elements and technology while maintaining the home’s historical integrity.
Updating Historical and Vintage Homes
Updating historical homes requires a delicate balance of preserving original features while making the space functional for today’s needs. As experts in the field, we do our best to use our expertise to enhance the beauty of vintage homes without compromising their character. This can manifest in many different ways such as refinishing aging architectural details or choosing finishes that are modern, but complementary to the home’s style.
Expanding Small Homes
Seattle’s older homes are often smaller than newly constructed homes, but a design-build firm can help homeowners maximize their space. Whether through a second-story addition, a basement remodel or a DADU, we can help you create additional living space that blends seamlessly with the original structure of your Seattle home. Plus, our team is up-to-date on all the latest permitting and technical requirements for major projects like an addition, ADU or DADU. We all know a remodel can be stressful, so arming yourself with a team of experts is a surefire way to relieve stress.
In summary, working with a design-build firm like CRD Design Build offers numerous advantages for homeowners looking to revitalize their aging Seattle homes. From streamlined communication to cohesive design, the benefits are clear—and we’d love to chat more about your project!
If you’re considering a renovation for your aging home, now is the perfect time to explore the possibilities that a design-build firm can offer. With the right team, you can transform your home into a space that meets your modern needs while preserving its historical charm. Contact CRD Design Build today to start your journey towards a beautifully revitalized home!
