While this may seem like the more expensive route, it can actually be the most predictable and cost-effective. “A lot of designers don’t know how to listen to homeowners,” says Gary Marrokal, owner of Marrokal Design & Remodeling. A full-service design remodeling company helps homeowners understand exactly what they are getting—from start to finish—which avoids common industry problems that often occur when an architect drafts the design plans and then a builder is brought in later.
Frequently, when homeowners turn to architects, the plans are over-built and too costly to be developed. When you use a full-service design-and-remodel company, the budget for the design and construction are taken into consideration.
“It’s like if you and I go to the store and we don’t know the budget and I load up a bag with expensive steaks, chips, soda, and a lot of other items without realizing the real cost of the food. Then when we get to the counter, we’re way over budget. The bag gets blown out because we can’t afford it,” says Marrokal.
“In a full-service company, you will understand your design and how it’s going to be when it’s complete,” he says.