Kevin Kolb overseeing construction at the new custom residence at Four Mile Lake in Chelsea, MI

The Benefits of Residential Design-Build

Although we offer a range of design services, we have found that we can best provide value to our clients through the design-build process. And we believe that it is unique to find a contractor who designs, and a designer who is also a builder. In this way we offer a unique perspective and a fresh, all-inclusive approach to our clients who are interested in achieving a quality result.

Design build simply means that we manage both the design and building aspects of the project - Instead of the traditional format which separates the designer and builder, with one side concerned mainly with aesthetic aspects and the other concerned with costs, design build fuses the two and helps create the highest-quality result for the investment. 

This means that even with a traditional designer/builder contract, our designs come in at or under budget far more consistently that many other firms - if for the simple fact that we have built so many homes in the past, we know exactly what to expect and exactly what it will cost - keeping owners from being surprised with ‘unexpected’ costs or change-orders once a project is underway. 

However, design-build is an advanced approach which should only be practiced by firms well versed in all aspects of the project - however when done correctly can combine accurate estimating experience, construction management, and a keen eye for design all come together to give the best result possible. That’s why we say we’re not only Architects and Designers, but we are Masters of the entire Building process - from first meeting to final completion.

The value to the customer is immediately apparent in a number of ways:

1. By being involved in the construction process directly, your project will benefit from having an experienced eye constantly watching as the parts of your home come together. The thousand disparate parts that must be assembled are sure to form a more cohesive unit.
2. Savings are passed on to the customer. By bringing the process under one roof we are able to reduce the coordination of details that typically requires countless jobsite meetings, drawing reviews, and phone calls - coordination which costs time and money, which is eventually paid by the customer. Additionally, we are able to virtually eliminate any possibility of any incorrect orders - eliminating costly waste.
3. You can relax knowing that your project is in good hands. Over the years we’ve assembled a team of sub-contractors who know our details, quality requirements, best practices, and who are reliable and respectful - men whose work exhibits the same level of quality as we demand of ourselves
4. There are many contract options available. Cost-plus, Firm-bid, and Professional-fee.
5. As builder, we approach your project with a professional attitude. As put by one of our past clients, “any other builder would have taken the past of least resistance and cheapened the construction details - but not BONA & KOLB - they were dedicated to the project from the outset and chose details that were elegant and beautiful.”

To schedule your complimentary appointment or to speak to us in person, call our office directly at (724) 426-6300 or drop us a line here.