When it comes to home remodeling, nothing sours the experience more than unexpected price increases during construction. These unforeseen costs are often the cause of stress and even legal disputes. The good news is that with some smart adjustments in how you choose your builder or remodeler and structure your agreement, most homeowners can avoid this all-too-common pitfall. In this blog, we’ll explain how you can steer clear of the "price trap" by understanding different agr

In the world of construction, the choice between design-build and traditional architect-led processes is a critical decision for homeowners. The design-build method has been gaining popularity, especially in places like Ann Arbor, where residents increasingly opt for a streamlined approach to home construction projects. In this blog post, we will delve into the advantages of residential design-build construction, exploring why it's considered a better way to build and address

Are you considering an interior remodeling project for your home? You might be wondering whether you should hire a design build firm or take on the job yourself. We're going to give you some primary reasons why it's better to hire an interior remodeling professional for your next remodeling project. Safety One of the most important reasons to hire one of the design build firms in your area for your remodeling project is safety. Home renovation projects can be dangerous, and i

Whole home remodeling is an extensive process where your home's entire structure can be open to improvements and changes. If your house is in good shape, you should remodel it every 15 to 20 years. If your house is reaching its remodel age, it would be helpful to go over some essential tips for your home remodeling project. Book as Early as Possible Spring and autumn are busy seasons for home remodeling services. The earlier in the winter you know you will be remodeling, and

If you look around your home, there’s probably a laundry list of upgrades you’d love to make. A remodeled kitchen might be first on the list, followed by upgraded bathrooms, but updating the bedrooms would be nice as would a new family-friendly laundry space and convenient pantry redesign. As you can see, the list can go on and on. For some families, a whole home remodel is the route they want to take. However, that’s not the only option when it comes to renovating an entire

Do you know what the 5Ws are that good design-build remodeling contractors follow? Design-build remodeling contractors that follow the 5Ws provide exceptional services because they focus on the client. According to HIRI, the home improvement industry is booming and is now worth around $220 billion, so many homeowners could benefit from understanding the 5Ws. Here's what you need to know. 1. Who The first W in the 5Ws is for "Who." As in, "Who" is seeking out the services. Des

If you’re considering a remodel in Ann Arbor, Michigan, you may have encountered different types of construction approaches during your research. “What’s the difference between Design + Build and Design + Bid + Build?” is a common question many homeowners ask. Luckily, there’s a simple answer to explain these two different approaches to home remodels. Let’s look at how each different arrangement plays out for a common home remodel or addition. What is Design + Build? Wonderin

The kitchen remodeling process is an important one because it can improve your home's style and functionality and boost its overall value. For example, adding an island is a very important step. If you plan to add an island during your next kitchen remodeling project, here are four things you'll need to know. 1. Consider the Purpose Your island is much more than just a decorative addition to your kitchen. As a result, it's important to know exactly why you want one in your ho

Many growing families find themselves running out of space in their homes. Moving is a hassle, so adding an addition is a great solution for many homeowners. A second floor addition adds space to the home, especially when the yard size doesn't allow for an outward expansion. If you are considering this improvement, you must hire a reputable contractor for the addition of a second floor. But how do you go about finding such a contractor? Here are some tips to help you out. Res

Our team has the opportunity to transform so many spaces each year, but the projects we get most excited about are the ones where we are able to give back to our community in a special way. When we met Bob Kurtz, we had a feeling he would understand: After giving 20 years of his life to military service in the U.S. Air Force, this Ann Arbor native has turned his efforts to supporting other local veterans in need through various organizations, including the Veteran Resource Ce

Considering remodeling your Ann Arbor home? You may be wondering what the process looks like. In this blog, you’ll learn what to expect, the steps involved, and important tips & tricks before embarking on a remodel with a design build firm like Forward Design Build Remodel. Read on to get ready for your remodeling adventure! Before Building A large portion of our design build process takes place before construction starts. Here, we take the time to really get to know our clie

When a remodeling company is adding a structure to your home, all workers must take every precaution to ensure everyone stays safe. Here are some safety guidelines the right design-build remodeling company will observe during the construction process. Keep Sharp Objects Away Sharp objects like screws, nails, and bolts can hurt anyone who walks on them barefoot, so it's important to be observant of where they're stored when building work is in progress. Home remodeling injurie

When remodeling your Ann Arbor home, you’ll have two options to move forward: you can either bid out and hire individual contractors to complete your project, (an architect, carpenter, electrician, plumber, and more) or you can hire a design build firm that has curated all the professionals you’ll need to take you from idea to design to construction. Either option can get you your dream home, but there are some clear advantages to going with a quality design build firm. Here

Welcome back to the Forward Project Lifecycle Series! The last blog in this series explored how to know if remodeling is right for you and how Forward Design Build Remodel can meet all of your project needs. Now it’s time to dive into each phase of our design process and view examples of our latest Ann Arbor area remodeling projects. Step 1: Concept Using your list of priorities, goals, and dreams as a guide, your designer will begin by providing you with solutions that will

According to HomeAdvisor's Home Spending Report, the average amount spent by US households increased to more than $13,000 in 2020, translating to a $4,000 increase year-over-year. If you're like most people, you too have allocated space in your household budget for household services, such as hiring a home addition contractor. In that case, here's what you need to do to find the best home addition contractor. Consider What the Contractor Specializes In If you have a home addi

It’s no secret that Americans love to renovate their homes. In fact, home remodeling searches have more than doubled from 2020 to 2021 according to Kitchen Infinity. Many homeowners wonder what the best time of the year is for design build remodeling but starting remodels in the summer offers many benefits. Here's why summer is the best time to start a design-build remodeling project. 1. The Weather Is Ideal Remodeling can be a dusty and messy process, so it’s best to avoid s

When it comes time for homeowners to invest in a remodeling project, the interior of their home is often a top priority. After all, the interior is what we see and interact with on a daily basis. According to Statista, the total amount spent on home improvement in 2019 was $407 billion. Here are three reasons why homeowners may invest in a design-build remodeling firm. 1. Updating Your Home's Style Over time, your taste in style may change. Maybe you originally loved the farm

According to HIRI, the home improvement sector is worth $220 billion each year. Many individuals are intimidated by the prospect of renovating their house. They don't know where to begin or what they need to do to achieve the appearance that they desire. This is when professional design-build remodeling comes into the picture. Here are some ways that they can help you achieve the home of your dreams. 1. Add Value to Your Home A design-build remodeler can help you breathe new

Few people know how difficult it is to build until they are faced with a complexity of design possibilities, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and other issues. According to the Better Business Bureau, 76% of American households have completed at least one home renovation project since the COVID-19 pandemic began. With so much building going on and many of the aspects involved, you'll want to consider bringing on an architecture firm to help. Guidance From Experts Bef

Looking to build your home from scratch? The good news is, this move is increasingly becoming popular, and if you're following this trend, it's generally better to hire a professional instead of DIY. Here are the top four reasons why hiring a home builder beats trying to do it yourself. Home Builders Ensure a Quality Home The truth is, building a home requires a lot of effort, and home builders have mastered the art through and through. Even if you have done a few home repair