Lansing’s Best Full Service Design/build Remodeler

R. L. Rider Remodeling is proud to provide Mid-Michigan with the finest design/build services. We take a project from its earliest stage – the vision or idea – all the way to a final result you’ll love. Since we handle the entire process from the beginning, you get a holistic project with a single company to work with. We start with the end in mind so there are no surprises when it comes time to build. We’ll work together to determine your wants and needs, and then design the best solution based on your budget and site conditions. Once the design phase is finalized, the project can seamlessly begin construction without the headache of bringing other companies up to speed. Read on to learn more about how the process works.

What Does Design/Build Mean?

Design/Build means that we handle it all, everything from design to construction.

Design/Build is one of the many types of contracts used in the construction industry to ensure the delivery of an agreed-upon structure or improvement. A design/build project means that you hire a firm to create plans and specifications. That same firm also manages the construction of the project itself based on the approved design. Once construction is complete, the firm can then “hand off” the finished product to the client signaling the end of their responsibility.

The other main type of contract for residential construction is Design-Bid-Build – a method in which the owner contracts separately with a design firm and builder. Typically, the homeowner hires an architect or designer and goes through a series of revisions with the end goal being a set of plans ready for construction. Once a design is agreed upon, the homeowner can then solicit bids by calling and scheduling contractors and having them provide estimates. After collecting bids, the homeowner must decide which one to hire based on price, qualifications, schedule, and anything else they deem important. The remodeler will then build off the plans produced during the design phase while the homeowner acts as the middle man between the designer and contractor.

When Should I Employ a Design/Build Contractor?

The most common type of bidding process remains design-bid-build, but design/build contracts are growing in popularity as frustrations with the “old” way rise. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s up to you to decide what is most important for your project when evaluating.

The client who is looking for a high level of customer service and unique design is better off utilizing a design/build remodeler. Larger projects with more complicated details tend to benefit more, too, versus smaller projects that don’t require advanced knowledge or numerous subcontractors. Clients who are more “hands-off” or who don’t want to juggle multiple contacts also benefit as there is just one person to work with. Oftentimes, the design/build remodeler will initially come in at a higher price than other firms, but this is set off by having little to no change orders since the opportunity to design from the start was given. Other firms may appear to be less costly but then slam you with change orders at every opportunity which results in the initial, cheaper price ballooning.

For a client most concerned with the lowest price possible, or if the job is relatively easy, then a design-bid-build contractor is likely the best option. Often a formal design phase is not necessary either.

How Does It Work?

Starting a design/build project looks a lot like starting the traditional bid process, and often clients have started down the traditional path before switching to a design/build arrangement once they have seen the advantages. After an introductory call discussing your project, an estimator will visit your property to review the site conditions. Rather than going back to the office and waiting a week, the estimator will be able to give you a firm price right there on site! Because we have so much experience we are confident in giving a budgetary number that quickly for all but the most unique projects.

In order to get a detailed estimate with a guaranteed set price, we ask that you sign a design/build agreement and commit to a fee that is 2% of the budgetary estimate. This fee is fully credited toward the total project cost once we start building, but is forfeited if you choose another contractor to cover the time to design. We find this structure to be a “win-win” as it allows the homeowner to get a budgetary price in minutes with no commitment, and protects our time investment for making a full proposal if the customer is not ready to take the next step.

Why Choose R. L. Rider Remodeling for Your Project?

We know that remodeling is a huge decision that impacts your space, budget, and day-to-day life. We’re confident that we can design and build anything you’re imagining! Along the way, we will advise you about product selection, budget, buildability, and everything else you might want to lean on our expertise for. We’ve been committed to the city of Lansing since our founding in 1924 and have developed a strong support network of local vendors and subcontractors to deliver the finest remodel every time. Once the job is complete, we’ll check on you periodically to ensure you’re still happy with the end result. We stand by all of our work with a 3-year warranty.

• We’ve been remodeling homes since 1924.
• We offer expert guidance on making decisions regarding your remodel.
• We’ve built a strong network of vendors and subcontractors in the Lansing area.
• We offer a 3-year warranty on every job.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (517) 487-3713 or by using the contact form on the website. Thank you!