I’m sure you’ve heard the term “design-build” before. When I hear it, I think of Joanna and Chip from Fixer Upper. While I respect their brand, it’s not necessarily what we offer here at AhA!
The First Difference: Design
I could go on about credentials, schools, and experience, but the bottom line is that what matters most to you, the client, is the style that resonates with you. I’m passionate about my credentials and have many stories to share on that topic, but I’ll save those for another blog post.
So… Design…
Design with AhA! is a process. I might call it a collaboration, but I’ve had clients request credit for my design work, so I’ll be careful with that term (laughs). I research each client’s personal style by observing their current home, decor, and personality. I ask questions about their preferences across a broad spectrum of design—traditional, contemporary, modern—and then dive into color palettes. If clients have a Pinterest board or any images they associate with their style, I ask them to share it.
Then, I design, we build, and boom! It’s a surprise at the end for the client… or not. There aren’t many surprises when it comes to the design process. I provide sketches, renderings with applied materials, and actual samples in person. For clients who may have less imagination, the biggest surprise is usually that the final product looks even better than the sketches.
I don’t do mood boards. I don’t show you someone else’s work to set the mood for how your space will look. I jump straight into the design. My research typically allows me to meet, if not exceed, your expectations.
I do have some past clients for whom we’re designing and renovating for a second or even third time. With those clients, I feel comfortable making small aesthetic decisions that don’t affect functionality—choices they might not even notice.
So… Renovation
Yes, we renovate your space after it has been designed, and after all FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment—my credentials help with fancy terms, haha) have been selected and ordered.
When we say “we,” we mean our team/employees and not subcontractors. We only use subcontractors for trades that require a separate license (like electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work). You might wonder why that matters. For those who have renovated in the past, you may have heard excuses from your main contractor: “Oh, my tile person didn’t show up” or “My door person was late, and now I can’t proceed.” Many excuses are simply a way to shift blame to someone else.
Subcontractors often juggle multiple jobs for different general contractors, which can lead to delays. By using our own employees, we eliminate that blame game and any associated delays. We also provide superior quality because we hire and supervise everyone doing the work. You don’t have control over the laborers your subcontractor hires. Your subcontractor is primarily focused on getting paid, and in my experience, subcontracted work can often be of lesser quality (though not always).
Having a dedicated team of tile installers, door installers, painters, and carpenters makes a significant difference in maintaining quality and ensuring timely completion.
Another Big Difference: Fabrication with an In-House Woodworking Shop
Many general contractors may have a designer on their team, but very few have a woodworking shop within their renovation business. Running a millwork and cabinetry shop requires a different level of craftsmanship. I’ve seen many general contractors advertise custom millwork while actually subcontracting it out, which isn’t always disclosed.
We have a 4,000 sq. ft. fabrication shop in Queens, NY. Some might think custom cabinetry is too expensive, but what many don’t realize is that our overall prices can be very competitive when we provide construction, design, and fabrication services under one contract. Moreover, the quality of our cabinets exceeds anything available on the market. We offer better quality at lower prices than many Italian kitchen cabinets. By fabricating locally, you support a small business and local labor force. Additionally, overseas orders often come with long lead times; in our fabrication shop, we can control that. If we need any pieces for your project, we can fabricate them ourselves, saving time and shipping costs.
A design-build firm with a fabrication shop can save you time and money. It also offers a one-stop-shop experience, where your needs are handled by us, guaranteeing a boutique experience. We strive to make renovation fun.
Thank you for reading, and until the next post!
Truly yours,
