If you’ve ever talked to neighbors about a remodel gone wrong, you’ve probably heard the same complaints—missed details, unexpected costs, and contractors blaming designers while designers blame contractors.
That frustration is exactly why design-build remodeling has become one of the most trusted approaches for homeowners across Southeast Michigan.
In a recent
, Adam Helfman sat down with Veronica Simmons of Simmons + Co. Design, a Principal Interior Designer and Licensed Builder, to break down why design-build removes the confusion, stress, and finger-pointing that derail so many home improvement projects.
If you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, addition, or full-home renovation, this approach could be the difference between a smooth experience and a costly nightmare.
What Design-Build Really Means
Design-build isn’t a buzzword. It’s a project delivery method where design and construction live under one roof.
Instead of hiring a designer, then shopping those plans to contractors, you work with one team from start to finish. That team designs the space, prices it accurately, and builds it—without handing responsibility off to someone else.
As Veronica Simmons explained, true design-build firms don’t outsource the hard parts. Designers and builders collaborate daily, reviewing materials, dimensions, and construction realities together.
That alignment matters more than most homeowners realize.
One Source of Accountability
The biggest advantage of design-build is simple: one clear source of accountability.
When design and construction are separated, problems often show up mid-project. A window is larger than planned. A tile is thicker than expected. A structural beam needs adjustment.
Suddenly, costs rise—and everyone points fingers.
In a design-build model, that blame game disappears.
If something needs to change, the same team that designed it is responsible for fixing it. That’s not just more efficient—it protects you as the homeowner from surprise expenses tied to miscommunication.
Adam summed it up perfectly during the episode: when one team owns both the design and the build, they’re solution-minded from day one.
How Design Choices Affect Construction
One of the most eye-opening parts of the conversation was how often homeowners underestimate the domino effect of design decisions.
Choosing a thicker tile, a larger window, or a different material doesn’t just change the look—it impacts framing, plumbing depth, electrical rough-ins, and labor time.
Veronica put it plainly:
“It’s not just ‘I like this and I like that.’ There’s a lot that goes into actually putting those things together.”
Design-build teams anticipate those impacts early.
They price projects with real-world construction considerations baked in, reducing costly change orders later.
Why Design-Build Reduces Change Orders
Change orders aren’t always bad—but too many usually mean poor planning.
In traditional remodels, homeowners are often hit with additional charges because the original plans didn’t account for build realities. That’s frustrating, especially when you thought everything was already decided.
With design-build, planning happens collaboratively. Structural requirements, material thickness, and installation logistics are discussed before construction begins.
The result?
- Fewer surprises
- More accurate budgets
- A smoother timeline
For homeowners in Metro Detroit, where older homes often hide unexpected conditions, this proactive approach matters even more.
Design-Build vs. Traditional Remodeling
Here’s how the two approaches typically compare:
Traditional Remodeling
- Separate designer and contractor
- Plans finalized before builder input
- Higher risk of miscommunication
- More change orders
Design-Build Remodeling
- One unified team
- Designers and builders collaborate daily
- Clear accountability
- Fewer surprises
If you value your time—and your sanity—the difference is significant.
Homes Should Work for How You Live
Another key takeaway from the episode is how design-build supports real life, not just good looks.
Veronica emphasized that homes today aren’t just functional—they’re emotional spaces. Homeowners want places that feel calming, personal, and reflective of how they live.
That mindset influences everything:
- Open layouts instead of formal dining rooms
- Bathrooms that feel like retreats
- Basements that function as entertainment hubs
- Kitchens designed for everyday use, not just resale
Design-build allows those lifestyle goals to guide the project from the very beginning.
Why Experience Matters in Design-Build
Not all firms using the term “design-build” operate the same way.
Simmons + Co. Design stands out because they maintain in-house designers and builders who work together daily. That experience matters when translating ideas into real, buildable solutions.
With nearly two decades in business, their team understands both the creative and technical sides of remodeling—something homeowners benefit from immediately.
What You Should Prepare Before Calling a Design-Build Firm
If you’re considering a remodel, Veronica offered practical advice during the episode: don’t obsess over details—focus on outcomes.
Before your consultation, think about:
- How you want to use the space
- Who will use it
- What problems you want solved
- How you want the space to feel
Those answers help a design-build team tailor solutions that actually fit your life.
Why Design-Build Fits Southeast Michigan Homes
Homes across Southeast Michigan vary widely in age, layout, and construction methods. Design-build shines in this market because flexibility and problem-solving are built into the process.
Whether you’re renovating a 1960s ranch, updating a colonial, or modernizing a newer build, having one coordinated team reduces risk and protects your investment.
The Bottom Line
Home remodeling doesn’t have to be stressful.
As discussed in this recent Hire It Done episode, design-build gives you clarity, accountability, and confidence—especially when you work with experienced professionals like Veronica Simmons of Simmons + Co. Design.
If you want your project done right the first time, design-build isn’t just an option—it’s the smarter approach.
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