Welcome to the Tricky World of Residential Construction As someone who is building a new home, or a home owner with the desire to renovate your family home, you have a very clear picture of how you want your dream home to look and feel. In today’s market, crowded with new or inexperienced builders, many…

Tips to Hire a Reliable Home Remodeling Contractor
The Days Before Design Build Over the last 37 years, I have seen many changes in the Austin Home Remodeling industry. General contractors used to be the only game in town. Austin design build firms were not even a thing back then. Architects designed, builders built and customers rolled the dice. We can all thank…

Design Drawings: Exhibit A
We Produce a Free Drawing with every Proposal ATX Design Build has always produced design drawings with every proposal. In my long career, however, I haven’t always produced drawings for every proposal I tendered. I started the practice some years ago when I found it difficult to farm out the design to architect firms. The…

Does an Itemized Proposal Save you Money?
Comprehensive vs Itemized Proposals As an Austin Builder I interact with many clients. Each has his or her preferred way to do business. A client asked me, recently, if I itemize my proposals. I replied that the proposals I submit are comprehensive and extremely detailed. A few days later he sent me an email with…

Sub-Contractors vs Employees - Is it Important?
Why Does Everyone Ask About Subs? There has always been a perceived detriment associated with builders who use sub-contractors rather than their own company employees. The perception is that a salaried employee is more loyal; more reliable; more trustworthy. Many people believe this because one must assume the employee’s dedication and commitment to the organization…

Builders: Trust is Precious
Will your Builder Understand your Needs? As a person interested in building a new home or office; or someone who seeks to improve your current property, you have reservations inherent to customers within this industry. How can you trust in the ability of a builder to translate your building goals into a final product of…