Schloegel Design Remodel Breaks Down the Differences Between Hiring a Design-Build Remodeler Versus a General Contractor
At Schloegel Design Remodel, we know that remodeling your home can seem daunting. Knowing where to start can be overwhelming for many people, so we’re going to break down the differences between working with a Design-Build Remodeler like us versus going with a General Contractor. Understanding the difference between the two is important when it comes to deciding which one is right for your home remodeling project and your expectations.
What’s the Difference?
Design-Build Remodeler
Consider a design-build remodeler as a one-stop-shop solution. At Schloegel Design Remodel our Design-Build approach makes the remodeling process easy! For over 45 years we have been serving the Kansas City metro area by providing the Ultimate Client Experience. We believe the experience is so important that it’s one of our core values.
Schloegel Design Remodel serves as a single point of contact, managing everything from the initial design plans through the final stages of construction. With design and construction experts working together under one roof, clients benefit from clear communication, faster decision-making, and a process that’s both efficient and collaborative. It’s how Schloegel delivers on its promise of Design Done Right.
Every project includes weekly on-site check-ins with the designer, project manager, director, and client—ensuring alignment, transparency, and ongoing support from start to finish. By staying actively involved in every step, the Schloegel team creates the Ultimate Client Experience, built on trust, comfort, and confidence. It’s all part of a no-surprises approach, led by a team proud to be part of one of Kansas City’s Best Places to Work.
General Contractor
General Contractors focus primarily on the construction phase of the project. Typically, if working with a General Contractor, you’ll hire a separate designer or architect to create the plans first. The General Contractor then takes those plans and builds from them. While this approach can offer design flexibility and potential cost savings through bids, it also puts more on you as the client to manage. You’ll likely need to help the designers and builders talk to each other and sort out any issues that might arise such as differences in scheduling and or budget changes.
How do I know which is best for me and my project?
Understanding the difference between a Design-Build Remodeler like Schloegel Design Remodel as opposed to a General Contractor is great but how do you know which one is right for your project? Let’s look at a few factors including project complexity, design, timeline, budget, and personal preference to help you know which route to go!
Project Complexity
How tricky is your remodel? If you’re planning big changes like moving walls, have a detailed and unique design in mind, or need some creative problem-solving, a Design-Build remodeler might be your best bet. We’re pros at handling complex projects because our design and craftsman teams work hand-in-hand. We have in-house architects and drafters who create floorplans, elevations, and renderings and expert craftsmen who truly understand how to bring them to life, following a clear and organized process. This tight teamwork means we can spot and solve design challenges even while building, helping avoid potential headaches down the road.
On the other hand, if your project is pretty straightforward with simple designs or just minor tweaks to what’s already there, a General Contractor might be just what you need. Their strength lies in effectively managing the building process based on pre-existing plans, keeping the project on schedule. They excel when the design is already complete, letting them concentrate solely on the construction execution.
Timeline
We know living through construction can be tough, especially when it stretches on. If a quick turnaround is important to you, consider a Design-Build Remodeler like Schloegel Design Remodel. In this business model design work happens upfront, which sets the stage for a more efficient building process. Having one team manage everything means decisions get made quickly, reducing hold-ups and getting you into your finished space sooner. At Schloegel, we use BuilderTrend software to keep everyone involved in the remodeling process on the same schedule to ensure things get done on time. This schedule is visible to the client, designer, project manager, director, and anyone else working on the project.
While General Contractors can certainly complete projects in a reasonable timeframe, bear in mind their process is a bit different. They depend on you to manage the design and often to pick out and order things like cabinets and lighting. If those items are delayed, it can push back your finish date, and that’s often outside the General Contractor’s control. If getting the project done quickly is a top priority and you’re less concerned about having lots of design changes along the way, a General Contractor can still potentially meet your timeline needs.
Budget
Let’s talk money. Everyone cares about staying on budget, no matter the size of the project. Design-Build Remodelers understand this and will chat about your budget right from the start, making sure the design plans and material choices fit within it. Because their design and building teams work together, they have a better handle on costs. They can spot ways to save money and make smart choices throughout the project. Plus, it keeps everyone accountable.
Here at Schloegel, we believe in being upfront. While the contract amount we present may appear higher than other bids, it’s important to remember that this is an all-inclusive contract. It already factors in the costs of subcontractors, your specific material selections, and a timeline tailored to your exact plans—providing a comprehensive and transparent view of the full scope of your project. The price you agree to is what you’ll pay, unless something unexpected pops up or you decide to make changes along the way. It’s nice knowing you won’t be surprised by a bunch of change orders at the end of your remodel.
General Contractors are also good at managing building costs and trying to stay within budget. They can use their connections to get good prices from suppliers and subcontractors, offering cost-effective solutions without cutting corners. However, they don’t control the design choices or any changes you make there, which can have a big impact on the final cost.
Personal Preferences
This is a big one as we all prefer to do things differently. If a collaborative, personalized approach with a single point of contact sounds good to you, a Design-Build Remodeler like Schloegel Design Remodel may be the right choice. Again, in this model the integrated design and construction teams offer convenience and continuity, creating a seamless experience from conception to completion.
If you have a specific architect or designer in mind and prefer to maintain control over the design process, a General Contractor might be a good fit. General Contractors offer flexibility and customization in assembling project teams.
Regardless of which type of contractor you hire, we recommend doing your homework before hiring them. Some questions we recommend asking before you make your final decision can be found in our blog post here, 9 Questions To Ask Your Remodeling Contractor.
Hopefully, this information will help you understand the difference between a Design-Build Remodeler and a General Contractor, and which one might be the right choice for your remodeling project.
Ready to start a design build remodeling project? Contact Schloegel Design Remodel today to start talking about your project and how our team can bring your vision to life!
Looking for inspiration? Check out our website Residential Remodeling Contractor Kansas City | Home Renovation or follow along with our Instagram @remodelagain for exciting project updates!