Create Your Dream Brownstone With One of These Project-Delivery Methods

Sponsored By Bolster

Bolster is a data-driven design-build firm on a mission to empower homeowners and eliminate risk from major home renovations through radical transparency.

Created By Brownstoner

Every renovation is different, because the needs of every homeowner are different.

That’s why Bolster offers three project-delivery methods: Build Only, Design-Build and Agile x Bolster. Which one is for you?

Build Only: With this option, the most traditional process, the homeowner first engages an architect. When design documents are delivered, the homeowner then bids out the build portion — that’s where Bolster comes in. This is a good option for homeowners who like to control the process of getting quotes from different architects and contractors.

This option also addresses the lack of standardized pricing among contractors. Bolster adds value by auditing architect documents so the architect and homeowner better understand their project from a cost perspective.

Design-Build: With this option the homeowner works with one team start to finish. Architect, design and build, as well as pricing and procurement, are aligned and working together. By integrating pricing at key design milestones, change orders are minimized and Bolster can ensure projects remain on budget.

This is Bolster’s most popular renovation service, and is best suited for homeowners who have done renovations other ways (traditional) and are open to trying something new. It’s also a good option for homeowners who live out of state and want to be sure their renovation is in good hands.

Agile x Bolster: This option is suited for homeowners doing a partial or cosmetic renovation who don’t need a full suite of architectural services — just someone to help piece the design portion of the project together. It’s also good for homeowners who need to pivot their project, for whatever reason — their designer went out of business or they’re frustrated with the process and want someone else to take over without completely starting over.

Bolster can come on board to wrap up design, provide renderings, help with the Department of Buildings, etc., and then do the build.  Agile x Bolster is more cost effective from a design perspective because the budget is prioritized on the build, which forces efficiencies on the design side.

Most of the time, brownstone and townhouse renovations call for layout changes, in which case Design-Build or Build Only would be a better fit than Agile x Bolster.

For more information about starting or finishing your renovation, visit Bolster’s website.

[Photos via Bolster]