PART 04 : Selecting the Right Contractor for Your Situation
Unsure whether to choose a design firm or a construction firm?
Interior contractors can be divided into two types: design firms and construction firms.
Let’s explore the differences between these two.
First, a design firm is led by a designer, whereas a construction firm is headed by a supervisor or technician.
The design phase with a design firm takes about 2–4 weeks, while a construction firm is roughly twice as fast.
Design firms oversee construction through a consulting role, whereas construction firms handle direct, in-house build-outs, and their estimates tend to be more affordable.
1Design Firm
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Design firms operated by designers offer the advantage of detailed design proposals and thorough planning.
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Even if clients are unsure about their interior style, the firm can suggest trendy concepts. However, this back-and-forth feedback process can be time-consuming.
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They delegate all construction phases to external technicians and focus primarily on site supervision.
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Professional technicians ensure a cleaner finish, and by focusing on fewer projects, communication with clients is smoother.
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However, longer design timelines, premium materials, and outsourcing all work to external experts make it relatively expensive.
2Construction Firm
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Construction firms are led by supervisors and technicians, which shortens construction times and reduces labor costs compared to design firms.
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They can provide 3D SketchUp renderings, though these are generally less detailed than those from design firms.
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By handling some processes in-house or using a direct-hire team, they can deliver quick estimates and lower labor expenses. However, managing multiple sites may limit real-time client communication.
First Coffee Lab Interior integrates both design and construction services, minimizing drawbacks and leveraging the strengths of each.
We offer trendy interior designs alongside the fast build times and lower labor costs of a construction firm at a competitive price.
With this integrated approach available, you can choose the contractor model that best suits your needs.