Picture this: one friendly team guiding you from first sketch to final punch-list, all under a single fixed-price contract. That is design-build, a remodeling approach that blends architecture, interior design, and construction management into one seamless service. For South Bend and Harbor Country homeowners, design-build means fewer hand-offs, faster timelines, and less stress, because you always know exactly who is in charge and exactly what it will cost.
Peacock & Company has refined the process to keep budgets transparent, protect busy schedules, and deliver spaces you are proud to show off. Ready to see how it works?
Let's start with the basics. Design-build brings the three critical phases of a remodel under one roof so nothing and no one falls through the cracks. With design-build you make decisions once, you sign one contract, and you enjoy a single point of accountability from the first phone call to the final walk-through.
One company stands behind the entire project, eliminating finger-pointing between architect and contractor.
Most homeowners start by comparing the design-build process to the traditional path: design-bid-build. The difference comes down to accountability, cost certainty, and project flow. Here’s how they stack up:
| Design-Build | Design-Bid-Build | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Structure | One contract with one team | Separate contracts with architect, GC, and possibly others |
| Timeline | Design and construction overlap for faster delivery | Construction starts only after all design and bidding are complete |
| Budgeting | Preliminary pricing begins early and is refined in-house | Bids often come in after design is finalized, with cost surprises |
| Change Orders | Fewer, because the team collaborates from the start | Common, as new teams interpret plans differently |
| Communication | Single point of contact | Multiple contacts, often leading to delays or miscommunication |
| Accountability | One team owns the outcome | Blame can shift between firms when issues arise |
Design-build isn’t just easier to manage. It also creates better results. Here’s why more South Bend homeowners are choosing this method.
One point of accountability
You work with a single team, not a revolving cast of specialists and trades.
Faster project delivery
Overlapping workflows shorten timelines. No waiting months between design and groundbreaking.
Early, realistic budgeting
Concept designs include preliminary pricing, so your ideas align with your investment.
Fixed-price quotes
With Peacock, your final construction agreement is a fixed price, not an estimate.
Value engineering during design
Our team suggests smart design tweaks that save money without compromising style.
Fewer change orders
Decisions made collaboratively mean fewer mid-project surprises or upcharges.
Stronger client experience
From discovery call to final walk-through, you’ll always know what’s happening, when, and why.
A quick look at our process helps you to understand exactly what design-build construction entails. We’ve fine-tuned our design-build process to keep things clear, personal, and efficient. Here’s a step by step look at how it works. This fixed, transparent process is how we deliver exceptional kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and whole-home remodels across South Bend and Harbor Country, with no surprise invoices or loose ends.
| Step | What Happens | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Discovery Call | You tell us about your goals, style, and ballpark budget. | Clarity on whether we’re the right fit and next steps if we are. |
| 2. Site Visit & Feasibility | We visit your home, take measurements, and confirm the project’s viability. | Real-world context for design and pricing, no guesswork. |
| 3. Discovery Agreement (Optional) | For a small fee, we create a basic floor plan, offer early design ideas, and deliver a budget tailored to your space. | A clear visual direction and specific cost estimate to help you decide if and how to move forward. |
| 4. Initial Cost Assessment (No-Cost Alternative) | For clients not ready for the Discovery Agreement, we provide a preliminary budget range based on our site visit and goals discussion. | Early budget clarity, even without detailed design input. |
| 5. Design Agreement | Once you’re ready, we formalize the relationship and begin detailed design work. | A clear plan to develop selections, drawings, and permit-ready documents. |
| 6. Detailed Design | You make final selections, finishes, fixtures, layouts, with our in-house designers and 3-D visual tools. | Confidence in every detail before construction begins. |
| 7. Build Phase | A dedicated project manager coordinates permits, materials, trades, and daily site activity. | Smooth, organized construction with minimal disruption. |
| 8. Final Walk-Through & Warranty | We check every detail together and stand behind our work long after move-in day. | A finished space that lives beautifully and works hard for years to come. |
Costs vary depending on the project scope and selections, but most full kitchen remodels with Peacock fall between $80,000 and $150,000. Because we use a fixed-price model, you’ll know the total cost before construction begins, with no surprise add-ons or hourly overages.
Most kitchen remodels take about 4 to 6+ months from the initial discovery call to the final walkthrough. That includes the design phase, materials selection, permitting, and construction. Design-build saves time because everything is coordinated in-house, with no gaps between phases.
Not always cheaper, but often more cost-effective. When you hire an architect separately, you risk designing something that’s too expensive to build. Design-build teams work together from the start, which reduces costly miscommunication, rework, and timeline delays.
Not all of them. At Peacock, fixed-price quotes are standard practice. Once your design is finalized, your construction agreement includes a clear, fixed cost. That number only changes if you choose to make changes—not because we ran over budget. Visit our complimentary cost guide for more in-depth information.
Yes. Our service area includes South Bend, Granger, Mishawaka, and reaches across the state line into Harbor Country, including New Buffalo, Lakeside, and Union Pier. We’re familiar with regional permitting processes and design preferences on both sides of the border.
For homeowners who enjoy managing multiple vendors or want to play a hands-on general contractor role, design-build may feel too streamlined. It also requires trust. You’re choosing one firm to manage everything from concept to completion. That’s why it’s essential to work with a team that shares your vision and communicates clearly.
Peacock's Discovery Agreement is an optional early step for clients who want help visualizing possibilities before committing to full design. For a small fee, it includes a basic floor plan, creative design ideas, and a project-specific budget estimate. If you already have a clear vision, we can still provide a free preliminary cost range after our first site visit.
Whether you're dreaming of a brighter kitchen, a more functional bath, or a whole-home transformation, design-build makes the process smoother from start to finish. At Peacock & Company, we combine design creativity with construction expertise, all under one roof, so you can stay focused on the big picture while we handle the details.
Let’s build something beautiful together. Schedule your free discovery call today to see if our design-build process is the right fit for your home.