Instead of juggling multiple companies and contracts, homeowners in South Bend and Harbor Country choose one integrated team, a design-build contractor who manages every step from concept to completion.
Peacock & Company has spent more than four decades refining this process. Our clients trust us to deliver beautiful, practical remodels that meet their needs, fit their homes, and stay on budget.
What Does Design-Build Mean?
The design-build process is a streamlined approach to home remodeling that unites the designer and the builder under one roof. Instead of hiring a designer to create plans and then sending those plans out for bids, our process allows homeowners to work with one company responsible for both the design and construction.
This collaboration eliminates confusion and builds accountability. From your first design meeting to the final walkthrough, one coordinated team manages the entire project: design, budgeting, scheduling, and construction.
Because the design and construction teams communicate daily, every decision is aligned with your goals, your budget, and your timeline.
OUR WORK
The Design-Build Process, Step by Step
A great remodel results from a structured, collaborative process, and our services are no exception. Here’s how the design-build process works at Peacock & Company.
Step 1: Consultation and Visioning
Every project begins with a conversation. You share your goals, frustrations, and inspiration. Perhaps you want more storage, a brighter kitchen, or an addition that blends with your home’s character. Our team listens carefully to understand what success looks like for you.
We’ll talk through your budget range, priorities, and timing to make sure expectations are aligned from the start.
Step 2: Design Development
Once the scope is clear, our design team begins to create concept plans and 3D renderings. Designers and project managers collaborate from the beginning, balancing layout ideas with buildability and cost.
This phase often includes material selections, cabinetry design, and preliminary pricing conversations. Because the builder is part of every discussion, there’s no disconnect between what’s designed and what can actually be built.
Step 3: Detailed Proposal and Fixed-Price Quote
Here’s where the design-build approach truly shines. Instead of an open-ended estimate, we provide a fixed-price proposal that defines the scope, materials, and cost before construction begins.
That means no budget surprises halfway through. Every element, including tile, lighting, flooring, and cabinetry, is planned in detail and reviewed with you.
Step 4: Construction and Communication
Once design is approved, construction begins with the same team. The same project manager who helped shape your design now oversees the build, ensuring the original vision stays intact.
You’ll receive regular updates on progress and schedule. Because our carpenters, designers, and subcontractors communicate daily, small issues are solved quickly, and quality remains consistent.
Step 5: Completion and Follow-Up
As construction wraps up, we walk through every detail with you to ensure your satisfaction. Our goal is for you to love how your home looks and how it works. Many clients return for future projects because they value the consistency and trust built through our design-build remodeling process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Design-Build Remodeling in South Bend & Harbor Country
What is the difference between a design-builder and a traditional contractor?
When most people think of remodeling, they imagine the traditional design-bid-build method: hire a designer or architect, collect bids from contractors, choose one, and hope everything stays on track. That process works in theory, but in practice, it often leads to gaps in communication and unexpected costs.
A traditional contractor typically steps in after design is complete. They may interpret plans differently or discover the design doesn’t match the budget. That can mean redesigning, re-bidding, and redoing, all of which delay the project and add cost.
A design-build contractor, on the other hand, handles the project from start to finish. The same team that sketches your kitchen or bathroom layout also manages your construction schedule, materials, and craftsmanship. There’s no handoff, no guesswork, and no finger-pointing.
How long does the design-build process take?
While timelines vary by project size, most homeowners begin design 3 to 6 months before construction starts. This allows time for selections, permitting, and scheduling, ensuring a smooth build once work begins.
What are the benefits of a design-built approach?
One Team, One Contract
You’ll work with a single company responsible for design and construction, reducing confusion and ensuring accountability.
Aligned Budget and Design
Design decisions are made with cost in mind, preventing surprises and costly revisions.
Time Savings
Because design and construction overlap, projects move faster from concept to completion.
Fewer Change Orders
With early collaboration and detailed planning, most adjustments happen before construction starts.
Clear Communication
No middleman means no misinterpretation. You always know who to contact and where your project stands.
The design-build model creates the kind of confidence that lets you enjoy your remodel instead of worrying about what’s next.
Is design-build more expensive than hiring a separate designer and contractor?
Usually, it’s more efficient. By aligning design and construction early, homeowners avoid costly redesigns, miscommunication, and mid-project change orders that often inflate traditional remodeling costs.
Is design-build right for my project?
Almost any remodeling project can benefit from the design-build process, but it’s especially effective for complex or custom work.
Projects That Benefit Most
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Whole-home remodels
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Kitchens and bathrooms
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Basement and mudroom remodels
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Home additions or expansions
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Historic home restorations
Design-build is built for projects that require coordination, design sensitivity, and technical detail.
When to Choose Design-Build
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You want a clear budget and schedule from the start.
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You value design and function equally.
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You prefer one trusted team to manage your remodel from concept through completion.
If that sounds like the way you want to remodel, design-build is the right fit.
How do you find a design-build contractor?
Finding the right partner is as important as choosing the right floor plan. Here’s how to identify a design-build firm that’s qualified, experienced, and trustworthy.
Start With Local Experience
Look for a company with a long-standing presence in your community. A firm that’s familiar with South Bend and Harbor Country understands local architecture, building codes, and climate, because these details directly affect design decisions.
Ask the Right Questions
When interviewing design-build contractors, ask:
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How do you handle budgeting during design?
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Do you offer a fixed-price quote?
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Who will manage communication during construction?
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How does your process prevent schedule delays?
The answers should demonstrate a proven process and transparency at every stage.
Why Homeowners Choose Peacock & Company
Since 1984, Peacock & Company has combined design expertise and skilled craftsmanship in one seamless process. Our clients value our attention to detail, consistent communication, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what their remodel will cost before construction begins.
Start Your Design-Build Remodel in South Bend or Harbor Country
Ready to reimagine your home in South Bend or Harbor Country from the ground up? Peacock & Company is here to guide you through every step.
Our team of designers, carpenters, and project managers works together under one roof to create spaces that balance form, function, and budget. With our fixed-price remodeling model, you’ll know exactly what to expect before construction begins.
Ready to see how seamless remodeling can be? Contact Peacock & Company to schedule your design consultation in South Bend or Harbor Country.
WHERE WE REMODEL:
Peacock's remodeling expertise isn't confined to just South Bend. We offer our services throughout:
St. Joseph County
- Granger
- South Bend
- Walkerton
- Osceola
- Bremen
- Mishawaka
Berrien County (Michigan)
- Berrien Springs
- Buchanan
- Bridgman
- Stevensville
- Harbor Country
- Michiana
- New Buffalo
- Three Oaks
- Lakeside
- Union Pier
Cass County (Michigan)
- Cassopolis
- Edwardsburg
- Marcellus
- Vandalia
Elkhart County
- Goshen
- And more
Not sure if you’re in our service area? Reach out to see if we remodel in your neighborhood.
What Our Clients Have to Say
Crystal, our designer listened to us and put together a gorgeous design. She is amazing! Rob our project manager kept everyone organized and really drove the project so it was done professionally and beautifully and made sure we were happy with the work.
Granger, IN
We appreciated the entire planning process including the computer designs which gave us a visual of what our project would look like. The team was very efficient during the entire construction process. We are very satisfied with the quality of the construction for our project.
Buchanan, MI
Construction and craftsmanship. Jonathan had excellent rapport with our family. He has creative and thoughtful planning with attention to details, like shelf height, accessibility, and really kept function in mind so our space would look great and be practical and usable for our family.
Granger, IN
I’ve had a lot of work done by various contractors over the last few years with an entire house renovation. Pea**** & Co has been by far the best to work with and went above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied with the job. I wish I would have found them sooner.
Niles, MI
Felt they were completely trustworthy in my home and around my kids. They were great at making novel requests work and problem solving issues or changes that came up and worked with all of my ideas. They were respectful and personable.
Mishawaka, MI
