Vale Construction is a licensed, insured general contractor based in Alexandria, VA. Vale Construction offers design-build services, where planning and construction are handled by one accountable team. Vale Construction serves Alexandria, Arlington, McLean, Burke and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
When a remodel moves past a single room, the first real decision is who designs it and who builds it. Some homeowners hire an architect, then put the drawings out to bid. Others hire a design-build firm that handles both. Each route works, and each suits different projects. This guide explains the differences and the questions that help you choose.
When an Architect Adds Value
An architect is most useful when a project changes the structure or the shape of the house: moving load-bearing walls, adding a second story, or reworking the layout of an older home. Architects think about how rooms connect, how light enters, and how the new work fits the existing house. For homes in historic districts, design review can also shape what is allowed.
How Design-Build Works
In a design-build project, one team handles planning and construction under one contract. The builder is involved while the design is still flexible, so cost and constructability are considered from the start rather than after the drawings are finished. Homeowners deal with one point of contact for design questions, pricing, permits and scheduling.
A typical design-build process moves through four stages:
- Initial assessment of the home and the goals.
- Design and scope development.
- Detailed estimate and timeline.
- Construction and completion.
Architect-Led Bidding
With the traditional route, the architect completes the drawings, several contractors bid on them, and the homeowner picks a builder. This can make bids easy to compare, but design and pricing happen in separate steps, so a design that comes in over budget may need to be revised and rebid.
Questions to Ask Any Team
- Who is responsible if the design and the budget don't line up?
- Who handles permits and inspections?
- How are changes during construction priced and approved?
- Can you show finished projects similar in scope to mine?
- Are you licensed and insured in Virginia?
Whole-Home Renovations
Whole-home renovations are where the choice matters most, because the kitchen, bathrooms, systems and layout all change together. Most whole-home renovation projects in Alexandria range from the mid-six figures and up, so keeping design and budget aligned from the first meeting saves time and rework.
For a whole-home renovation handled by one design-build team, Vale Construction of Alexandria runs the process from the initial assessment to completion.
Starting from Cameron Station, the map below shows the drive to Vale Construction's office in Alexandria.
Vale Construction
6020 Alexander Ave
Alexandria, VA 22310
(571) 474-1920
Vale Construction has worked in Alexandria homes since 2005 and specializes in thoughtfully planned residential renovations for homeowners who want more than surface-level updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does design-build mean?
Design-build means planning and construction are handled by one accountable team under one contract.
Do I need an architect for my remodel?
It depends on the scope. Structural changes and major layout changes often benefit from architectural design, which a design-build team can coordinate.
How much does a whole-home renovation cost in Alexandria?
Most whole-home renovation projects in Alexandria range from the mid-six figures and up, depending on scope.
Is it better to renovate or move?
It depends on the house, the lot and what would change. A renovation keeps your location, while a move may make sense if the home cannot be adapted to your needs.