What Is a Design-Build Contractor? How Alzara Builds Custom Homes in the Midlands
A design-build contractor handles both the design and the construction of your home under one contract, with one team accountable from start to finish. At Alzara Building & Design, that's how we build custom homes for families across Blythewood, Columbia, Lexington, Lake Murray, Winnsboro, and the Midlands of South Carolina.
Instead of hiring an architect, then finding a builder, then hoping the two agree, you work with one team that plans, prices, and builds your home together.
Design-Build in Plain Terms
In a traditional build, you hire an architect to draw your plans, then take those plans out to builders for bids. This is often called design-bid-build. The designer and the builder work separately, and you're the one in the middle when the drawings and the budget don't line up.
With design-build, design and construction happen as one process. Your builder is involved from the very first conversation. That means your plans are priced as they're drawn, problems are caught on paper instead of on the job site, and you have one point of contact the whole way through.
Who's on Your Team
When you build with Alzara, you're working with a small, coordinated team. You won't have to manage a list of separate contractors yourself.
Alzara Building & Design
We lead your project from start to finish. We manage the budget, schedule, permits, and construction, and our family-led crews do the building.
Our partner architect
An independent architect we work with closely. She turns your ideas into drawings and plans that fit your land and your budget.
Our design consultant
She helps you choose cabinets, countertops, fixtures, and finishes, so your selections are made before construction starts, not in the middle of it.
Realtor connections
If you're still looking for land, we can connect you with local realtors who specialize in it.
Everyone talks to each other, so you don't have to be the messenger.
Our Four-Phase Residential Design-Build Process
Every custom home we build follows the same four phases, so you'll always know where your project stands and what comes next.
Phase 1: Vision, Land & Design
It starts with a conversation about what you want: how many bedrooms, how you live day to day, what you've always wished your home had. Then we walk your land with you.
We look at zoning, setbacks, slope, soil, drainage, and sun exposure, since those details shape where your home sits and what it will take to build. From there, our partner architect starts designing a home around your land and your goals.
Phase 2: Pre-Construction & Permitting
This is where we take the surprises out. Before any ground is broken, we put together a detailed budget that spells out what's included and what it costs. You'll meet with our design consultant to choose your finishes, so those choices are priced in from the start.
By the end of this phase, your plans, budget, and selections are finalized. We handle the permits and approvals and order materials early so the schedule stays on track.
Phase 3: Structural Construction
Now your home starts to take shape. We clear and prep the site, pour the foundation, and frame the walls and roof. Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC are roughed in before the walls are closed up.
Our family-led crews do the work, and we keep you updated on progress throughout. If you want to make a change along the way, we'll walk you through what it affects (cost, schedule, or both) before anything moves forward.
Phase 4: Finishes & Closeout
Insulation and drywall go in, then the finishes you picked in Phase 2 come to life: cabinetry, countertops, tile, fixtures, and trim. We finish any landscaping and outdoor spaces.
Before you move in, we do a final walkthrough together. We go room by room, make sure everything is right, and hand you the keys.
CUSTOM HOMES
See What This Process Builds
This four-phase process is how we build every custom home on your land. See the kinds of homes we build, what to know about building on your own lot, and answers to common questions.
A CLIENT’S STORY
The Process, in Their Words
This project was completed under our former name, We Love Construction. Same family, same crews, same standards. Today we build as Alzara Building & Design.
THE PROJECT
A new hallway, new flooring, and all the finishing work on a new room.
"It's clear they care deeply about doing things the right way, not just the fast way."
"We had a wonderful experience working with We Love Construction. They built a new hallway for us, installed flooring, and completed all of the finishing work on a new room, and the results exceeded our expectations.
From start to finish, their work was thoughtful, precise, and clearly done with pride. The craftsmanship is excellent and everything lines up beautifully, the flooring is flawless, and the finished room feels seamless with the rest of our home.
Communication was clear and consistent, the crew was respectful of our space, and the job site was kept clean throughout the process.
We are truly grateful for their skill and professionalism and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for quality construction and finishing work."
— Jennifer
Start Your Custom Home Conversation with Alzara
Alzara Building & Design is a family-owned, veteran-operated residential builder serving Blythewood, Columbia, Lexington, Winnsboro, and the Midlands. Our name comes from the Spanish alzar, "to lift up," and that's what we set out to do for every family we build for.
Whether you have land and plans or just an idea, we'd love to hear about it.