Question 1

What is a design-build contractor?

Accepted Answer

A design-build contractor handles both the design and the construction of a project under one contract. Instead of hiring an architect or designer separately and then bidding the drawings to builders, you work with a single team that carries the project from concept through completion and stays accountable for both sides.

Question 2

How is design-build different from hiring a general contractor?

Accepted Answer

A traditional general contractor builds from plans someone else produced, which means design problems surface during construction as change orders. In a design-build model the builder is involved while the layout is still on paper, so constructability, budget and schedule are tested before anything is priced or permitted.

Question 3

What does the design-build process look like?

Accepted Answer

Our process runs through five phases: Consultation (review goals, property, and budget), Planning & Design (define scope, layout, and direction), Pre-Construction (finalize selections and build plan), Construction (execute with quality control and structured communication), and Completion (deliver a finished, well-built project).

Question 4

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We manage permit submissions, inspection scheduling, and code coordination as part of every project. Owners receive structured updates rather than chasing inspectors or coordinating with the codes department directly.

Question 5

What happens during the pre-construction phase?

Accepted Answer

Pre-construction confirms selections, finalizes drawings, locks the construction schedule, sequences subcontractors, prices the scope to a fixed budget, and submits permits. By the time we break ground, decisions and pricing are settled.

Question 6

Who handles design — your team or an outside architect?

Accepted Answer

We handle design in-house through our design-build model. When a project's structural complexity requires a licensed architect or structural engineer, we bring them in as part of the design-build team rather than as a separate contract for the owner to manage.

Question 7

How long does a kitchen remodel take in Nashville?

Accepted Answer

Pre-construction, covering design, selections and permitting, typically runs 6 to 10 weeks. Active construction runs 8 to 14 weeks after permits are issued. Older homes with galvanized supply lines or undersized electrical panels can extend either phase.

Question 8

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Accepted Answer

Secondary baths typically run 4 to 8 weeks of construction. Primary suite remodels involving structural changes, additional plumbing or relocated walls run 8 to 12 weeks. Pre-construction adds 4 to 8 weeks ahead of the construction window.

Question 9

Do I need a permit for a home addition in Middle Tennessee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Additions require permits, and the design has to satisfy lot coverage, impervious surface limits and setback requirements before it will pass review. Where an HOA is involved, architectural review runs on its own timeline. We check lot and zoning constraints during design rather than after.

Question 10

Can you add a second story to my house?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Second-story additions are the usual answer when a lot will not accept more footprint. The deciding factors are the existing foundation and framing, soil conditions, and whether the electrical, water and HVAC systems can carry the added load. All of that is assessed before design is finalized.

Question 11

What's the typical timeline for a whole-home remodel?

Accepted Answer

Whole-home remodels run 3 to 6 months of construction depending on scope. Designs that involve structural changes, additions, or full systems replacement extend that window. Pre-construction typically runs 3 to 6 months ahead.

Question 12

What's the typical timeline for a custom home build?

Accepted Answer

Most custom homes in Middle Tennessee take 10 to 16 months from groundbreak to substantial completion. Lot work (clearing, grading, utility coordination), permitting, and HOA architectural review can add 2 to 6 months at the front of the schedule.

Question 13

Do you offer fixed-price or cost-plus contracts?

Accepted Answer

We work primarily on fixed-price contracts following a complete pre-construction phase. Cost-plus arrangements are available on selective projects where scope can't be fully defined upfront, with a clearly disclosed fee structure.

Question 14

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Brentwood, Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Lebanon, Gallatin and Winchester, covering Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson and Sumner counties.

Question 15

What if my project is outside your listed service areas?

Accepted Answer

Send us the details. We review projects throughout Middle Tennessee on a case-by-case basis, particularly for design-build engagements where the project model fits our process.

Question 16

Are you licensed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Peerless Development is a licensed general contractor operating as a design-build firm in Tennessee, licensed for both residential and commercial construction on projects up to $1.5 million. License details and proof of insurance are provided as part of every contract package.

Question 17

Do you handle both residential and commercial work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most of our work is residential: remodeling, additions and ground-up homes. We're also licensed for commercial construction on projects up to $1.5 million, and commercial projects run through the same design-build process.

Question 18

How do I start a project?

Accepted Answer

Start with a consultation. We review your goals, the property and the budget, then move into planning and design. Estimates are free. Call (615) 730-0048, email info@peerlessdevelopment.com, or send a message through the contact page.

Question 19

What kinds of projects fit your design-build model best?

Accepted Answer

Owners who want one accountable team running design, planning, and construction. Whole-home remodels, additions, kitchen and primary-suite remodels, and ground-up custom homes are all fits. Single-trade jobs and pure repair work are not a fit for our model.

Question 20

Do you handle insurance claims or emergency repairs?

Accepted Answer

We focus on planned, scoped residential design and construction work. Insurance restoration, water-loss remediation, and emergency repairs aren't a fit for our model.

Question 21

How will I be kept informed during construction?

Accepted Answer

Each project runs on a structured communication cadence — weekly progress updates, scheduled milestone walks, and a single project-management point of contact. Decisions, change orders, and selections are documented rather than tracked through ad-hoc texts.

Question 22

What kind of warranty do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Peerless Development warrants workmanship for one year from the date of substantial completion. Manufacturer warranties on installed products and systems pass through to the homeowner. Specifics are documented in every contract.

Question 23

Do you self-perform work, or do you use subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

We work with a vetted bench of trade partners — framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, finish carpentry — coordinated by our project managers. The same trade partners run with us across projects, which keeps quality and scheduling predictable.

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