We have bought and renovated twice from overseas and never paid extra for something to be managed. We used an architect and architect oversaw the construction. We had routine meetings with the architect from overseas throughout. In most architecture firms this is built into the contract structure. In my experience going design build is just going lower quality on the design. I’d recommend considering some architecture firms. They will manage the construction part.

Anonymous wrote:Hi,
Architect here. Make sure that you obtain clear quotes for the design process, permit and construction. Those are separate tasks that can (but not necessarily) be joined.
Architects are VERY good at advocating for their clients' design ideas during construction.
Feel free to reach out if you need ideas of companies or colleagues that can help with the process.
ileana schinder

This. Our architects did the project management\oversight for us including getting bids from GCs, and, moreover, contractors know they're likelier to do repeat business with architects than individual homeowners.

Hi,
Architect here. Make sure that you obtain clear quotes for the design process, permit and construction. Those are separate tasks that can (but not necessarily) be joined.
Architects are VERY good at advocating for their clients' design ideas during construction.
Feel free to reach out if you need ideas of companies or colleagues that can help with the process.
ileana schinder

David Bagnoli

https://studiombdc.com/team/

Wentworth Studio. Boutique firm but everything is in house.

Anonymous wrote:Just buy a turnkey house. This isn't something you can manage from afar and be completely hands off with.

This. There’s a ton of move in ready beautiful houses in the mid and upper 7 figures for sale now (which is where you’ll land with what you want to do anyways). Just buy one of those.

Just buy a turnkey house. This isn't something you can manage from afar and be completely hands off with.

The big ones for DC are Case, Landis and Four Brothers.

If this is a renovation of an old home vs a tear down or an addition, it’s hard to avoid surprises. Honest builders will tell you that.

Also, when you say “historic home”…do you mean it’s in a historic district? I know the above do lots of work in Upper NW DC but not sure if they are familiar with historic district issues for Georgetown, Capitol Hill et al.

Bowa

We are living abroad currently but are moving back to D.C. next summer (2027). We have found a beautiful historic home with tons of potential, but it needs a gut renovation. Can anyone recommend a design and build firm to manage this process? We are looking for full-service, white glove treatment as we don't have time to return to the US to manage any aspect of the process. As such, it is important that the firm is easy to work with, communicates well and will deliver on time. Budget is in the seven figures, so we're not looking to cut any corners. Please share any experiences and recommendations you may have. Thanks in advance!