How to assemble the right home remodeling team

If you’re planning a minor home remodel and you’ve got a little bit of experiences, chances are you can do much-if not all-of the work yourself and save some money while you’re at it. But if you’re planning a major home remodel, doing it yourself is going to cause you a whole lot of stress and it probably won’t save you any money at all. When doing a major home remodel, it’s crucial that you assemble the right team for the job. Here’s a look at some of the different professions in the industry and a guide for determining which of them you’ll need.

Architect

Think of the architect as the translator for you and the general contractor who speak two very different languages. What the architect will do is listen to you and your ideas for the remodeling project. The architect can also help you think through the design decisions. Most importantly, the architect takes your ideas and translates all of it into drawings that the general contractor can then use when the actual work begins. If your remodel entails knocking down walls or making any structural changes to your home, you’ll definitely want an architect. Expect to pay anywhere from 10 to 20% of the total cost of the project to the architect.

General contactor

The general contractor is the person who oversees the entire project. They manage the schedule of the various workers and pull the necessary permits and they keep everything going according to plan. They’re also in charge of hiring any subcontractors that might be needed for the project such as plumbers or electricians. You’ll need a general contractor if the remodel will involve several different types of contractors. A general contractor will typically charge 25% of the cost of the project.

Kitchen/bath designer

The kitchen-bath designer is the one that will help you make design decisions regarding countertops and major features such as the bath or shower. A kitchen/bath designer isn’t really a necessity for a remodel but if you’re having a hard time deciding on materials in the kitchen or bathroom and you can afford an extra 4-7% for the project, it may be worth it to hire one.

Interior decorator

The purpose of the interior decorator is to make decisions regarding decorative style, color, furnishings, and other aesthetic considerations. While you never really have to have an interior decorator for a remodeling project, it can be the difference between a room that’s so-so and a room that looks sensational. They typically charge 5-20% of the cost of a project.

Renovation consultant

A renovation consultant is another non-necessity but it can be a good idea especially if it’s your first remodeling project or if you’re the type of person that likes a lot of hand holding throughout the course of the project. The renovation consultant helps you determine a budget and stay on budget and acts as the liaison between you and the general contractor. They charge no more than 5% of the total cost of the project.

Source: consumerreports.org/home-improvement/assembling-the-right-home-remodeling-team/

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