Remodeling can help you fall in love with your home all over again. But a significant home remodel may be one of the biggest investments you ever make, so planning carefully for success is a good idea. Working with a designer before you start the contracting process can help clarify your vision and improve your odds of getting a great job.
Winter is a great time to start planning a remodel. Designers and builders will be less busy so that you can get on their schedule more quickly. Outlining plans as early as possible helps you prepare wisely and budget accordingly.
Hiring and Cost
Design costs can be determined in many ways. Some designers charge a flat fee, others an hourly rate. The design cost is often a percentage of the final job itself. You can hire either an architect or a specialized home designer. (In some cases, your state or local regulators may require an architect or structural engineer, especially if the work involves load-bearing walls.) Architects have more education and licensing requirements, so you’ll pay more for an architect. However, that comes with more resources to help you if things go wrong, such as insurance, licensing boards, and experience. A home designer will cost less; in some cases, they’ll have specific expertise for your job, such as kitchen or bathroom renovations.Quite often, the cost is determined by how involved they will be in the entire project. If a designer supervises construction, for example, expect to pay somewhat more. On average, you’ll pay seven percent to 10 percent of the build’s cost for an architect and three percent to five percent for a home designer.
When hiring an architect or designer, find out early on what kind of communication style they have. It’s critically important that you communicate smoothly to get the job done. Your job is to let them know what you want. Their job is to visualize a way to make it real. Ask what contractors they work with and what involvement they’ll have once the job is underway.
Since most home designers aren’t licensed by state or local authorities, one of the best methods to determine their experience is to ask if they hold accreditation or membership in respected trade organizations. For instance, the National Kitchen and Bath Association certifies designers who have completed a certain amount of education.
