Remodeling a house is no small task. Finding the right people for the job can prove difficult. There is a lot to think about when it comes to remodeling. Who should I hire? Do I need an architect? Is a designer really necessary? Is hiring a contractor enough? These are only some of the questions that you need to answer. However, there is nothing to worry about as we will help you find those answers. Basically, it all comes down to the type and size of your project. Figuring that out will help you to know who to hire for your project.
In addition, knowing about these professions and what they deal with is also important. In order to help you figure out who to hire for your home remodel project, we will go over each profession. We will provide you with the necessary information so you can make a decision with ease.
Table of Contents
Hiring an Architect
If you wish to do some serious remodeling a house, like changing the structure or the layout of your rooms, an architect is what you are looking for. Changing the structure and the layout of your home needs to be done by an architect. Doing something like that requires a licensed professional that has a degree in architecture. Everything needs to be done according to the regulations. A home that is restructured by someone that is not a certified architect is not safe.
The job of an architect is to make sure your home is stable and safe while also accomplishing your plans. That being said, you can hire an architect to only come up with the plan. However, you can also hire them for the whole job. They can manage the project and work with a contractor until the job is finished.
When it comes to the costs, an architect’s salary does not come cheap. An hourly rate can vary depending on the architect. In general, you are looking at $50 all the way up to $200 per hour. On the other hand, your other option is to pay them by giving them between 5 and 20 percent project fee if their job is to oversee the entire project.
Working with a Designer
Compared to the architect, a designer’s job is completely different. Hiring a designer is completely up to you. Their job is to make a suitable design for your interior. That being said, if you already know how you want your rooms to look, hiring a designer is unnecessary. On the other hand, if you need help with designing, they got what it takes. The process of looking for a designer is tricky. This does not mean it’s hard or complicated. The whole trick here is finding that one designer whose work you really like.
Unlike architects, designers do not need a degree. It is simple, you either like their work or you don’t, end of story. When you find a designer that suits your style, your home becomes your canvas. They will help you redecorate and remodel everything to the smallest detail.
Now the real question is the cost. You can expect around the same amount per hour as for the architects, between $50 and $200. However, there are designers that have a minimum project fee. This means that they will charge you a specific amount right from the start. A good piece of advice is that you put aside about 10 percent of your whole budget designated for designing.
Home Renovation Contractors
The job of a contractor is to take care of the project from start to finish. This includes everything. They will design, plan, and create a contract according to your wishes. A contractor supervises the whole process and provides workers, carpenters, plumbers, and everything else that is needed for the job. This means that a contractor can save you a lot of trouble.
For example, a contractor you hired has an architect or a designer that works for them, or they worked together before. Not having to search by yourself will save you a lot of time.
The cost of a contractor is not the same as for an architect or a designer. Unlike the hourly rate for the other two, contractors charge you through a cost-plus contract. Basically, this means that if the whole project costs you $10.000, for example, a contractor will charge you 50 percent of that. So the final cost will be $15.000.
Who should you hire?
The question remains, “Who should I hire?” The answer is simpler than you might think. It all depends on the job. If you wish to only do some redesigning, a designer will suffice. On the other hand, if you wish to tear down a small wall to change the layout of your room, go for the architect.
Lastly, if the project is big with a lot of work to do, hiring a contractor is in your best interest. In the end, keep in mind your budget and what you want to do before you decide anything.
Also read: Must-Know Things When You Choose Hardwood Floor Refinishing
