Home Remodel Design Services
Whether you’re planning an extensive home addition or a minor bathroom remodel, you’ll likely want to work with an interior designer. These professionals can help you create a design that matches your vision and budget.
Design plans also give your build team a clear, attainable goal for the project from the start. This leads to reduced project costs and more overall satisfaction.
Planning
Home remodeling is a large investment and requires planning services to ensure the work is done correctly. Whether you’re adding a new bathroom, enlarging your kitchen or converting an extra bedroom into an office, hiring a professional home remodel design service is a smart choice to help you get the job done right.
Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to hire an architect or designer, or both. Generally, architects are licensed professionals who are regulated by state or local agencies. They typically use a combination of design and drafting skills to produce schematic plans, floor plans, elevations or illustrative sketches. They can also make sure the proposed project complies with local building codes and fits in with the neighborhood aesthetic.
Designers, on the other hand, do not need a license to practice their craft. They can be landscape designers, feng shui or interior designers, cabinet makers or anyone else with creative skills that are applied to create an appealing space. They can often offer less expensive design services and may be able to create construction drawings that will allow you to obtain a permit (if required for your remodel). Some contractors also double as designers and are known as Design/Build firms. This allows you to save time by handling both the design and build process under one contract with a single firm.
Design
Home remodel design services help ensure that your project will be constructed properly and according to your vision. This decision-making process also facilitates your project being completed within a realistic timeline. Regardless of the size of your home remodel project, there is always some element of design involved.
There are many options for finding a professional home remodel designer. Start by asking friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, ask to see their work and talk with previous clients. home remodel design services Then, meet with each candidate to learn more about their experience and education.
Kitchen and bathroom designers are specialized home remodel design professionals who draw a complete set of up-to-code plans for your project. They can also provide guidance on space reallocation and assist with the selection of cabinetry, fixtures, finishes, and paint colors. They are not the same as interior decorators, who are formally vetted by a certifying body and typically only focus on aesthetic functions.
Depending on your contractor and project delivery method, you may or may not need a home remodel design professional. For example, if you are using the Design-Build project delivery method, your contractor can refer architects for your project. If you decide to hire a separate designer, make sure that they are licensed and certified by your state’s professional licensing board.
Budget
The cost of design services will vary depending on the complexity Luxury Furniture Custom of your project and the expertise required. For example, an architect typically charges $100 to $200 per hour for their services. A remodeling contractor can provide a more accurate quote after you have outlined the scope of your project.
Keep in mind that design fees can quickly add up, especially if your designer is making changes on your behalf. Change orders are expensive because they require the remodeler to rework the design documents around which your renovation is built. Additionally, they can significantly increase the timeline for your project and potentially derail its trajectory.
Having a clear idea of what you want your finished space to look like will help the remodeler determine the best materials and construction methods for your budget. Consider collecting photos of home improvements you admire to help the designers understand your vision and style preferences. It is also a good idea to have an expert painter price out the job, as painting can be a significant expense.
It is also important to research the cost of materials, labor, and building permits (if needed) for your project before hiring a design pro or remodeling contractor. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens recommend setting aside 10 to 20 percent of your budget for contingency expenses. Creating a detailed budget will ensure that your project stays on track and doesn’t run over-budget.
Construction
Home remodeling can be as simple as changing paint colors or as complex as a major kitchen overhaul. No matter the size or scope of the project, a good remodel design process can ensure that your work is constructed properly and meets your expectations for style and functionality. The process can also help prevent costly mistakes that may arise during construction.
Remodel designs are an important part of the construction process because they provide a clear and measurable scope of work for contractors to follow. Remodels without designs run the risk of unwelcome surprises during construction that can increase cost and decrease overall satisfaction. Design plans also help create a realistic initial investment range for homeowners, so they are more likely to be happy with the final outcome of their remodel.
Many remodel designers work for remodeling contractors, called “design/build” firms. These firms offer a one-stop shop for all aspects of the remodel: planning, design and construction. They are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to reduce their stress, have a single point of contact throughout the project and have all services under one fee and contract.
Some homeowners use independent remodel designers, which can be an effective way to plan a small renovation. However, for a larger remodel, it’s best to hire a designer who specializes in the type of work that will be done on your project. A Sweeten general contractor can recommend a designer for your project.
