Who should be part of the renovation project ?

If you’ve never renovated or built a new home, you may not be sure about how the seed of an idea turns into a completed project. Here are tips for two early steps: putting together your renovation team and nailing down your project’s cost.

Before you meet with a professional, know what you want to accomplish. Is your goal to tear out your entire kitchen and start fresh? Are you looking for less costly upgrades, perhaps replacing cabinet fronts and a tired backsplash? Do you want to remodel your whole house?

Furnace size and price

Some homeowners know only that their current home isn’t working for them but they aren’t sure how to fix it. If you are in this group, you will probably want to work with a design or building professional. This pro will help you develop a construction plan that fits your budget, meets local building safety codes and reflects your personal style.

How to Select You renovation team

When hiring your first design team member, you can start with a builder, architect, designer, design-build firm or remodeler. Each profession has its special emphasis, but there can be some overlap in services too. In very general terms:

• Architects and interior designers create concepts and draw plans. They also may offer construction management services, involving consulting and coordinating with the various agencies overseeing your project, and manage the bidding process when you search for the right contractor.
• Design-build firms offer both design and building services, some with in-house architects, others by contracting out the design work.
• General contractors build the plans.
• Landscape architects create designs and plans for outdoor spaces.

Rules for which pros can draft plans vary by state (and in some states by county or municipality) and with the size and type of project. The professionals you contact can explain the rules in your area.

The Interview Process

Narrow down your list to your favorite pros and then interview a few people. Ask for references and go to see past projects, if possible.

The average kitchen remodel takes about five months once construction starts, but three times that long from initial design phase to completion. So the professionals you hire should be people you like and can communicate with.

Get contractor estimates

If you don’t already have a licensed contractor on your project, your next step is to find one to carry the project through. I always recommend to my clients to get at least three different contractor estimates. I like to do preliminary walk-throughs with the contractors once the schematic designs are done so we can get some ballpark estimates and find out if we’re on the right track or need to pull back some to fit the budget.

Consult experts upfront

If you are planning to start your next renovation project reach out to GTA Contractors so you can get tailored estimates for the project from our experts!