If you are planning to begin a home remodeling project at any point in the near future, you are probably currently in the process of figuring out what types of home improvement experts you need to complete your job properly. There are three main categories of renovation professionals you should be aware of: architects, contractors, and interior designers. You may need only one of these experts to oversee your job or you may need all three. It will depend on the plans you have and how much you intend to tackle on your own. As you continue reading, you will learn more about how to decide for sure which professionals you need to work with you.
- Architects – Architects always have Bachelor’s degrees and frequently have Master’s level educations. As a result of this training, their services tend to be more expensive than many other types of home improvement specialists. However, in some cases, architects are absolutely necessary. If you are going to be doing any structural work during your renovation, such as a major addition, removing walls, or moving staircases, you need an architect to make sure your home remains both structurally sound and functional from a layout standpoint. If you hire an architect, he or she will provide you with blueprints and will probably check-in on the project from time to time, but will not do the actual construction.
- Contractors – Contractors frequently don’t have formal education backing their skills, but many have apprenticed or taken over family businesses. Good contractors learn on-the-job and do high-quality work every time they work on a new project. Nearly all remodeling projects require general contractors to be hired. Some contractors have specialties, such as prior experience as an electrician or a tile layer, but nearly all can perform basic jobs like ripping-up and installing flooring, hanging drywall, installing new windows, painting, and replacing various lighting and plumbing fixtures. Before you sign any paperwork with your preferred contractor, make sure you clarify that he or she can handle all of the tasks you need him or her to perform.
- Designers – Interior designers do a lot more than help homeowners select furniture and paint colors. While they certainly can do these things, most designers also help with spatial planning and may even work alongside an architect to create a great home layout for you and your family. Although many designers do have bachelor’s degrees, they do not have to; their services tend to range dramatically in price.
- Payment policies – No two home improvement professionals have identical payment policies. Rates, financing options, and service packages can vary depending on a wide range of factors, including which area of North Carolina or South Carolina the expert works in, what types of certifications and associations the expert has, and how many years of experience the expert has under his or her belt. Don’t hesitate to talk about money with any prospective home improvement professional. They understand that their clients are on budgets and need to know how much they will owe when their jobs are finished.
If you are interested in working with the Hatch Homes team on your next home renovation, contact our office at your earliest convenience. Our helpful staff will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have regarding our service offerings. We look forward to getting to know you and are excited to take on whatever it is you have in mind to reinvent your house!