Where to Begin When Considering Home Renovations
You’ve decided to make the leap and invest in renovating your beloved home. You’ve ball-parked how much it will cost and called in a contractor who suggests hiring a designer as well. What? Another expense?
Trust us. It’s Worth it.
Contractors are masters at making the magic happen, but they need a roadmap to get there. A designer will listen to your dreams and get them down on paper. Once the drawings are done, the contractors’ team will spend far less time on the job as they follow the detailed plans laid out for them. That includes what order tasks need to be done so booking subcontractors becomes more fluid as well.
Having the plans will also save you money in countless ways. For starters, you’ll end up with a far more accurate quote on the supplies you will need for the job, without buying too much or having to go back to get more. It will also narrow down the full gamut of building permits required so you don’t get hung up – or worse, fined – for missing out on some paperwork.
Having another set of eyes on the job can save you from expensive mistakes, such as having adequate storage space or changing an elevation so plumbing works more efficiently. Those small changes add up in terms of time and money.
Designers often have trade discounts with certain suppliers that your contractor does not, helping you to score housewares or appliances that you thought were beyond your budget.
As a bonus, a good designer will also see potential that you may have overlooked. A good builder will put up the wall where you want it, but a designer can find ways to add more light or complement another aspect of your home. They will also see affordable ways to enhance the comfort and value of your home – a shelf here or a hidden closet there – that increases the sale price when you decide to sell and relocate.
Ask your contractor to recommend someone they trust and you’ll get off on the right foot for your project. This investment in talent will result in savings in the long run as you get the supplies and permits you need, the building crew on site for the time required, and a lovely home that will sell more quickly.
