By Kim Schneider, Coastal Design by Kim Schneider
Whew! We made it through another summer full of busy schedules, hot weather and a lot of tourists. If remodeling is on your agenda, NOW is the time to start planning your design and booking a contractor. Whether you’re planning a minor renovation or a major remodel, finding and hiring skilled and reliable professionals can make all the difference in achieving your desired results.
As an interior designer, I can definitely say that all projects are fun and exciting, but they typically come with their challenges. It’s crucial for you to collaborate with experts you can rely on. Interior Designers are included in the category of experts, but are sometimes overlooked due to trying to save money or being ambitious enough to want to handle it yourself. However, interior designers are key when it comes to a smoother experience and they can help to save you money, time and a lot of stress.
First and foremost, know what you want before hiring a contractor. Before speaking with contractors, spend time thinking about your goals for the project, such as what it might look like, the amenities you want and so on. If you’re unsure of how to translate your goals, it may be best to hire an interior designer that can assist you with your project.
Get recommendations. Finding a trustworthy contractor often starts with gathering recommendations from reliable sources. Talk to family and friends to get a realistic view of their experiences. An interior designer can also provide you with contractors they worked with and can speak to their quality of work, reliability and professionalism.
Conduct phone interviews to narrow down your options and assess who is the best fit for you and your project. Listen to how quickly and carefully they answer your questions as this can give you a sense of their communication skills. An interior designer can assist you with questions you may want to ask, as well with questions you may not know to ask.
Meet face-to-face and get estimates from two or three contractors before you make a final decision. You should have a well-defined project plan for the work you want done so you can get a quote with appropriate costs. Compile a list of work to be done and give it to each contractor so they bid on the exact same plan. When working with an interior designer, a scope of work is in place before calling for estimates.
Request a Bid Breakdown to compare detailed costs for each contractor. Ask bidders to provide a detailed outline of the cost of materials, labor, profit margins and other expenses. Typically, materials account for about 40% of the total home renovation cost and profit margins average around 20%. Some contractors don’t include the materials allowing you to purchase these items (flooring, tiles, countertops, etc.) directly. An interior designer is especially helpful when it comes to selecting materials that coincide with your overall design aesthetic.
It goes without saying that the contractor you select should have their license and insurance up to date. You should ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, which protects you from potential liability should an accident occur on your property during your project. An interior designer can assist you in acquiring these documents from the contractor.
Set realistic timelines with each contractor and ensure it flows with your expectations. Inquire about factors that can affect the schedule, such as material availability, weather delays, etc. An interior designer can assist you in selecting and purchasing the materials needed and often times have them delivered prior to your contractor’s start date.
Negotiating payment and finalizing contract terms is an important factor in a project. A written contract protects both you and the contractor. Your contract should include start and completion dates, information on building permits (if applicable) and fees (typically handled by the contractor but legally your responsibility). Also defined is a description of what products and services are to be provided by the contractor, payment terms, subcontractor terms and the consequences of default by either party. You should be excluded in the contract from any and all liability in the event your contractor fails to pay subcontractors. An experienced interior designer can help you navigate negotiations and payment terms and guide you on feasible charges and fees.
Communication is key to prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth progress throughout your project. Establish a regular communication schedule with your contractor so you can stay informed about the progress of your project. Ensure your preferred method of communication is clear and above all be responsive to your contractor to avoid delays. An interior designer can often be hired to project manage your plan. Their role is key in overseeing the job and handling all of the daily communication that is often required when the project is in full swing.
In conclusion, research potential contractors, ask questions and trust your gut. An interior designer can help you with your overall design plan and potentially save you time and money by identifying reliable contractors for your project. Additionally, a well-written contract and clear communication will create a great foundation for a successful experience and a completed project YOU will be proud of.
Coastal Design by Kim is a full-service interior design company. Regardless of the size of your project, our team can help YOU bring beautiful, functional designs to life. Contact us at (850) 904-6622. You can visit our website at www.coastaldesignbykim.com.
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