It’s a fair question and one we hear often. After all, your contractor is handling the construction side, right? But here’s the thing: contractors are builders, not designers. Their job is to execute a plan, not to create one. And without a designer on board, that plan can get confusing, costly, and very stressful.

Think of a designer as your project’s pilot and guide. They help you navigate your project in the right way, make the best decisions, keep it on track, and work with your budget to land your design goal to a 'safe destination.'

If you’re starting a remodel or new build, keep reading, because hiring a designer first can save you time, costly mistakes, and frustration later.

1. Guidance You Can Trust

A designer can help you make informed design decisions that align with your needs and lifestyle.

Contractors are great at doing the work, but they need to know what you want - this is the key point. If a homeowner doesn't know what they want and relies on the contractor to make the decision, then they may not get the desired result. Contractors are not designers. They're good at executing, but you have to tell them precisely what you want.

Designers can help you choose finishing selections, tile, and paint colors that best align with your lifestyle, creating a cohesive look. We provide you with guidance from beginning to end to ensure we achieve your initial goal.

2. You Get Clear Communication Every Step of the Way

Designers keep you informed about your project’s status, progress, or setbacks, which sometimes occur, to make your remodeling or construction project feel less stressful from start to finish.

Our contractors love that we provide them with a complete booklet also known as the spec book, containing all the design plans, measurements, and necessary actions, as it streamlines their work and makes it easier to achieve within the timeline.

3. Keeping Your Project on Track

This step is very important for the contractor because once they start the job, they want to keep it moving, as they have other jobs already lined up after yours. Designers help you stay on schedule, so your remodel runs smoothly.

Especially at the beginning of a project, the contractors we work with prefer to come on board once the drawings are available, so they can better understand the project’s scope. It's even better if we've already sourced materials so they can price the project more accurately. This helps so you won't have allowances. 

For example, the contractor might have a tile allowance of $8 per square foot, but the tile you've selected costs $18 per square foot, and now you've gone over budget for tile. 



Bottom line: hire a designer to help you make the selections first to give to the contractor, so that they can price the job more accurately.

4. Elevating Your Home’s Look and Feel

Designers know how to give your kitchen or bathroom an upscale look or feel - we're not going to source items from large retail hardware stores. We want your home to look and feel elevated, and that doesn't come from a big box store. We have accounts with numerous vendors and can source a wide catalogue of products to help your home feel more unique to you.

You can achieve a polished, upscale design that reflects your unique taste.

When is the Best Time to Bring a Designer on Board for My Project?

I recently had a client ask, “When is the best time to bring you on board for our kitchen remodel this year?” That’s a great question! I believe that involving your designer right from the start is key to a smooth experience. This way, we work as a team, discussing ideas, coordinating with the contractor on orders, clarifying roles, setting a timeline, and even placing orders in advance. 

The best part is that your contractor can kick off the project with confidence and complete it within the established timeframe. In our experience, when homeowners bring us in later, the contractor has already started the project, and sometimes, they have to redo what they’ve already done, which means more money and time are lost. 

Ultimately, your contractor may know how to build your dream kitchen or bath, but your designer knows how to bring it to life. When you combine a contractor’s expertise with a designer’s vision, you get a remodel that’s not only functional but also beautiful, intentional, and truly yours.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward your remodeling, let’s talk! Inquire about our services here to get expert guidance and start your project with confidence.

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