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Q: I’ve been in my house for a couple of decades, and I think it’s time I did a large-scale remodel. But with such a big project, I have no idea who to call first to do the work. Who do you hire to remodel a house?
A: Many homeowners have been confused about who to hire to remodel a home. While it is intuitive to call a plumber to replace a toilet or an electrician to add an outlet, you may still wonder, “Can you hire someone to renovate a house?”
In truth, the answer can depend on the size and scope of the remodel. Most of the time, homeowners hire a remodeling contractor to remodel a house and coordinate hiring additional subcontractors as needed. However, if the project will include major changes to the home’s layout, an architect and an interior designer can be valuable assets as well. Read on for more details on who you might need to hire for a remodel and why.
General contractors can handle most remodeling jobs.
For just about any major remodeling project, homeowners will need a general contractor to oversee and carry out the work. A general contractor handles the logistical aspects of the project such as hiring subcontractors, obtaining the proper permits, and sourcing any necessary materials.
Homeowners can look for remodeling contractors who specialize in renovating rather than new construction. If any friends or neighbors have remodeled recently, homeowners can start by asking who they hired and whether they were happy with the work. It may also be helpful to search online for “home improvement contractors near me.”
It’s a good idea to have a general idea of what will need to be done to the space before contacting the contractor. The more information a homeowner can give them, the more likely they will be to provide an accurate quote and timeline for the remodel.
You can hire a handyperson for jobs like laying flooring or hanging doors.
For a light renovation in which only a few updates are being implemented, a handyperson may be able to handle the bulk of the work. A handyperson can carry out tasks that do not require specific permits or licenses, such as painting, building shelves and cabinets, installing fixtures, or laying flooring. Hiring a handyperson can be a useful way to accomplish smaller-scope projects where homeowners aren’t planning to reroute any plumbing lines or change a room’s layout. Homeowners will want to be sure to inform the handyperson ahead of time of what jobs need to be done and confirm that they have the appropriate experience and qualifications.
An architect may be required for any structural or layout changes to the home.
For remodels in which walls are knocked down, plumbing is rerouted, or changes are made to the home’s electrical system, there are structural concerns that must be addressed. For example, a homeowner may need to know whether a beam is a load-bearing one or if an exterior wall can support a new window before getting started with construction.
This is where an architect comes in. Architects are trained in building technology and can verify that any changes will be structurally sound and up to code. They can also help formulate blueprints, weigh in on design choices, and advise on how to make the most strategic use of the space. In some cases, they will even oversee the entire project from start to finish.
Interior designers can also be part of the remodeling process.
Homeowners who would like expert advice on what design choices to make for their remodel may want to begin by speaking with an interior designer. Designers will devise a plan for the layout of a room and the placement of any appliances, cabinets, and other built-in features. A full-service designer will go the extra mile with ideas for materials, paint colors, and fixtures. While the homeowner may already have strong aesthetic preferences and have an idea of how they would like the room to look, a designer can leverage those ideas to design a cohesive and visually appealing space.
The cost of remodeling a home significantly depends on the extent of the project.
Remodeling projects can vary widely in price. But it stands to reason that the larger the scope of the remodel, the higher the home renovation costs will be. In addition to more labor and materials, large projects can require more than one professional’s expertise. For example, a homeowner may only need a single handyperson for a small-scale bathroom renovation. But if they’re converting the kitchen and living area to an open floor plan, they’ll probably need to hire a contractor and an architect at the very least. It may also be necessary to bring on an electrician, a plumber, or other subcontractors for various parts of the project. This should not discourage anyone from hiring the proper professionals—homeowners will just want to be sure to budget accordingly.
Ensure any contractors hired are properly licensed and insured.
When hiring for any service, it’s important to ensure that the professional is qualified for the job. While researching “general contractors near me,” homeowners won’t want to hesitate to ask prospective home renovation contractors for their license number and whether they have any additional certifications. Also, homeowners will want to verify that the contractor is insured and carries workers’ compensation—if this is not the case, the homeowner could be held liable in the event that something goes wrong on the job. Additionally, it’s a good idea to ask for references and some examples of past work to make sure that they are a good fit for the project.
