Hiring A Designer

Tips for Hiring a Professional for your Home Remodeling Project

Where do I start?

1. Make notes of the things you wish to accomplish with this project.

2. Tear out magazine pictures to show your designer things you like. Put them in a binder with your notes. Make copies for yourself. This will help to direct your designer in finding things that will appeal to your taste.

3. Have Design specifications drawn up. When you are sending a project out to bid, even when it is small, it is important that all contractors are bidding on the same thing. As the old saying goes, “you will be comparing apples to apples”.

4. Get three written bids. If the prices vary widely, get a couple more bids.

5. Check the contractor’s license number with the contractor’s board. If the contractor has a license in good standing, you can be sure you will have recourse should anything go wrong on the job. If the contractor does not have a current license, you are taking quite a risk.

6. Ask for references and check them out! Call the references and ask questions. Good contractors do not mind giving references. They welcome it!

Once awarded a job, it is good practice for a contractor to give a list of all subcontractors, with phone numbers and their license numbers, to the homeowner. It is important that you have this information so that you know who can place a lien on your property if they are not paid.

I also give my clients a working schedule of the project. The schedule will change as the job unfolds, but it does give some estimated time frame for the job completion.

When I am hired as a project manager, I take care of the bid process for my clients. My fees include sending out the approved specifications to three sub-contractors for bid. I meet the contractors at your home or office. I submit the bids to you and together we chose the sub-contractors for the job.

I am there to start the job every morning there is work being done. I see the project through to completion.

If you would like me to contact you regarding your upcoming design project, please fill out our online contact form or call me at (702) 242-1024.