2 Comments May 30th, 2010

what type of home designer/contractor do you hire just to give you advice?

qaz5 asked:


I need advice on what type of professional designer to hire to help coordinate the overall color/style of some home remodel projects.

This isn’t a major remodel, just various home upgrades we plan to make over the next year or so, and I want to avoid making the expensive mistakes I’ve seen others make, so I just need help with coordinating interior tiles, picking windows, adding some curb appeal, deciding whether or not to open up the kitchen, etc. but I’ll take care of hiring the contractors myself. I just need help with a plan.

But who do you hire to give you advice on these types of choices? Is it a contractor, architect, interior designer? I don’t even know who to call or how much it will cost.

It’s just a small house, so it won’t be anything extravagant.

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2 Responses to “what type of home designer/contractor do you hire just to give you advice?”

  1. chuckg Says:
    June 2nd, 2010 at 9:55 pm

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    Most of your questions would be better answered by an interior decorator. However, changing the layout of functional spaces would be more in the realm of interior design.

    Contact either one and ask if they also have an associate who covers the other.

  2. *Sombra* Says:
    June 3rd, 2010 at 3:36 am

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    You need an interior designer. An “interior decorator” is not qualified to do anything but recommend paint colors and help you pick out curtains.

    Actually your best bet would be an architect if you could afford one, and if you plan to move any loadbearing walls, you will NEED one.

    Either way, start by hiring a designer … he/she will be a qualified professional (yes, TRAINED and certified) who can do nearly anything an architect can do. You can hire one simply for a consultation (for a few hours, just to brainstorm some ideas) or to oversee the entire project.

    I know, I know … you said you didn’t want to do that! BUT … interior design professionals have access to products and services that you will NOT, and are also experienced at hiring and coordinating the various contractors you will need … keeping a designer on to oversee often turns out to be the most cost-effective way to go.

    But that’s up to you. Call a designer for a consultation, and go from there.