Sarasota Remodeling Blog - Gilbert Design Build

Who Do I Hire for a Home Improvement Project? - Gilbert Design Build

Written by Gilbert Design Build | Nov. 25, 2021

There’s something absolutely exciting about thinking of a new home renovation project. Considering all the options. Toiling over the details as your imagination goes wild. In your head anything is possible. And with the best Florida home remodeling company your imagination can become a reality. However, you can’t just bring in any contractor or designer into your home.

You need someone that not only can align their own skills with your vision, but someone that has the skills, knowledge, and experience to make sure the job is done correctly, the first time through. Yet with so many expert home improvement contractors, designers, architects, and professionals out there, who is right for you, and who should you give a call to first? Here is what you need to know about how to hire a general contractor, architect, and every other home design expert.

When To Contact An Architect

An architect is someone who likely went through the most extensive amount of formal education in order to become a trained architect. Most hold a degree in architectural design, and there may also be other degrees in there, including various forms of engineering. These are the individuals you want to turn to when you have a specialized project you’re working on, such as a new home addition, or even if you want to start from the ground up with a new house (or a stand-alone building on your property).

Now, with that said, because an architect is someone that specializes in building designs they are not the kind of professional you would turn to if you want a kitchen designed. For a kitchen design you’ll want to turn to a general contractor hiring process.

General Contractor

This is someone who will work with you from start to finish on a home renovation project. Some have very specific specialties, while others focus on a range of home renovation projects. These individuals will not only be able to work with you on designing and completing your project, but they also know the ins and outs of local permits and requirements for your particular job. They will be able to obtain whatever permits are required, which helps you from being shutdown in the middle of a home renovation (which is the last thing you want to deal with).

Some contractors will do it all, while others might not perform elaborate designs. If you want a standalone suite on your property they might have you go to an architect for the design and then work with you on building and completing the project. You will need to talk it over with your different contractor recommendations in order to figure out which is the best for you and which will work with you from start to finish or who will need you to bring in other professional service providers.

Design-Build Firms

A design-build firm is like a general contractor, only they will also design out what you want to have remodeled. When working with a design-build firm you will be with them from start to finish. Because there is no handing off of the project to another contractor it can help streamline the process, but as is the case with other Sarasota remodeling contractors you will also want to make sure you are fully comfortable with the particular design-build firms as they will be working with you throughout the duration of the home renovation, and attempting to cut yourself off from any design-build firm you’re not happy with can prove to be a challenge. Always make sure you are completely happy and comfortable with any designer or contractor before making any kind of agreement.

Plumber/Electrician

These are individuals that will not install a full renovation project. Instead, these are individuals that will be able to focus on very specific areas of a project. If, for example, you want to install heated floors in your bathroom you will want to have an electrician come over in order to perform the necessary installation. They will be able to set up the electrical system as well as any kind of gas connection, if this is necessary. Depending on the project some contractors will bring in specialty plumbers and electricians to make sure all work is done correctly and is up to code. However, for minor upgrades and needed repairs, the specialty handyman is who you’ll want to contact.

Take Care Of All Your Home Design Needs

Every job is different. Some contractors specialize in roofing installation while others target designer bathroom, basement, or kitchen upgrades. What you need to do is find the right Sarasota general contractors capable of delivering you an exceptional, final project. With our help, we will work with you from the very beginning, starting with the initial design and finishing with the completed home improvement renovation. So, if you’re currently searching for remodeling contractors in Sarasota, FL give us a call. We’ll help you realize your dream renovation project.