The Contractor Hiring Process

Who Does What

Architect
An architect will develop a design, refer you to contractors, help you select a contractor, and oversee the construction to make sure the plans are followed. On large jobs, the architect's fee usually is a percentage of the construction cost. On smaller jobs, the architect may charge an hourly fee. Some architects will work on a consulting basis—creating finished plans from your sketches or shepherding plans through the engineering and approval process.

Contractor
Once you have an architectural plan, the contractor makes it happen. The contractor reviews the drawings and specifications, providing a cost estimate to you and your architect. Then, the contractor's crews—or subcontractors he or she selects and supervises—tear out old components, move and upgrade the plumbing and electrical systems as necessary, and complete the new construction.

On most jobs, contractors charge a fixed price; changes are estimated and billed along the way. If you want more flexibility to design as you go, time-and-materials payment (a running tab of labor and materials charges) is an option.

Design-Build Company
These one-stop companies provide both design and construction services. Some have staff architects, and others supervise consulting architects they've handpicked. Most design-build firms have their own carpentry crews, but schedule subcontractors for the plumbing and electrical work. A benefit of design-build firms is that they keep communication simple: From design through completion, you're dealing with just one company and one team of individuals who are used to working together. Most designer-builders charge a design fee up front, but then credit it to the price of the job if you hire them to proceed. Often, the design-build approach costs less than the architect-contractor arrangement.

Kitchen or Bath Specialist
A designer on the staff of a cabinetry or product showroom, especially one with Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) or Certified Bath Designer (CBD) credentials from the National Kitchen and Bath Association, will produce a complete room design or flesh out the rough plan drawn by your architect.

Dealer staff or subcontractors will install cabinets and counters. Most showrooms do not charge a separate design fee; their flat fee for products and installation also covers the design work. If you're not looking for construction help, independent designers can provide designs without plying other fee-based services you don't need.

Interior Designer
Don't make the mistake of hiring an interior designer only at the end of the project to select finishes and furnishings. The designer's role varies from making product recommendations to drafting layout plans and helping you make smart decisions about allocating your remodeling dollars.

The designer may also help choose a contractor and oversee construction. Consulting designers charge an hourly fee. Those who have bigger roles may charge a flat fee and/or a percentage of the cost of products purchased.