The Blog

What Comes First: Architect, Designer, or Contractor for a Home Remodel?

Hire an architectural designer or contractor in the wrong order, and your home remodel might end up costing more, taking much longer, or not producing the result you wanted. Planning the renovation begins with an on-site Phase One “Construction Consult,” during which we assess which changes are feasible and do not compromise structural integrity.

If you hire a contractor before finalizing renovation plans with an architectural designer, the contractor may lack the skills or experience to complete the job as planned. You should get a contractor after we have assessed viability and finalized permit-ready house plans, to ensure they are up to the task, including staying within your budget and desired timeframe.

Schedule a consultation with Phase One’s architectural designers and construction consultants when you call 803-404-7168.

Should You Hire an Architectural Designer First for a Home Remodel?

Hiring an architectural designer before a contractor is preferable, so that you can see what is and is not possible regarding your home remodel before you commit to a specific builder. Our architectural designers help you determine the style you want for your home’s interior, decide whether to make any exterior changes, and plan structurally sound renovations.

By hiring an architectural designer first, you get complete house plans that you can provide to a contractor in the near future. Without permit-ready building plans, a contractor cannot get permits, obtain building materials, or start construction.

What Comes First After You Get an Architectural Designer for a Home Remodel?

The first thing we do with clients is have an open conversation about what their dream renovation would look like, how much they are comfortable spending, and when they want construction to be over, all of which we can keep in mind when drafting initial construction plans.

This conversation is very important, and we will be candid with you about how much you can do with your budget. We can compare the ROI of renovating an outdated house versus building a new home, and you may decide to build a custom home instead of embarking on a remodel.

Should You Get a Construction Consult Before Hiring a Contractor?

Getting a Phase One Construction Consult before hiring a contractor gives you a realistic idea of the amount of work that needs to be done for a gut renovation project and explains any site-specific limitations, especially if you want to add an addition or move mechanical placements.

During Construction Consults, we may spend up to 2 hours on-site with our clients, seeing firsthand what the existing structure looks like and listening to the changes they want to make.

We can troubleshoot dealing with load-bearing walls, uneven floors, foundation issues, and roof concerns, and identify the most important upgrades beyond aesthetic changes.

When Should You Get a Contractor for Your Home Remodel?

Once the initial phase of the renovation planning process is done and you have given the plans your seal of approval, you can hire a contractor for the home remodel.

Your contractor must have the experience and skill necessary to complete your renovation as we planned it. Already having the plans to show them from our architectural designers helps ensure they are up to the task and that they do what you specifically need done.

Why Shouldn’t I Get a Contractor First?

Committing to a contractor and signing a contract before hiring an architectural designer may leave you in a difficult situation if the contractor is unable to follow our renovation plans because they lack the necessary skills, experience, or vendor connections.

Contractors might overpromise and under-deliver before you have complete house plans, especially when homeowners don’t have a clear idea of what they want to accomplish with a renovation. The contractor cannot help you make all the design and architectural decisions you need to make, but Phase One can.

FAQs About Hiring an Architectural Designer for a Home Remodel

Do You Need an Architectural Designer for a Home Remodel?

If you do not get an architectural designer for a home remodel, you risk removing crucial load-bearing walls without replacing them, making unpermitted changes to electrical or plumbing systems, and going over budget.

How Long Does it Take to Design a Home Remodel?

Our design process often takes about 2 months, though a home remodel may take less time than planning a custom build from the ground up.

What if I Need Help Finding a Contractor for My Home Remodel?

If you need help finding a contractor for your home remodel, we can connect you with reliable professionals in the area after you finalize your renovation plans with Phase One.

What Questions Should I Ask an Architect or Designer for My Home Remodel?

Feel free to ask an architectural designer about their design process, to see previous renovations they have designed, and for help with interior and exterior design decisions.

Can I Set a Budget for My Home Renovation Before Getting an Architectural Designer?

Our architectural designers and construction consultants provide realistic renovation budget estimates based on the changes you want made. We can then adjust the budget and change renovation plans if necessary.

What if I Hire a Contractor First?

Hiring a contractor without already having renovation plans could mean additional costs and construction delays. You might even realize that the contractor is incapable of obtaining the materials you need or following our remodel instructions if you hire them prematurely.

What Happens After You Get an Architectural Designer for a Home Renovation?

During your first several meetings with Phase One, we will have in-depth conversations about how much you want to spend, when you want the project finished, and how you want to renovate an existing house.