What do you select first: the design concept or the contractor?

When should I select a contractor?

The question of whether you hire a contractor for your home renovation before or after you have a defined design concept is like asking—Which came first: the chicken or the egg?

While people will debate the chicken and egg paradox, no debate is needed in your contractor and design decision-making because Deazly e-design services can work either way. Our online interior designers have worked with clients who already have enlisted a contractor, as well as clients who still need to select one. This is how it works………..

If you have already selected a contractor

For those who want to pursue the e-design process with a contractor already on board, we like to communicate with them as needed to support a successful design process. In Step 1 of our easy five-step process, we ask questions about several existing conditions. We also collect essential measurements and/or a floor plan of your space. As we proceed through each step, the residential contractor may also have valuable insights to share as you hone in on your final design concept. When a project begins construction, there can always be surprises, but with a contractor evaluating the site from the start, fewer design adjustments may be needed.

Biggest Benefit

With a contractor already on board, they can help answer questions about site conditions and even alert us of possible hidden conditions. They are a valuable resource throughout the collaborative design process and can advise you on the estimate as you are selecting a Deazly design option. Furthermore, they will be in the loop of the timing of the design process so they can keep a spot saved for your project’s construction start date in their busy construction schedules.

If you do not have a contractor selected

Some clients feel they need to work through the interior design process with an interior design service firm and understand what they want and the cost implications before they engage a contractor. They want to focus on the look and feel of the space first and then take the next steps. They want first to curate the design style, which may be modern interior design, farmhouse interior design, or contemporary interior design style. This means space measurements and existing conditions questions in Step 1 need to be answered by you without the assistance of a construction professional. While the five-step design process will still yield the concept of your dreams, it is crucial to be aware that some unforeseen circumstances may arise when a contractor takes a closer look at the site conditions. This may require a few design adjustments.

Biggest Benefit

The benefit is that you have a clear picture of what you want as you continue to make decisions and move through the remodeling process—you have a design in hand. For those with strict budget considerations, this will allow you to bid the project out with a clear scope of work. You will be able to collect proposals from several contractors and make apples-to-apples comparisons because you have multiple contractors bidding on the same information. This allows you to negotiate the best deal for your project. You will be able to ask questions and see examples of work, so you can feel confident the contractor you select can make your distinct design a reality.

When it comes to kitchen or bathroom remodeling projects, there are different roads you can take to achieve design success. The Deazly team is here for you every step of the way. We are happy to work with your selected contractor from the start, or we can provide a few recommendations and guidance for making that critical selection when you are ready. No matter your decision about how to proceed with construction, we are here and ready to start working on your design.

But don't take our word for it. Listen to how the Deazly process helped Katya from Arlington Virginia overcome her renovation nightmares.

Do you have more contractor-related questions? Give us a call/ email us to book your free consultation call for your kitchen bathroom interior design project. We are happy to help– even if you don't plan to start a project anytime soon.