Stop Hiring Your Contractor First!

YouTube podcast cover photo with a photo of Krista holding a stop sign and then hiring your contractor first to the right.

Despite the catchy title, we’re not judging this blunder. It seems logical. You have a project, and you need home improvement work completed, so it follows that you need to hire a contractor to do it. This might be fine for small projects or refinishing projects. However, most renovation need to solve a functional pain point in your home, it’s the wrong move. In this blog, we’re going to go over who to contact first, and who is most skilled in what area.

This blog is an adaptation of a podcast episode. If you’d prefer to listen and watch Krista chat about this topic, head to YouTube and Spotify.

Who should you contact first?

This begins with the goal you have for your renovation project. Are there functional problems? Do you have pain points when living in your home? For example, are you constantly tripping over your partner when you try to cook dinner? Is your opposing work schedule causing you to lose sleep because your ensuite is open to your primary bedroom?

An interior designer is going to be able to help solve those problems.

For renovations, an interior designer is your first call.

A design-build company might be better, but we’re biased on that one. Krista Hermanson Design is a design-build company that completes both design and construction in-house. 

Contractors are Not Designers – Don’t Expect Them to Be

Contractors are there to follow a plan and give the client what they want within the bounds of what is possible to construct. 

Contractors cannot help you determine the design you need. That’s a big distinction.

A qualified interior designer’s education includes everything from colour theory to building code. Their strength is space planning and flow. They solve problems in a way that you might never have known to tell your contractor.

It’s unfair to ask your contractor to design your space for you. They are not designers.

If you ask a contractor to update your space without a fully fleshed-out design, you will ultimately end up with an updated version of your space with the same problems. 

Designers & Contractors Collaborate

Experienced general contractors know the value of interior design and will often direct you to hire an interior designer first and return to them. This is a good sign!  

Interior designers also have a preferred list of contractors in their contacts list and they can send you to someone they trust will execute their design at a high level.

You don’t want to have a good design executed poorly. 

Great designers and contractors are collaborative. 

Should you hire an Architect, Interior Designer, Or Both?

Architects focus on the building envelope and how it relates to the rest of the neighbourhood. They also tie the outside in and focus on the use of space and how people move within that space.

Interior designers focus primarily on how people live in the space. For example, a designer would consider the ergonomics of where their spices should be in relation to their range. 

Interior designers will work with architects to finesse a design to solve problems for the end user. They are complementary disciplines. They are not interchangeable.

You should have both professionals on a larger project or a new build, but you do not always need an architect on a renovation.

When to Hire an Engineer

Large projects where structural changes occur typically require an engineer’s sign-off. However, they might only be required on certain aspects of the project. Engineers test structure, pressure and load.

Most renovation projects do not need an engineer, but large projects with many structural changes may need multiple professionals. 

Difference Between a Development Permit and a Building Permit

A development permit is not necessary for a renovation unless you plan to change the footprint of your home. Development permits deal with the municipal bylaw requirements and restrictions on what type of building you can construct on your property. This covers how close your building might be to the property line or the curb etc. These restrictions can vary by area, so you may encounter additional restrictions from the community you live in. At this point in the life of your project, you need to have a good idea of what you’d like to do with your property, but it is not as detailed as a building permit.

A building permit comes later in the project and is much more extensive. It covers adherence to the Alberta building code and your drawing package must be completed to a level that includes room dimensions, millwork locations and dimensions, and loose material selections. For example, you would specify hardwood in the living room on the drawing, but you won’t specify that it’s going to be white oak. These drawings need to be adhered to as closely as possible or you may need to re-submit for BP.

This means that the design needs to be nearly complete before you submit for your BP.

How Long Does it Take to Get Your Permit?

Short answer: We don’t know!

We wish we did! We are somewhat at the mercy of the municipal office. It depends on how long the queue is and staffing. It also depends on how clear and detailed the submission is. The professional submitting your permits must thoroughly go through the requirements and not miss a thing. When in doubt, call and ask!

FINAL THOUGHTS ON WHY NOT TO HIRE YOUR CONTRACTOR FIRST

We hope this helped you understand who does what and why your contractor is not your first call. The most important thing is that you start the conversation and do your due diligence. When you’re ready to renovate, we’re here to help! Let’s talk!

Don’t forget to head over and be inspired by our latest posted projects.