Hiring a professional designer or decorator for a remodeling project? Very expensive.

That’s what many homeowners assume, but this option can actually help your budget. This is because a knowledgeable professional can make suggestions that will save money in the short term and headaches in the long run.

Professional designers and decorators have access to materials and products that are available “for trade only,” not for the public. Therefore, they can get goods that you probably won’t see in your neighbor’s house. And by working with these products, professionals gain experience with style, color, and pattern that can help avoid an unfortunate selection.

getting help
The professionals are better than most of us at seeing the big picture. For example, a designer may find an elegant solution to traffic jams or tight spaces by recommending that you move a wall, something the average homeowner would not consider. Working with a design professional doesn’t have to mean hiring them to do the whole project; You can hire someone a la carte to help you select a theme or color scheme. You could, for example, hire a designer to create a color chart. A color board brings together the main elements of a design in one place so you can see how the elements work and don’t work together. On the nuts and bolts side, a decorator or designer can help you find contractors if he needs them.

If you decide to work with a professional, be sure to check their references and get a written quote for their work. Make sure you both understand, in writing, exactly what services will be provided. Professionals who can help with a remodeling project include interior designers and decorators, kitchen and bath designers, contractors, and architects.

Designers and Decorators
Although many homeowners think that an interior designer and an interior decorator are the same thing, they are quite different. An interior designer requires professional training and experience and is typically certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). An NCIDQ Certified Designer has demonstrated her competency in all areas of interior design, including interior aesthetics and safety. After becoming certified, an interior designer follows the standards set by the American Society of Interior Designers (www.asid.org). Visit their website to find a certified interior designer near you. An interior designer will work closely with other professionals, such as plumbers, electricians, and general contractors. When necessary, they will consult with an architect.

An interior decorator, on the other hand, does not require formal training. Anyone can hang a tile on their door and call themselves an interior decorator. Interior decorators often focus on surface decoration. That’s not to say, however, that there aren’t some talented interior decorators out there; it’s just that their education and certification requirements aren’t as structured as those for interior designers.

If you’re planning new cabinets as part of a remodeling project, consider hiring a kitchen or bathroom designer to help you with the design, even if you plan to install the cabinets yourself. There are several good reasons to do this. First, a kitchen or bathroom designer has access to all the major cabinet manufacturers and will know which one is best for you. Second, given your budget and space constraints, they will design your kitchen or bathroom. Most designers use high-tech CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs for their work, so they will be able to show you exactly what your kitchen or bathroom will look like. The really cool thing about it is that they can change details (like cabinet style) with a single mouse click; even adding or removing a cabinet is not a big deal. Third, they will be able to generate an order list that will specify everything you need, from crown molding to filler strips. Kitchen and bathroom designers must be certified by the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). In addition to certifying designers, the NKBA helps consumers find local design professionals. They publish a free consumer workbook that offers remodeling tips and guides you through the process of redesigning your kitchen or bathroom from start to finish. Visit their site at http://www.nkba.org for more information.

contractors
A contractor may handle a specific part of a remodeling job (such as plumbing or electrical) or handle the entire job. A general contractor will bid on an entire project, often subcontracting to reliable specialty contractors to handle specific tasks like electrical, plumbing, flooring, roofing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and refrigeration), and masonry. There are numerous associations that will help you find a quality contractor. These include:

The Associated General Contractors of America.
National Association of Electrical Contractors.
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.
The Mason Contractors Association of America.
National Association of Roofing Contractors.

architects
If part of your remodeling project requires moving or modifying walls, especially exterior walls, it’s a good idea to consult with an architect. These professionals are educated and trained to determine load and stress requirements for all parts of a structure. Most architects are certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Many architects are members of the American Institute of Architects and the Society of Registered American Architects.