A home renovation is a big project. There are so many products and people to juggle. So many details need to be considered for things to go smoothly. It’s not just a case of jotting down a quick plan and then winging it the rest of the way. Instead, you need to take your time. Come up with a solid plan. Then go through each element one by one to decide the key pros you are going to need to hire.
To get you started, check out the list of key pros below. You are likely to need these pros during a home renovation.
Check your state’s licensing board for a licensed professional near you.
Licensed Contractor
If you’ve never renovated anything, it’s wise to find a licensed contractor to manage the process. A licensed contractor is usually tops among key pros. Why? They have a list of other pros they regularly use for projects, so they will save you time searching around for each trade you’ll need. Also, they can serve as the General Contractor on the job. They manage product orders and deliveries, coordinate schedules with the other trades, and walk you through the entire process.
The GC can make or break a home renovation. So make sure you research and vet the pro before you commit to them. And read their contract. You’ll find details about when they are paid. Payment is usually based on completion benchmarks. You’ll also learn about how they deal with change orders—when you ask for something different mid-way through the project that wasn’t agreed upon upfront.
Electrician
If you are adding an extension to your home, if you are changing the layout of your home, or if you are adding new electrical features, chances are you are going to need an electrician. You need someone qualified to do all of the wiring for this, and someone who knows the local codes. Otherwise it could turn out to be a big mess that needs a professional to fix it.
If you don’t hire a General Contractor, make sure that the Electrician is licensed and you book them when they are needed. Certain aspects of the renovation need to be complete before the wiring can be started. And usually they do a rough-in before they come back and finish on another day.
Designer
It’s beneficial to hire someone to design and decorate if this is not something you want to try do yourself. To get the most out of a home renovation, a Professional Designer is part of the planning process. They can assess your needs and make sure the final design includes accommodations that support your style of living.
With a Designer’s input early-on, you can avoid disappointment later when furniture doesn’t fit quite right or cabinets that don’t offer the kind of storage you need.
It’s usually best to include a Designer who has a good relationship with the General Contractor, as they will need to work together to achieve your goals.
Plumber
Another among the key pros who you are likely to need is a plumber. There are plenty of qualified plumbing companies in your local area, we are sure, so it’s just a case of looking at reviews and working out who you think would be best for your project. You can also check your state’s licensing board for a licensed plumber near you.
Make sure that you get a quote and speak to each company about what it is you actually want them to do to ensure that they are able to provide you with what you need. The last thing that you want is to hire someone who isn’t able to do the job. And then need to start searching again for a new plumber.
