Blog

Assembling Your A-Team

The risk of trying to DIY your major home remodel is simply too great.  You are one person, and remodels are truly a team effort. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but working with a team actually minimizes risk, even if it feels more complicated. This is because you’re less likely to be subjected to one person’s schedule.  So, the burden of progress won’t rely entirely on you. While specialists cost money, they’ll save you time, stress, and money in the long run, particularly if your project finishes sooner than expected with fewer bumps in the road.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Teamwork makes the dream work”.  Well, here are the different professionals you may have on your team:

An Architect or Designer

The work of architects and designers sometimes overlap, but how they get into the profession is very different. Architects study and are licensed by the state. Designers, while not always licensed, are still professionals. Some study, and some have innate talent.

So, which one is right for you? If the scope of your project affects your home’s safety and structural integrity, your city may require you to hire an architect. If there are no limitations imposed by the city, determine whether the individual listens well and translates solutions into a space plan that aligns with your functional needs and aesthetics, has a track record of approved projects in the same area the home is located, and has drawn plans with less than a 5% error or omission rate.

An Engineer

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to engage a structural engineer to ensure the proper materials and framing are used in the remodel. By proper, I mean building and structural elements that are going to safely withstand the loads that will be placed on them.  Since this is a safety issue, it shouldn’t be ignored.

A Contractor and Subcontractors

A general contractor is responsible for assembling a team of trade specialists–subcontractors–to work on your project.  Good general contractors have already built relationships with qualified subcontractors and know their strengths.

Subcontractors are specialists in their field, whether that’s HVAC, painting, installing windows, plumbers, electricians, masons, and more. Each subcontractor wants to stay in the good graces of general contractors because they’re the ones who have the potential to bring them more work in the future if they perform well.

Your general contractor is responsible for putting together your remodel project plan–a detailed breakdown of how to execute the official plan, including important milestones and a note of any deadlines that must be met to complete the scope work on time.

A Construction Manager

If you’re not fully comfortable working directly with a contractor or worse, are concerned you’re getting taken advantage of, hire a construction manager.  Construction managers like me are independent advocates that speak construction. We know what to look for and look out for to make every penny count during your remodel, and can interface between you and your general contractor. Construction managers are often licensed, having studied construction science/management, building science, civil engineering.

This is just an introduction to the major players on your team. John Maxwell adds to the whole notion of “Teamwork makes the dream work.” by saying “…but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team.”  That said, we’ll talk more about assessing the qualifications of your candidates so you can assemble a good team later and in my book.