Edmonton Fall 2020

REMODELING PROFESSIONALS
Residential Designers or Interior Designers
specialize in designing residential interiors.
Trained to use space most efficiently, residential
designers tend to focus on floor plan design,
detailed lifestyle evaluation and design functionality.
It is not uncommon to consult with a residential/interior
specialist to critique a floor plan
or a kitchen or bathroom designer to devote
special attention to specific areas of the home.
Although residential designers have a different
educational and training background, their roles
frequently overlap with interior designers.
Kitchen and Bathroom Designers are more
specialized remodeling professionals, although
still very similar to residential or interior designers.
They may lack construction experience or
miss design opportunities associated with additions
or movement of walls, for example. Yet,
bathroom designers and kitchen designers are
often best for high-end interiors where expensive
materials, cabinets, and appliances will be used.
Design/Build Contractors offer both architectural
and construction services, and can carry a job
from inception to move-in. Because one firm is
accountable for the entire project, this approach
can often result in a less expensive design that is
practical to build and causes less confusion
between design and construction specialists who
may not see eye-to-eye. Many design/build
contractors offer, or even focus on, landscaping
services.
Final Tip
When looking for service professionals to help
you build your new home, keep in mind that it’s
not as important to focus on the titles of architect,
designer, builder, contractor or some hybrid
of these. Rather, look for the individuals or companies
whose experience, designs and ideas best
matches the type of home you want. After all, to
them, it’s a job, but to you, it’s a home.
Home Decorators are specialists who offer advice
on furniture, wall coverings, colors, styles, and
overall physical appearance of your project.
Home decorators can save you both time and
money by helping you to narrow down your
choices and utilizing professional discounts for
materials such as furniture, home accessories,
wallpaper or paint. When you meet an interior
decorator, expect to talk about your personal
style and preferences. From that, the decorator
will develop some ideas that would work for you
and help you translate your artistic sensibility
into reality.
General Contractors coordinate and construct
projects that typically involve three or more
subcontractor trades, such as carpentry, plumbing,
painting, roofing, or electrical work. In most
states, general contractors need a license to
operate their business. Most general contractors
focus on major home remodeling projects and
home additions, although you may find some
general contractors who will undertake a new
home construction project or small remodeling
projects.
Real Home Advice
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