That's what many homeowners assume, but this option can actually help your budget. That's because a knowledgeable pro can makes suggestions that will save money in the short run and headaches in the long run.



Pro designers and decorators have access to materials and products that are available “to the trade only” – not to the public. So, they can obtain goods that you're not likely to see in your neighbor's house. And in working with these goods, professionals gain experience with style, color and pattern that can help avoid an unfortunate selection.

Getting Help

Pros are better than most of us at seeing the big picture. For instance, a designer might find an elegant solution to traffic flow jams or cramped spaces by recommending that you move a wall – something the average homeowner may not consider. Working with a design professional doesn't have to mean hiring her or him to do your entire project – you might engage someone on an à la carte basis to help select a theme or color scheme. You could, for example, hire a designer to create a color board. A color board brings the major elements of a design together in one place so you can see how the elements do or don't work together. On the nuts-and-bolts side, a decorator or designer can help you source contractors if you need them.

If you do 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. Pros who can help with a remodeling project are interior designers and decorators, kitchen and bath designers, contractors and architects.

Designers and Decorators

Although many homeowners think an interior designer and interior decorator are one and the same, they're quite different. An interior designer requires professional experience and training and is usually certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). An NCIDQ-certified designer has demonstrated his or her competency in all areas of interior design, including both aesthetics and safety of interiors. After being 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 pros such as plumbers, electricians, and general contractors. When necessary, they'll consult with an architect.

An interior decorator, on the other hand, requires no formal training. Anyone can hang a shingle on their door and call themselves an interior decorator. Interior decorators typically focus on surface decorations. 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 on new cabinets as part of a remodeling project, consider hiring a kitchen or bath designer to help with the design – even if you plan on installing the cabinets yourself. There are several good reasons to do this. First, a kitchen or bath designer has access to all the major cabinet manufacturers and will know which is best for you. Second, given your budget and space limitations, they'll design your kitchen or bath. Most designers use high-tech CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting) programs for their work, so they'll be able to show you exactly what your kitchen or bath will look like. What's really nice about this is they can change details (such as cabinet style) with a single mouse click – even adding or subtracting a cabinet is no big deal. Third, they'll be able to generate an order list that will specify everything you need, from crown molding to filler strips. Kitchen and bath designers should be certified by the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). In addition to certifying designers, the NKBA helps consumers by finding local design professionals. They publish a free consumer workbook that offers remodeling tips and guides you through the process of redesigning your kitchen or bath from beginning to end. Visit their site at www.nkba.org for more information.

Contractors

A contractor can handle a specific portion of a remodeling job (like plumbing or electrical) or handle the entire job. A general contractor will bid on an entire project and typically sub-contract out to reliable specialty contractors to handle specific tasks like electrical, plumbing, flooring, roofing, HVAC (heating, ventilating and cooling) and masonry. There are numerous associations that will help you find a quality contractor. These include:

The Associated General Contractors of America.

National Electrical Contractors Association.

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association.

The Mason Contractors Association of America.

National Roofing Contractors Association.

Architects

If part of your remodeling project calls for moving or modifying walls – especially exterior walls – it's a good idea to consult with an architect. These pros 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 American Registered Architects.