Which pros should you hire for your home renovation project?
Hiring the right construction professional can make or break your home construction or renovation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about how to find the right people for the job, you’re not alone. “I don’t know where to start” is something I hear all the time from frustrated clients.
Choosing the right professionals isn’t just about their technical know-how. It’s about finding people who have your best interests at heart, communicate well with you and the rest of your construction team, and have the planning skills to keep your project and budget on track.
So in this post, I’m sharing the most common types of construction professionals you might consider hiring for your project, their role in the process, and what you should keep in mind when deciding who to work with.
A little heads up: We’re currently developing new “How to Hire” posts and toolkits for contractors, interior designers, architects / home builders, and trades. We’ll update this article with links to the new content as it becomes available. To get a notification when they’re available, sign up to our newsletter!
1. General Contractors
The contractor’s role in the construction process
The contractor is the most important pro you’ll hire on most construction projects. They are responsible for overseeing the entire project, managing trades, and ensuring that your project’s timeline and budget stay on track.
They should be the first person that you talk to as you start planning your project, and they’ll be able to recommend other professionals you will need during the build or renovation. (If you’re following our complete guide to the construction process, you’ll want to start talking to the contractor at the beginning of Phase 2 — read more about that here.)
The trust you are placing in your general contractor is huge — which means that your interview and selection process should be thorough, thoughtful, and careful.
RELATED: Read our homeowner’s guide to hiring a contractor here.
2. Interior Designers
The interior designer’s role in the construction process
Interior designers play two main roles in the construction process:
Space design (function): Understanding how you need your space to work (think kids, pets, accessibility, etc.) and finding solutions to optimize the space to your needs over time
Decor (aesthetic): Selecting fixtures, materials, colours, and finishes that make the space look cohesive and visually appealing
Any designer you hire MUST be able to work within a budget, know what things actually cost, and suggest alternatives that meet your needs and budget. This sounds simple, but too many designers do not meet this basic requirement.
It is also important to keep in mind that most designers do not have any direct construction experience. This means adjustments to their drawings are often needed to make them practical, buildable, and affordable.
That’s why it’s so important to have a general contractor on your team first. They will be able to tell you whether something that looks beautiful on paper can actually be built a) in the way that it’s drawn and b) within your budget.
A note on designing kitchens and bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are some of the most complicated rooms to build and come with very specific requirements and constraints around electrical, plumbing, and more. This is why kitchens in particular are often the most expensive part of your home.
While designers can provide valuable direction in terms of space design and aesthetics, their lack of detailed construction experience makes it hard to anticipate and plan for these issues.
This can cause huge (and unwelcome) surprises, changes, and delays once the building process is underway… and that is bad news for your budget and timeline.
As an industry pro who has specialized in kitchen design for over 40 years, I strongly advise that you hire a specialist for these rooms — or at the very least, bring your general contractor in as early as possible to provide their advice and perspective.
What to look for when hiring an interior designer
Referrals: Referrals are essential. Ask for referrals from both clients and contractors they have worked with. This will help you get a sense of how they work within your team of construction pros — and how easily their designs can be built within the project’s budget and timeline.
Listening skills: A good designer is a good listener. Do they pay attention to your needs and try to understand how you will use the home? Are they designing for your style or theirs?
Well-rounded portfolio: Look for a designer who has successfully delivered different types of projects and “looks”. A good designer can modify their work to reflect the client’s wants and needs, despite their personal preferences or style. A well-rounded portfolio is a good indicator of this.
Focus on budget: Get very clear answers from any designer you’re interviewing on how they handle budgets and their responsibility to keeping your budget on track. Far too many designers develop beautiful plans that have no connection to what things really cost — which means disappointment, frustration, and extra expense for you.
Questions to ask when hiring an interior designer
How familiar are you with the costs of specific product categories, so that you can deliver a well-costed budget upfront? How do you provide budget-conscious options and alternatives when needed?
How do you assess and work with your clients’ unique style preferences and functional requirements (versus working within your own preferred “look” or style)?
How often are you on site or are you available to make adjustments and changes if site conditions require changes or modifications?
How do you structure your fees? (Make sure you get a detailed response in writing!)
Do you deliver your designs as traditional 2D or modern 3D drawings? Do you update these drawings as decisions are made and things are changed?
Other tips to keep in mind
I cannot stress this enough: You don’t live in a magazine. Any designer you hire should design for your real life and actual daily needs. If you’re considering hiring a designer with a big social media presence or lots of high-profile magazine or TV credits, be sure their focus will be on what you want and need from your home — not just creating a showpiece for their portfolio.
Be clear on whether you’re looking for an interior designer to focus on space and function or a decorator to help you choose materials or finishes. If it’s both, which is more important to you? This distinction will help you prioritize your options as you decide who to hire and what you need from them.
3. Architects
The architect’s role in the construction process
Architects are artists and your home is their canvas.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind design and have both the time and budget for it, an architect can help bring that vision to life.
However, they are typically very expensive and more commonly work on larger-scale projects like multi-family homes and public, commercial, or institutional buildings. Finding an architect who understands the nuances of residential construction — and will build to your needs and budget rather than their creative preferences — can be challenging.
A more common and affordable alternative for most homeowners is to work with a home or building designer or a draftsman, either on custom drawings or by purchasing ready-made plans.
Whether you hire an architect or a home designer, be sure your general contractor also has a seat at the planning table from the very beginning. The contractor is the person who will oversee the construction process and knows what’s actually possible within your budget and timeframe.
What to look for when hiring an architect or home designer
Creativity and practicality: They must be able to demonstrate that they can deliver a beautiful and functional design within your budget. That means balancing creative vision with the practical realities of construction costs and timelines.
Collaboration and flexibility: Look for an architect or home designer who works well with contractors and trades, and is open to making adjustments based on feedback.
Experience with similar projects: Look for someone with a proven track record in projects similar to yours in scope and budget. Speak to past clients, contractors, and trades to understand how they managed challenges and worked with the team.
3D drawings: Ask if they use 3D modelling, or Building Information Modelling (BIM). This technology allows you to visualize how your space will look in 3D, making it easier for you as the client to make decisions and know what to expect. It also factors plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems into the design early on, so that your general contractor knows where everything will go and can better control uncertainties and costs.
Questions to ask when hiring an architect or home designer
How do you see your role in the construction process? (This will tell you a lot: will they collaborate with your team or expect to run the show?)
Do you design from a budget-first approach, or is budget secondary to the creative process?
How familiar are you with the costs of construction, so that you can deliver a well-costed budget upfront? How do you provide budget-conscious options and alternatives when needed?
Can you provide an example where you had to adjust your design to meet budget limitations?
Do you use BIM modelling to integrate systems like plumbing and electrical before construction begins?
Other tips to keep in mind
Be cautious of architects who are primarily focused on creating award-winning projects or pushing their creative boundaries. Similarly, if they hesitate to adjust their designs or work within your budget, that’s a red flag. Their job is to design a home that works well for you, not just for their portfolio.
Creative vision is valuable, but so is someone who understands the practical side of construction and can stay accountable to your budget and timeline. Bring your contractor in early and often.
4. The trades (electricians, plumbers, etc.)
The trades’ role in the construction process
Trades are the worker bees who do the hands-on tasks of building your home — from plumbing and electrical to framing and insulation. Their role is to execute the plans set by the contractor, architect, or designer. Each trade has its own area of expertise, so you will likely hire multiple trades throughout your project, depending on what needs to be done.
On a large project, your general contractor will likely manage hiring the trades for you. If you’re doing a smaller renovation without a contractor, you’ll need to hire them yourself.
Common trades in residential construction include: Foundation, framing, roofing, mechanical, ducting, plumbing, electrical, insulation, rain screens, flooring, painting, cabinetry, windows, and finish carpentry… just to name a few!
Designers and architects might get the glamorous headlines, but it’s the trades who are your true “get it done” specialists. They know their job inside and out and are a great source of expertise when you have very specific questions about your build.
What to look for when hiring a trade
Expertise in their specific area: Look for a proven track record in their specific field and with your type of project and budget. For trades that are “ticketed” (locally regulated), ask for their qualifications.
Strong referrals and reputation: Referrals from contractors or past clients are gold. Ask how they performed on similar projects, especially in terms of meeting deadlines, sticking to the budget, and being easy to work with.
Clear communication and problem-solving skills: A good trade will clearly explain their approach and help you understand why they recommend certain materials or techniques. Make sure they’re open to discussing any unforeseen issues before proceeding with the work.
Flexibility and willingness to adapt: Be cautious of trades who are stuck in their ways or “have always done it this way”. While some embrace innovation, others can be reluctant to adopt new methods or technologies, even when they get a more efficient or reliable result for homeowners.
Questions to ask when hiring a trade
How detailed are your quotes? Do you provide breakdowns of material and labour?
How do you handle unforeseen issues that come up? Do you provide quotes for any changes before continuing the work?
What do you need from me to complete the job efficiently?
How accurate are your timing estimates — how often do you stay on schedule?
Other tips to keep in mind
Play the toddler and ask lots of questions. Don’t hesitate to dig deeper and ask “why” they recommend a particular approach. A good trade will appreciate your curiosity and explain their decisions.
Be wary of trades who ask for large upfront payments. A trustworthy trade will request a deposit for materials, not for labour. The amount of your deposit should align with the cost of those materials.
What to consider when hiring any construction pro
You’re the CEO
Ultimately, as the homeowner, you are the CEO of this project. This is not a responsibility you can — or should! — hand off to anyone else, and every decision should come back to “Is this what I want for my home?”
Every pro you hire — whether a contractor, designer, architect, or trade — should work with your best interests at the forefront, not theirs. You should feel empowered to stay involved in budgeting and decision-making. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and hold your team accountable.
Trust and communication
Look for professionals who communicate clearly and regularly. You should never feel like you’re left in the dark or scrambling for updates.The pros you hire should be transparent about their processes, timelines, and any issues that arise. Open lines of communication will help ensure the project stays on track.
When it comes to communication, don’t be afraid to ask for clarity. Your team should explain things in a way that makes sense to you. After all, you’re the one living with the final result.
Finally, be aware of your own communication preferences and discuss this with the pros you hire. Some people prefer texts, others email or phone calls — and when you’re out of sync it can feel very stressful. Establish expectations before proceeding so you are not surprised.
Budget, budget, budget
Budgeting is one of the most important aspects of a construction project. Your budget is a reflection of what’s important to you, so make sure it’s a central part of every conversation.
Make sure every pro you hire is upfront about costs and how they handle changes along the way. Ask about their budgeting process: How do they manage unexpected expenses? How often do they review and revise the budget? Make sure they’re flexible but transparent about where and why changes might happen.
Team Compatibility
Construction projects are long and complex. The only way they succeed is through teamwork. Choose people who are collaborative, open to feedback, and willing to work as part of a larger group. Avoid spotlight seekers and anyone who will put their Instagram feed or awards list before your needs.
Key takeaways
Do your homework: You are about to spend huge amounts of money on these hires and you are trusting them with the future of your home. Take the time to vet your contractor, designer, architect, and trades with thorough research, interviews, and referrals — and only select someone who will put your needs and budget first.
Stay involved: Don’t assume that hiring pros means handing off responsibility. Staying on top of decisions, budgeting, and communication is key to keeping your project on track.
Ask the right questions: Everyone you hire should be able to answer tough questions about budget, timing, and how they handle unforeseen challenges. Don't be afraid to dig deeper to understand their process.
