Why you want a designer as your contractor

The typical complaint of designers and clients is that they have spent much time and often very much money, designing the perfect space for the clients' needs and then  - the contractor comes in, views the plans as suggestions, doesn't order the custom tile until the day of installation so - oops  - we need to reselect the tile, etc  You get the drift.  The result is a space that has nothing in common with the space that was so meticulously designed.  This happens more than you think. 

The other situation I run in to is a lack of communication and/or organization  that results in emergency decisions.  One in five people that call me for design services start off the conversation  "My contractor says I have to pick the paint color (tile, lighting, carpet, etc) TODAY or the whole project has to stop and it will cost me more money." 

When you hire a designer that is also licensed as a general contractor, there is no question what the lead time is of the product that was selected.  The designer/contractor is experienced at coordinating purchases and installations of custom materials and finishes.  When you hire your designer as your contractor, there is not a break in the design focus.  The project will be constructed the way you and your designer envisioned it.  That is why design/build companies are so popular.

One word of caution - make sure the designer (of the design/build company) is one that you would have hired as your designer.  You have a choice to have either a 'nice' remodel or a 'WOW this is fantastic!' remodel.  The difference is the Designer.