Let’s face it: Remodels are a bit like those ambitious New Year’s resolutions. You start out with grand visions of a gorgeous new kitchen, a spa-like bathroom, or that Pinterest-worthy living room, but somewhere along the way, the process takes a turn. Maybe you realize you haven’t chosen the right flooring, or that you’re still unsure if your countertops should be granite or quartz. Maybe you’ve even forgotten what your “ideal” style actually is. You know, the one you posted on Instagram last week and then promptly forgot about.

The truth is, a smooth remodel isn’t about picking out the coolest fixtures or hoping that your contractor can read your mind. It’s about planning, and really planning, long before you ever pick up the phone to call a contractor. And no, “winging it” or “we’ll figure it out as we go” is not a sound strategy when it comes to renovations. That’s where the secret weapon—an interior designer—comes into play.

Why You Need an Interior Designer Before You Call the Contractor

You might think that your contractor is the person you go to first. After all, they’re the ones doing the work, right? But here’s the thing: contractors aren’t mind readers. They’re skilled at construction, not necessarily design. If you want an accurate estimate for your project—and to avoid unpleasant surprises later—there are some questions you’ll need to answer upfront.

And trust us, these are questions most homeowners don’t have answers to when they first dive into a remodel. Things like:

• What layout do you want? This isn’t a casual question. “I want more space” is not a layout. Do you want an open-concept kitchen? A bigger pantry? An island? A wet bar? Your contractor will need specifics, and they’re going to look at you like you’ve just asked them to design the Sistine Chapel if you don’t have those details nailed down.
  

• What style are you going for? Is it modern? Mid-century? Rustic farmhouse? Or do you have your own version of “eclectic chic” that’s hard to define? This matters. The contractor needs to know what vibe you’re envisioning so they can help bring it to life. Plus, there are specific materials and finishes that work best for certain styles—things like cabinetry choices, flooring materials, and even wall textures can make or break the look you’re going for.
  

• What colors do you want? You might have a general idea that “you want it to be neutral,” but contractors will need a bit more information. Are you leaning towards warm whites, cool greys, or something bolder? Do you want your bathroom tile to be a glossy, calming blue, or are you channeling something with more pizzazz, like fiery red? These decisions matter when it comes to planning your remodel, especially when it comes to ordering materials and determining labor costs.
  

• What tile, finishes, and fixtures do you want? Oh boy. You might think this is an afterthought, but these details can send your remodel costs soaring if you haven’t already made decisions. “What kind of backsplash?” “Do you want polished nickel, matte brass, or chrome for your fixtures?” Your contractor needs to know before they can offer an accurate quote. Otherwise, you’ll be in for a surprise when that beautiful $15-per-square-foot tile you decided on last minute drives up your costs significantly.
  

• What customizations or special features do you want? If you want to add a built-in bench, custom cabinetry, or a unique lighting feature, these things require careful planning and can affect your timeline and budget. Contractors need to know exactly what custom work you’re expecting so they can allocate resources and offer realistic pricing.

Enter the Interior Designer: Your Remodel's Unsung Hero

Here’s where the magic happens: an interior designer steps in long before the contractor gets involved. Interior designers are the ones who help answer all those questions for you—before the demo begins. They’ll work with you to create a detailed design plan, ensuring that every detail is in place, from the layout to the colors, materials, finishes, and customizations. Think of them as your strategic partner, saving you from those “uh-oh” moments later on when you realize you didn’t pick out the right tile or forgot to factor in the costs of your dream chandelier.

By hiring an interior designer first, you're not only saving yourself from a headache but also helping your contractor avoid confusion. With a detailed design in hand, the contractor can provide a more accurate, transparent estimate and avoid unexpected costs down the road. Plus, you'll be able to start your remodel with clarity and confidence, knowing that all the big decisions have been made. It’s like showing up to a dinner party with your potluck dish already made—everyone’s happy, and you can enjoy the process.

A Smooth Remodel: One Step at a Time

So, here’s the moral of the story: plan first, call the contractor second. You’ll save time, money, and a few grey hairs. Your interior designer will help you tackle all the tough design decisions upfront, making the contractor’s job easier and your remodel experience much smoother. Trust us, when you take the time to plan—really plan—before diving into a remodel, you’ll avoid those costly surprises, miscommunications, and last-minute scrambling.

Let Us Plan Your Dream Space - Without the Stress

Book a free consult call with Interior Designer Gwen Canfield at www.615interiors.com. We’ll discuss your needs and style, our process and rates, and next steps for planning every detail of your dream space!

Example Kitchen Design Plan: