When to Hire a Design-Build-Remodel Professional vs D-I-Y or Contracting It Yourself.

This article is part three of three. In it, we discuss when it is best to hire a design-build-remodeler in place of contracting it yourself or doing it yourself.

Click Here For Part 1 Click Here For Part 2

When To Hire A Design-Build-Remodel Professional

There are some projects that, unless you have experience as a general contractor, your best option is to engage a design-build-remodel professional. Larger more complex projects like adding an addition, or a gut-to-the-studs kitchen or bathroom remodel requires a level of organization, scheduling, craftsmanship, expertise, and budgeting that is outside of the scope of most homeowners.

A design-build firm is a one-stop-shop that can handle every aspect of a project, from the design phase, through permitting, demolition, inspections, scheduling, subcontracting trades, all the way to finish work. If you need structural work, they can take care of the particulars, including retaining a structural engineer when appropriate.

These are the types of projects where hiring a design-build-remodel professional is the right choice.

to transform your outdated and cramped bathroom, a professional design-build company will provide creativity and value

Bathroom Remodeling and Redesign

Are you looking for an award-worthy bathroom design inspired by HGTV? Count on a Design-Build-Remodel company to put it together, know how to make it work, and take care of everything from start to finish.

Deck Construction & Design, Cable Railings, Pergolas, and Outdoor Kitchens

Would you like a fantastic deck design for your Wisconsin home? Something out of the ordinary? You'll need building permits, and the building codes for how decks get built are not as easy as rule-of-thumb anymore. Count on a professional design-build-remodel company to do it right.

Family Room or Bedroom Suite Addition

Any type of home addition requires a professional. Building codes and design are critical factors in your decision to hire a pro, as well as ensuring your room is comfortable, energy-efficient, and waterproof!

an amazing kitchen with custom features is no easy feat. contact the pros!

Kitchen Remodeling and Redesign

Remodeling your kitchen is a complicated job with a host of moving parts compounded by many decisions. From choosing finishes, countertops, cabinets and hardware, flooring, and appliances, to flow and functionality, a kitchen remodel is best left to a design-build professional. Building permits, great design, required electrical work, and other associated trades demand a professional for a kitchen remodel done right.

Adding a Sunroom

A sunroom that is going to be heated and air-conditioned better work right for you! Don't let it be too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, and cost a fortune in electric heat every month. A Design- Build-Remodel professional will ensure that your job is done right and adds value to your home.

The Benefits of Working With A Design-Build-Remodel Professional

There are several benefits you'll enjoy when you partner with a design-build professional for your next remodeling projects. Because a design-build firm is a one-stop-shop, the first benefit is the top-quality design you'll enjoy. A professional design-build firm will take the time to get to know you, understand your sense of style and your lifestyle before they begin the design process.

When you work with a design-build firm, the process is much more collaborative. Your designer will work closely with you to meet your creative vision. There is a real sense of teamwork as both the design-build firm and homeowner are working toward the same goal. As a homeowner, having a single point of contact is critical. If you have a question or need to make a decision, you won't be chasing a subcontractor.

Schedule A Design Consultation

By the same token, a single point of contact means your design-build firm is accountable for every aspect of the project, including the end result, how much it costs, and how quickly the project is completed. When the design and construction are done by the same firm, much more attention is given to the pricing and scheduling during the design phase.

Working with a design-build firm incorporates the best elements of DIY with the expertise, professionalism, and craftsmanship of working with a professional contractor. In fact, design-build works under the assumption that the homeowner wants to be an active participant in the design and construction process. Being involved guarantees that the homeowner's vision and goals will be met and the design-builder acts as a trusted advisor throughout the process.

Ultimately, the design-build process is transparent because the homeowners understand what is going on at all times. Through clear, open, and honest communication, the budget is defined early in the process, and it drives the entire project.

Below you will find a spreadsheet that highlights home improvement and remodeling project types and when it is best to choose to DIY (Do It Yourself), CIY (Contract it Yourself), or hire a design-build-remodeling professional.

The DIY, CIY, or Design-Build-Remodel Spreadsheet

Project Type	Do It Yourself	Contract It Yourself	Design Build Remodel Pro	Resources Needed
A combination of several of these projects together			X	A design-build company will be able to coordinate and ensure you don't waste your resources doing things in the wrong order.
Basement Finishing	X	X	X	You might consider DIY some of the work and CIY the licensed trades, but if you want a basement finished that adds to the value of your home rather than being an afterthough, then a Desig-Build-Remodel pro is the way to go.
Bathroom Remodeling, Cosmetics Only		x		While DIY might seem like a good idea, in fact you'll need plumbing permits and a licensed plumber in Wisconsin.
Bathroom Remodeling and Redesign			X	Looking for an award-worthy bathroom inspired by HGTV? Count on a Design-Build-Remodel company to put it together, know how to make it work, and take care of everything from start to finish.
Convert a Tub to a Shower			x	Building code in Wisconsin requires a 2" drain for a shower, while a tub only needs 1.5" drain. Conversion is a job for the pros.
Decking Replacement	X	X		If the design doesn't change, then with some decent tools you might DIY the job successfully.
Deck Railing & Cable Rail	X	X		DIY Cable Rail kits can be purchased for a price where you don't need specialty tools. But hiring a pro will get you the great looking results, while less expensive materials can be used thanks to specialty tools.
Deck Construction & Design, Cable Railings, Pergolas, and Outdoor Kitchens			X	Looking for an amazing deck design? Something out of the ordinary? You'll need building permits, and the building codes for how decks get built are not as easy as rule-of-thumb anymore. Count on a professional design-build-remodel company to do it right.
Demolition—Walls, Ceiling			x	You won't typically know whether there are hidden utilities, or if you are affecting loadbearing structure, without a designer.
Driveway—Repave		x
Drywall—Hanging	x	x		Strength, a few specialized tools,
Drywall—Finishing	x	x		Skill, patience, endurance: There are techniques that make this easier than it looks!
Family Room or Bedroom Suite Addition			X	Building codes and design are key factors in your decision to hire a pro, as well as ensureing your room is comfortable, energy efficient, and waterproof!
Faucet Replacement		x		Although you may have the skills to DIY this, a licensed plumber is required to do any plumbing work, even on your own home.
Flooring, Laminate—Install	x	x		Basic click-together laminate can be inexpensive and easy-enough without need for many specialty tools.
Flooring, Solid Hardwood—Install		X		Using a professional will protect your investment in this beautiful product.
Foundation Work		X		Foundation Repairs are often guaranteed when you hire a professional, specialty company.
Gutters—Install		X		Specialty companies have the right equipment to create the seamless gutters that won't leak.
HVAC—Install		X		Permits are necessary, and when working with refrigerant or natural gas, professional installation is a safety issue too.
Insulation, Blown into walls or attics		X		Special equipment and techniques are needed to keep insulation from settling
Insulate Open Walls	X	X		Batt insulation can be a DIY project if you ensure proper installation with no gaps and proper vapor retarder.
Interior Door Installation	x	x		A patient DIY can handle this, but a pro can tyipcally ensure everything fits perfectly and latches securely. Getting even margins around the door can be a challenge, and ensuring a door doesn't drag on your carpet is a frustration.
Kitchen Cabinets—Hang	x	x		A basic cabinet replacement job can be a DIY job if you are putting everything back exactly where it came from.
Kitchen Remodeling & Redesign			x	Building permits, great design, required electrical work, and other associated trades demand a professional for a job done right.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)		x		Installed the same way as a ceramic tile floor, LVT requires special layout, tools, and skills.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)	x	x		With relatively basic tools, you might DIY a LVP floor yourself, but hiring a pro will go much faster and they will do difficult details at doorways and room edges in a way that is beautiful and durable.
Minor Electrical Work	?	x		While Wisconsin allows a homeowner to do their own electric work, be sure that you know how to do so safely before you DIY it.
Painting—Interior	x	x		If you have the patience and the time to cut in your corners, you can do a great job on your own.
Painting -- Exterior		x		Careful preparation is required in order to create a long-lasting exterior paint job.
Re-wire Entire Room		x		You're typically going to need to be in your circuit breaker box for work like this, and you'll need permits.
Retaining Wall, Exterior—Build		x		While you migh possibly be able to build a block wall if you rent equipment or do lots of shoveling, a boulder wall built by a pro can last just as long, for less money.
Screened Porch, 3-season room -- Beautiful			X	High craftsmanship and beautiful design is best handled by a Design-Build specialist.
Screened Porch-- Basic	X	X		If you want it cheap and adequate, you might DIY it or hire a carpenter.
Shower, Pre-Fab Unit—Install		x	x	You might just hire a plumber and a drywaller to do this work together, but there can be hidden surprises like rotted flooring or wall needing repairs that will delay you and cost extra trip charges if you're not prepared.
Shower, Tiled—Install		x	x	Working with a professional tile installer who provides a warranty against leakage will protect your investment. A professional design-build company will ensure it's beautiful and take care of permits and plumbing, too.
Siding, Cement Board		X	X	Cement board siding requires specialty tools for cutting and dust protection, because you need to worry about hazardous silica dust. This job is for professionals only!
Siding, Vinyl	x	x		Vinyl can be cut with basic tools that a homeowner often has. Ensure you allow the siding to overlap exactly the right amount and that it is nailed just a little loose, not tight, so that it can expand and contract with temperatures.
Sunroom Addition			X	A room that is going to be heated and air conditioned better work right for you! Don't let it be too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, and cost a fortune in electric heat every month. A Design-Build-Remodel professional will ensure that your job is done right and adds value to your home.
Tile Backsplash		X		To do it right requires specialty tools to cut, careful planning for layout around obstacles, and specialty trim pieces to make your edges beautiful.
Tile Floor		X		Getting the alignment of tile edge and grout lines even is a skill that experienced installers have perfected.
Toilet Replacement		X		Although you may have the skills to DIY this, a licensed plumber is required to do any plumbing work, even on your own home.
Trim, baseboard and casing	x	x		If you are wiling to buy professional tools like a miter saw and power nailer, you might learn the skills to properly cope inside corners. (Mitered inside corners leave unsightly gaps.)
Vinyl tile, peel & stick	x			Peel and stick vinyl tile is inexpensive and easy to install if you have a clean and even substrate.

About Degnan Design-Build-Remodel

If you're planning a home improvement project in the greater Madison Wisconsin area, give the award-winning designers at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We're always happy to answer your home improvement and remodeling questions.

Schedule A Free Remodeling Consultation