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Architect, contractor, interior designer, landscape designer — who’s the right home professional for your project? Whether you’re remodeling, building, decorating or landscaping, this guide is a good place to start to find out. Browse this list of 11 home professional types to learn more about what they do and which one might be the right fit for your project.

Mr. & Mrs. Construction & RemodelingSave Photo
1. Contractor

What they do: Manage all aspects of a project, including applying for building permits, hiring subcontractors, overseeing work and cleanup, and more. A general contractor is a key team member when undertaking any major home improvement project, remodel or new build.

This is the right pro for you if: You’re ready to implement an architect’s plans, want to build a simple addition or are planning a straightforward kitchen or bath update.

Learn more about hiring a contractor

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GF Kitchen and BathSave Photo
2. Kitchen Designer

What they do: These design specialists are experts at creating well-thought-out, functional kitchens and are always up on the latest in kitchen design trends.

This is the right pro for you if: You’re thinking of undertaking a major kitchen remodel, renovating an old house or creating your dream kitchen. Some kitchen designers also design for the bath, so if you’re looking to update both it can be worth seeking out a pro with this dual specialty.

Learn more about hiring a kitchen designer

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3. Design-Build Firm

What they do: Design-build firms provide design and construction services under the same umbrella. Whether led by an architect or a builder, all true design-build firms include both designers and builders at their core.

This is the right pro for you if: You’re thinking of remodeling, adding on or building from scratch and want the ease of working with a single firm from start to finish.

Learn more about hiring a design-build firm

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4. Interior Designer

What they do: Create beautiful, safe and functional interiors, from the floor plan and furniture layout to the paint on the walls. These pros can also design custom pieces to suit your space and style.

This is the right pro for you if: You have a single room (or a whole house) that you’d love to finally feel “finished,” you want to maximize the use of a small or hardworking space, or you need direction when it comes to style and design.

Learn more about hiring an interior designer

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5. Builder

What they do: Some builders work on custom homes with individual clients in collaboration with the homeowner’s architect, while others are also developers, purchasing land and creating communities of customizable homes.

This is the right pro for you if: You’re ready to implement an architect’s plans for a new home, remodel or addition or you’d like to customize a new build in an existing community development. You can also work with a builder to replace a dated garage, add an accessory dwelling unit (in-law unit) or even build an epic treehouse.

Learn more about hiring a builder

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See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software

6. Architect

What they do: Architects are highly trained, licensed professionals who design buildings and often oversee their construction.

This is the right pro for you if: You want to tackle a major remodeling project, design an addition that thoughtfully complements your home’s architectural style or bring your dream home to life. An architect-designed space can also fetch a higher sale price, so hiring an architect to take the reins on a remodel can be a smart move if you’re thinking of selling in the future.

Learn more about hiring an architect

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Megan Healy DesignSave Photo
7. Color Consultant

What they do: These pros are experts at zeroing in on the right colors for your space and style. Some color consultants run a business exclusively devoted to helping you choose hues. Others are interior designers, decorators or architects who offer color consulting as part of a range of services.

This is the right pro for you if: You need to choose exterior paint colors, come up with a whole-house palette or just feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless array of color options. Can’t agree on paint colors with your partner or fellow homeowners in a shared building? A color consultant can help there too.

Learn more about hiring a color consultant

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8. Professional Organizer

What they do: Eliminate clutter, create filing systems, use space wisely and teach you processes you can use to stay on track.

This is the right pro for you if: You’re overwhelmed by clutter for any reason. Professional organizers can help with moves (organizing before a move, after a move or both); organizing after a big life transition; or creating order in a specific area like kids’ toys or business-related papers.

Learn more about hiring a professional organizer

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Saint Louis Closet CompanySave Photo
9. Closet Designer

What they do: Some closet designers specialize in customizing and installing wardrobe systems, while others offer space-planning services, custom cabinetry, built-ins and more.

This is the right pro for you if: You’re not really interested in decluttering — but you do want to be able to find your stuff. Closet designers can help create a tailor-made closet system for your wardrobe, kitchen, mudroom, playroom, garage or all of the above.

Learn more about hiring a closet designer

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SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture – MontanaSave Photo
10. Landscape Architect

What they do: Landscape architects are licensed and trained professionals who design and plan outdoor spaces that are made for living.

This is the right pro for you if: You’re thinking about designing your outdoor dream space, want to add value to your home with landscaping or need help working with challenging terrain (like a steeply sloped lot).

Learn more about hiring a landscape architect

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4. ‘Friends’

Fictional New York City cafe Central Perk was the primary hangout for the six twentysomethings on Friends, an era-defining sitcom that debuted in 1994, ran for 10 seasons and lives on in reruns worldwide. Relaxed and eclectic, the cafe, and especially its famous orange couch, served as a backdrop for some of the show’s most pivotal moments, as well as countless pointless conversations.

Allito Spaces combined the show’s vibe, Central Perk’s charm and the comfort of home in this colorful living room. “With this design, I wanted to capture the sense of togetherness that defined the series,” principal designer Allison Garrison says. Brick accents echo Central Perk’s walls, and a row of windows calls to mind the cafe’s view to the streets of New York. Comfy seating (including an orange-ish couch), a layered Oriental rug, fringe-trimmed upholstery and collected artwork and accessories create a homey, lived-in feel.



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .



Carve Out Space for a Pantry

Pantries are the best way to store canned goods, jars and bottles, as they keep everything in one organized space, says Simon Lennox of Adornas Kitchens & Interiors.

Of course, not all of us have the luxury of being able to incorporate a huge pantry, but even a small one can be a real bonus. “A well-organized larder cupboard will add a lot of storage space to a kitchen without necessarily taking up [too much] space, as they can be made to any shape and size,” Odile Kipling of SoKipling says

Kipling has some advice on how to get the most out of your pantry. “Do an inventory of what you want to store … and measure the tallest, widest, smallest and heaviest items to make sure everything has a place and is easily accessible,” she says.

“Pullout shelves or shallow drawers are ideal at the lower levels, especially if the cupboard is deep, so you don’t have to kneel down and reach for the items at the back,” Kipling says.

She suggests that pantry pullouts above the countertop are less practical because you may not be able to see inside them. Here she recommends shallower shelves and a rack on the back of the door for condiments, spices or — if you have enough cupboard depth — larger items such as pasta boxes.



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .



What Is the Client Dashboard?

When you work with a pro who uses Houzz Pro tools, they can give you access to a Client Dashboard to monitor, track and advance your home remodeling or design project or new build. This is a private portal that includes your communication history, project details, timeline, financial documents, project progress photos and more, and it can be accessed via desktop or mobile.

Using the Client Dashboard can help build a positive working relationship with your professional — increasing transparency, reducing stress and fostering trust.

Here are six things the Client Dashboard offers to improve your project experience.

1. Improved Communication

The Houzz Pro Client Dashboard gives you easy access to your communication history and project details in one central place, where you can access it at a glance. Your pro can make communications, schedules, daily logs and more available to you so you’ll never lose track of requests, conversations or approvals.

Can’t remember the details of a conversation you had with your pro? The Client Dashboard acts as a reference point where you can access information instantly, rather than having to go through endless emails or texts. It can be viewed 24/7, giving you round-the-clock access for peace of mind, reducing the need for back-and-forth messaging with your pro.

Find home professionals on Houzz



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .



Remodeling is an opportunity to create a space that reflects your personal style — but just as important, it’s an opportunity to incorporate better functionality for your everyday living. As a professional organizer, I’ve seen homes that were aesthetically gorgeous but just didn’t flow well for my clients’ needs. This can happen when family needs change or when a home’s layout simply isn’t maximized for productivity and efficiency.

For the most successful remodel, you’ll want to consider how you live now and how you’d like to live ideally. After all, remodeling is a chance to set new, more organized habits. Why not create a home that will make implementing your new habits easier? Here are four questions I recommend that you consider before you remodel.



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .



2. Avoid Project Installations if Possible

Because holiday schedules can be all over the map, trying to coordinate a project installation at this time of year can be a challenge. In fact, it can be such a challenge than many pros suggest avoiding installations altogether and waiting until the new year to schedule them.

“A lot of our installers and subcontractors are also taking off for the holidays,” says Rebecca Sutton of Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas. “We have conversations with our clients during the sales process — if their project timeline runs over the holidays, we know to begin their project at the start of the new year.”

Ruchi Agrawal Mohan of DesignbyRuchi in New York agrees that project installations during the holidays are a hassle. “It’s always harder to schedule deliveries and installations during the holidays,” she says. “The buildings are shut down for deliveries, clients are hosting and vendors are not available. I try to put installations on the schedule way ahead of time or after the holidays have passed.”

Stephanie Frees of Plain & Posh in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, also tries to avoid holiday installations. “I have always tried to get projects completed by Thanksgiving,” she says. “No one wants workers in their homes when they are trying to decorate for the holidays and then hosting holiday events.”

How to Create an Engaging End-of-Year Newsletter



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .



When homeowners change their mind about a design feature late into a project — for example, after plans have been finalized, contracts are signed and builders have broken ground — things are bound to get complicated. Sometimes you might have to deal with a domino effect of issues and complete extra work such as drafting new plans, reconfiguring the budget, managing supply logistics and educating clients about how the project timeline and cost will be affected.

Here, designers and contractors share their best advice for processing change orders and implementing major last-minute requests from customers. Take a look at these eight tips, then in the Comments tell us how you negotiate change orders with clients and team members.



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .



When homeowners change their mind about a design feature late into a project — for example, after plans have been finalized, contracts are signed and builders have broken ground — things are bound to get complicated. Sometimes you might have to deal with a domino effect of issues and complete extra work such as drafting new plans, reconfiguring the budget, managing supply logistics and educating clients about how the project timeline and cost will be affected.

Here, seven designers and contractors share their best advice for processing change orders and implementing major last-minute requests from customers. Take a look at these eight tips, then in the Comments tell us how you negotiate change orders with clients and team members.



This article was originally published by a www.houzz.com . Read the Original article here. .

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