Who Should You Hire for Your Home Project? Project Manager, Contractor, or Interior Designer?
When planning your next home project, the question of who to hire can be overwhelming. Depending on the scope of your project and your personal expertise, you might need a combination of professionals—or perhaps none at all. Here's a breakdown of what each role entails to help guide your decision.
Interior Designer:
Interior designers are experts at creating spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. They assess space requirements and select decor such as colors, lighting, and materials. They can read blueprints and understand building codes, but they typically provide conceptual drawings that guide the vision rather than serving as construction blueprints. If you're focused on creating a beautiful, cohesive look for your space, an interior designer is your go-to professional.
General Contractor:
The general contractor is responsible for managing the construction process. They hire subcontractors, purchase materials, and provide specialized equipment when needed. Essentially, they oversee the building phase and make sure everything is moving forward. While they handle the logistics, contractors often fall short in providing the comprehensive project management services that ensure smooth operations. In my experience, contractors often struggle with communication and coordination, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and budget issues.
Project Manager:
A project manager is typically the person who keeps everything on track. They are responsible for managing the project’s scope, schedule, and budget. A great project manager ensures that subcontractors are coordinated, risks are managed, and any changes or delays are communicated promptly. While general contractors should technically be managing the project, they often lack the skills and resources to do so effectively, which is where a dedicated project manager steps in.
How I Leverage These Roles for My Projects:
I have a background in project management, so I’m comfortable overseeing large projects. However, interior design isn’t my strong suit—I struggle with color schemes, layouts, and finishes. For me, the solution is simple:
- Hire a Great Interior Designer: I rely on a designer who understands my vision and can turn my ideas into actionable plans—whether it’s selecting colors, layouts, or materials.
- Hire Individual Contractors: I often hire contractors who specialize in multiple trades. For example, in my last project, one contractor handled demolition, framing, and plumbing, while I brought in other contractors for additional trades.
- Act as the Project Manager: Since I have project management expertise, I take on the role of coordinating the schedule, managing the budget, and ensuring that everything moves forward without delays. I don’t want a day of downtime—I keep things moving, and I handle all the communication.
Bottom Line:
Each project is unique, and these roles may overlap or require a different approach depending on your needs and skill set. Hopefully, this gives you a solid starting point in determining which professionals are right for your project.
Good luck, and feel free to reach out with any questions!
