You are ready to remodel your home or make a few home improvements but do not quite know who to contact to do the job. What if we told you that there are five main types of residential remodeling contractors that you should know about? Yes, that is right – five! And out of those five, each contractor operates differently with unique goals, business models, and skills.
Different Types of Remodeling Contractors
Depending on the type of project your home needs, this will determine who you should hire for the job. The last thing you want is to work with a contractor that does not offer the full services that you are looking for. Whether you are looking to do a whole home remodel, historical restoration or residential service, such as just simply repairing your roofing or switching out a garage door, each of these will require working with a different type of contractor. We break down for you the five different types of residential remodeling contractors you should know about before starting on your home remodel.
1. Design/Build and Whole House Remodeling
Design/Build companies for the whole house, kitchen, or bathroom remodeling are general residential contractors who make magic happen. They bring your remodeling vision to life by guiding you through the whole process of creating a design and managing the construction building with a team of professionals in one house. For example, Sea Pointe Design & Remodel is a design/build firm, which means when you work with us to remodel your whole home, kitchen, bathroom, or master suite. We work with you every step of the way to guide you through the process from start to finish while implementing value engineering. Design/build firms are basically the Tesla of residential remodeling.
Q: What are the pros and cons of using a Design/Build firm?
A: Working with a design/build firm like Sea Pointe Design & Remodel means you get the full quality service experience when remodeling your home. For each project that requires structural engineering, designing a new space, and construction, our team consists of your project’s lead designer, structural engineer, project planner, and project manager. This allows us to have multiple eyes on your project, while giving you the homeowner, the most cost-efficient solutions.
The con of using a design/build firm would be if it is simply just not the best fitting project. If you have a tight budget and are looking for a service contractor to repair your flooring, cabinetry, or roofing, without making any design or structural changes, you are better off working with a residential service contractor. This will save you money and this type of smaller project does not require working with a design/build firm.
2. Historical Restorations
Historical restoration projects require a different type of service than home remodeling or a kitchen renovation. Often, restoration contractors are best for fixing a home that has wind, water, or even fire damage. They are a type of contractor who specializes in and has a great amount of experience working with your insurance company throughout the process. If you are looking to restore your home without making updates or relocating plumbing or electrical fixtures to how it was prior to damage caused by a natural disaster, your best bet is hiring a restoration contractor. They are the best fit for this type of project.
Q: What are the pros and cons of using a Design/Build firm for a restoration project?
A: The pro of hiring a design/build firm for this type of project is you will get to start with a clean slate if you would like to make updates to your home after you have restored it with a restoration contractor and settling with your insurance company. Then, you will be able to start fresh with the intention of upgrading your home with a new design and budget.
The con of wanting to hire a design/build firm solely for restoration, is that they are not as equipped as special restoration contractors when it comes to experience working with insurance companies to work on restoring damages caused by natural disasters.
3. Residential Remodeling Contractors
General contractors are one of the vaster options you have when deciding to remodel your kitchen or bathroom. There are so many to choose from because these tend to be less experienced one-man-band contractors. They are more fitting for small projects that will require no structural changes such as tearing down walls, beams or relocating electrical or plumbing fixtures. Smaller projects take less time than whole home remodels. They require less staff, but you will have to be involved more in the process, starting with coming up with a design plan. Be prepared for change orders as well. If deciding to go this route, then you can also expect to have some delays due to there only being one person handling the construction, accounting, driving sales for new business, warranty, and more. One person managing all the above means less time to focus on your project.
Q: What are the pros and cons of using a Design/Build firm for residential remodeling?
A: The pros of using a design/build firm for residential remodeling if you are looking to do a whole house remodel are that there is a team of staff, each focusing on a different business area of your project. There is a designer that will work with you to bring your vision to reality and guide you through the materials and options you have while staying within your budget. There is a project manager who keeps a close eye on your project to make sure everything is being done with quality completion and on schedule. Design/build firms also take care of the permitting process according to what city you live in, leaving you without the headache and extra work. Having a flexible budget gives you the quality service you deserve when remodeling your whole home.
The con is, it can be more fitting for you to work with a general contractor if you are looking to do a small project that you do not care too much for the design functionality in mind, while also working with a very low budget. But keep in mind, that when working with a general contractor, your cost can go up if you have many change orders, which typically does not happen when working with a design/build company.
4. Home Additions
Home additions are a type of home remodel where you are looking to add more square footage to a space. Whether you are interested in building a new laundry room, bathroom, home office, or gym, with proper design and construction, this can make a big change in how you utilize the space. Home additions vary in complexity and cost, depending on the type of project and the scope of the renovation including wall removals, relocating plumbing and electrical, and more. Fitting for home addition contractors are design/build firms and whole house remodeling contractors. They are typically better for this type of remodeling project because they offer design. Going with an addition contractor can mean they will not necessarily offer a design. They are there to build. If you plan to hire a designer separately, then this option would be a good fit for you.
Q: What are the pros and cons of using a Design/Build firm for a home addition?
A: The pro of using a design/build firm for a home addition is that they will provide the design for the renovation. They will work with you to select materials while also managing the building of the project and permitting, appropriate to the city you live in.
The con is if you wanted to hire a designer separately, which may end up costing you more on time and money, then you may find a whole house remodeling contractor more fitting.
5. Residential Service Contractors
Residential service contractors are contractors that are trade-specific. This type of remodeling contractor is best if you are interested in a specific service like switching out your garage door, windows or re-tiling your bathroom floor but are not interested in a new design or a renovation that requires any structural engineering. These service contractors hold the skills and right materials for that specific project that is on a smaller scale.
Overall, when it comes to your next home remodeling project, take into consideration what kind of project you are looking to get accomplished. By consolidating your renovation goals, it will make it easier for you to narrow down what type of residential contractor to hire for the job to make the most of your time and money.
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel is a design/build firm located in Irvine, CA. We work on everything from whole home remodeling to kitchen, bathroom, and room additions. When you are ready to transform your space, fill out the form below or give us a call at (949) 861-3400.
More reads >> Your Ultimate 2021 House Renovation Checklist
Q: What are the pros and cons of using a Design/Build firm for a residential service?
A: The pro of working with a design/build firm for residential service is only beneficial if you are also looking to do things like structural work, electrical or plumbing relocation, an addition, or a new design while taking functionality into consideration.
The con of using a design/build firm for a service remodel is that you may be paying more for a contractor type that is offering services you do not need for a simple repair project.
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel is a design/build firm located in Irvine, CA. We work on everything from whole home remodeling to kitchen, bathroom, and room additions. When you are ready to transform your space, fill out the form below or give us a call at (949) 861-3400.
Are you ready to renovate your home with the best design/build firm in California? Get in touch with Sea Pointe Design & Remodel today!
More reads >> Your Ultimate 2021 House Renovation Checklist