Whether we’re talking about small or large-scale projects, managing a building or a renovation project is not always obvious and it’s really easy to get overwhelmed. Whether it’s for organizing, reaching out to contractors or final decisions, everything can seem like a real puzzle.

Your renovation project will need a plan, you can be sure of it. However, who should you reach out to for this type of job? Depending on your needs, different professionals could accommodate you and help prepare everything. This is why it’s good to know which one of them is best qualified to meet your needs based on their respective skills.

Who should you contact for your renovation plan?

The importance of renovation plans

If you consider the step of creating a plan as an extra expense rather than an asset for your project, think about it before making your final decision. The last thing you want during a renovation project is for an unforeseen situation to pop up, which could end up costing you a lot more. Therefore, in the long run, a plan could be more cost-effective.

According to Inter design, here are the benefits of having a plan at your disposition during your building or renovation project:

• Helping with your application for a building permit;

• Reducing the risk of costly mistakes;

• Making sure that all your needs are included in the project

• Having fair quotes of the cost of construction to compare prices;

• Allowing coordination between all actors;

• Saving time as the project is being carried out;

• Making shopping easier and giving you an overview of the process and the final result;

• Allowing you to follow the additions and changes to your project to budget expenses.

Knowing your needs for a precise plan without complications

A technologist, an architect and an interior designer could all prepare a sketch of your project. With their training, they all have the knowledge to guide you safely towards the desired end result.

This is why it’s good to evaluate the room(s) that will be renovated before getting started to determine if the structure is still in good shape. Acting too fast will lead to complications or defects which, as mentioned above, will lead to additional costs.

Reaching out to an interior designer

It’s important to know the difference between a decorator and an interior designer, because they have a very different role. You can also reach out to a designer when interior modifications need to be made, whether they are residential or commercial, no matter the size of the building. The designer could then serve as your project manager and would be able to give you a complete and detailed plan.

Working with an architectural technologist

Some restrictions apply when you work with a technologist. Their skills can be used as well as those of an architect when you need to complete renovation projects which include interior or exterior modifications (like an extension or a floor addition).

They can manage building or renovation plans for single-family homes. However, when we are talking about a townhouse or semi-detached house, a restriction of 3200 square feet or less applies.

Working with an architect

Just like a designer, an architect can serve as your project manager, even more since they can advise and accompany you for both renovation and construction projects. In the case of new construction, they will be the expert you need to bring your project to fruition. 

In the end, who do you need?

In a nutshell, it’s best to reach out to an interior designer when you need modification plans or interior renovations. They will be able to guide you in terms of the best materials and the best options available to you in this remodelling process.

As far as the technologist and architect are concerned, the difference lies in the tasks and responsibilities. With some restrictions, a technologist can make your plans for your single-family home. For larger projects such as new or commercial construction, an architect can help you manage your project as well as the plans.

You can find more specific information on this subject in the article What’s the difference between an architect and an architectural technologist?