How to Plan and Remodel Attics and Basements: Hiring professionals

Because no two remodeling projects are the same, there are no hard-and-fast rules about hiring professionals. The type of person you should employ will vary according to your own needs and preferences.

Design is the most important phase of your project, so do not hesitate to hire professionals if you need help. You may have firm ideas about what you would like and only need some one to draft a set of working plans for a permit or construction bidding. On the other hand, you may want to engage professional help from the outset to help and guide you through the entire process. If your needs fall somewhere between these extremes, you can arrange periodic consultations with an architect or other specialist, such as a structural engineer, an interior designer, or a solar expert.

Your choice of professionals will depend on the scope of the job and the quality of design you desire. If the space is already structurally feasible and needs only finishing, then hire an interior designer. If the space needs structural modification or is large enough for several rooms, hire an architect or design/build contractor. If you need preliminary planning advice, hire an architect, engineer, or general contractor with experience in attic or basement conversions.

General contractors. General con tractors are responsible for coordinating the various construction phases and supplying the personnel needed to complete a project according to a set of plans and at an agreed-upon price. In most states, contractors must be licensed, which certifies that they have had a specific amount of experience and , sometimes, that they have passed a test.

Although most contractors aren't licensed or trained to do design work, some have the skills and experience necessary to help plan an attic or basement conversion. If plans submitted for approval to your, building department must be drawn by an architect or engineer, you or your contractor can hire the appropriate professional on an hourly basis.

Design/build contractors. Some contracting firms, known as design/build contractors, have architects or building designers on staff or available as subcontractors. These companies will assume full legal responsibility from the beginning to the end of a project.

You will forgo the advantages of having competitive bids, but you will be working closely with one group of professionals who can coordinate their services in your best interest.

Architects. Architects are trained specifically and extensively in building design and engineering. Their skills include a concern for practicalities and details, and refined building techniques.

Most states have licensing requirements that include architectural schooling, a degree, and a certain number of years’ experience. The American Institute of Architects offers the designation “AIA” to architects who meet its standards, which are often more stringent than state licensing requirements.

An architect provides planning and designing services and can man age your project from beginning through construction, acting as an arbiter in matters concerning you and the contractor. Sometimes architects will work on an hourly basis to provide consulting services for owner-builders.

Building designers. Building de signers often have a training similar to that of an architect and in most states must be licensed. The American Institute of Building Designers offers the “AIBD” designation to de signers who have at least two years of architectural training, have worked six years under the supervision of a licensed designer, and have passed stringent tests. In many states, building designers are limited in the kinds of projects they may undertake. Ser vices provided are normally the same as those offered by architects.

Interior designers. Interior designers are experienced in coordinating all the finish elements that give a room its final look. They have access to decorator showrooms and products that the general public can't normally find or buy.

Many states do not require a license, but membership in professional societies ensures a certain level of training and experience.

Some designers are independents, some work through design studios, and others offer services through a home-furnishings store.

If your attic or basement conversion involves only finishing the interior space, with no structural or exterior changes, you may want to work exclusively with an interior designer. If you plan to employ other design professionals, include the interior de signer at the very beginning.

Specialized consultants. Some de sign consultants specialize in certain fields, such as lighting, telecommunications, solar energy, and kitchen design, or designs for children, allergy sufferers, or the disabled.

In most cases you are best able to use the services of consultants if you already have a preliminary plan that they can critique and improve upon.

Finding the right designer

When contracting for design work, you can find possible candidates from the following sources.

- Recommendations from friends, neighbors, and colleagues

- Internet: Use Google or other Search Engine

- Listings in the Yellow Pages

- Newspaper listings.

- Trade associations, such as the American Institute of Architects, American Institute of Building Designers, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, National Remodelers Institute, and American Society of Interior Designers.

- Trade shows

- Home shows

Once you have gathered some names, make a few phone calls. Be ready to give a brief description of your project and to ask questions about the contractor’s availability, references, and similar experiences.

After following up references by visiting the projects and interviewing previous clients, there will probably be two or three professionals that you want to meet. At these meetings discuss your project further and try to get a sense of how well you will be able to work with these people and whether they will be able to meet your design needs. Once you have decided upon which person you would prefer to work with, you are ready to draw up a contract.

Drawing up contracts

Because design is an open-ended process that involves give and take, it's important to have a clear, written contract for any work beyond an hourly consultation.

Most professionals have a standard contract form. Review it together carefully and be sure that it includes a payment schedule, specifies what drawings will be furnished, guarantees that the final design will meet codes, and provides a preliminary cost estimate for completing the remodeling project.

Before signing a contract, consult with an attorney about any clauses that are unclear or ones that make you feel uncomfortable.

Working with professionals

The amount of time needed for the design process will vary from hours for a brief consultation to months for changing and refining dozens of ideas. But the better prepared you are before meeting with design professionals, the more they will be able to help you.

For your first meeting, have ready your budget; your priority list of needs and desires; any drawings, sketches, or other documents relating to your home; and a file of clippings or photographs that might be helpful.

Throughout the process be pre pared to clarify, to disagree, to consider alternatives to your ideas, and to make firm decisions. For their part, professionals that you are dealing with should be willing to listen to your needs, commit to and meet all dead lines, and provide you with a design that meets your budget requirements.

Saving money

Payment for professional advice is money well spent. It can even reduce cost in the long run. This is often the case in the following situations.

- When you are working with a very tight budget and you need a design that will result in an efficient, economical space

- When you have particular ideas in mind and need help in drawing them up

- When you need advice about structural changes or ways to fulfill code requirements

- When you need drawings of the basic plan so other professionals, such as an interior designer or lighting consultant, can assist you most effectively

- When you require a permit for your project or if you are opening it to bids

- When you have seen work you admire and want to duplicate it