When you have a problem with your car, you take it to a mechanic. Unfortunately, not everything in life is that simple. When it's time to do some work in your home, there is a myriad of people you can contact. Here is a list of the people whom you could consider contacting:

1) a renovator or handyman

2) an architect

3) a decorator

4) a general contractor

5) an interior designer

A renovator or handyman is not licensed, nor is he likely to carry insurance. Any guarantees or warrantees that he may give you are only worth as much as either his word, or the paper it is written on, whichever happens to have higher value. By not having liability insurance, if anything at all goes wrong with the work, while still in progress or once completed, it is most likely that you will be footing the bill to make things right again. Call a renovator or handyman for small repairs only.

An architect could likely help you attain the project of your dreams. But an architect is trained for architectural projects such as additions and new constructions. For interior projects, an architect is over-qualified and over-priced.

An interior decorator decorates. If you still feel the need you can call a decorator after the renovation part of your project is complete. A decorator has no formal education in design or building/renovating practices and methods, and will not be able to provide you with proper plans and technical drawings that should be available for any renovation project. Drawings provided by a decorator are not enough to go on in order to obtain a renovation permit from your municipality.

A general contractor can renovate, build, rebuild, modify... Contractors are licensed by a state/provincial licensing board, and are insured. They are trained to construct and build, not to design though, so projects of the same nature handled completely by the same contractor will often look very much alike, with the exception of the colours and finishes you have chosen. Just because a contractor is licensed and insured doesn't mean that you should throw caution to the wind; obtain written price quotations and review and compare before signing anything. Ideally you should be provided a breakdown at least of raw materials (nails, gypsum board, screws, wire...), finish materials (tiles, paints, countertops...), and labour. The breakdown can also be done by task, such as general work, electrical, plumbing, et cetera. Make sure you have seen samples of all materials to be used. Look for anything that could have been overlooked, such as garbage removal, handles for cabinetry, and so on. Once satisfied, as for a written payment schedule, with the last payment being due at least one week after completion. The reason I put so much emphasis on caution with a contractor is because, aside from the horror stories we've all heard, your project is one of many jobs to him, and you are much more likely to be concerned with finer details than he is.

An interior designer is suited to any interior project you may have. They are educated to provide all of the information you need, including space planning/layout, colour schemes and decorating, material options, construction methods, and more. A designer can provide the blueprints/technical drawings for the contractor and for permits from your municipality, full-colour illustrations of how your project will look, samples of materials, discounts on many products, et cetera. A designer can even assume the roll of "project manager," helping in the selection of a contractor, establishing a schedule, and acting as go-between for the client and contractor, making the renovation process much easier for all involved. A good interior designer is flexible, allowing you to pick and choose which of his/her services you require. Because the term designer is often unrightfully "borrowed" by decorators, very credentials and insurance.

Some construction/renovation companies offer in-house design services. In other words, designers that work for them and are available to their clients. This is somewhat a conflict of interests because the designer has to balance the needs and wishes of both client and contractor. However, at the same time it is often a preferred option to simply hiring a contractor because you will receive a different level of customer service than you would from a contractor alone.

No matter which professional you choose to call, before doing so you should sit down and establish what it is that you do and do not want as much as you can. If possible, show pictures from magazines, and don't be shy to voice your preferences adamantly. Make a wish list that will serve as a starting point and can be refined later to meet your budget and/or space allowances.

Aside from asking for references, you can also ask to see completed projects. This could help give you a better feel for the style of the person you are considering hiring.

Karen S. Weiner

Karen S. Weiner is the owner and principal interior designer of Idealspace Design in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). Aside from doing residential and commercial interior design work, Karen has written numerous articles on interior design, decorating, and related topics, which have been published both on-line and in print. She also designs custom furniture, and has developed interior design and decor workshops and seminars for adults and teenagers.