Jewel, you are looking for a design/build company where you make use of their in-house design team, and the whole job is project managed by the design/build company. Just be aware that many design/build companies charge a premium price for this convenience. Also be aware that you are not engaging the design component of the project seperately, so that if you love their design, but not their price, you are restricted from shopping their design around to other builders for a better price. You will need to read the fine print of any contracts carefully in respect to potential copyright infringement and their ownership of their design that is part of the design/build process.

By seperating the design/documentation part from the build part, while less convenient, does allow you to go to as many builders as you want to obtain competitive quotes. If you decide to go with this traditional process, rather than a design/build company, be aware that not all building designers have the skill set for interior design when it comes to interior selections, and soft furnishings etc.

Best of luck with your renovations,

Dr Retro

Thanks so much for that Dr Retro! So if I want to separate the jobs, I should hire (in order) an interior designer for cosmetic eye, then architect, then a builder? And could you also please give me a guesstimate on the adverage price difference between separating all the jobs vs design/builder. If it's a few grand out to save my time, I don't mind it.

Once again, thanks for your time and valuable knowledge.

Jewels - It is impossible to say what the difference would be without knowing the extent and scale of the job - it is a case of how long is a piece of string? Usually the cosmetic, interior design work is completed after all the dirty building work is completed. No point in having fresh paint and new carpets on a building site, especially if any demolition work is involved.

If you want convenience (and are prepared to pay for it), then contact some of your local design/build companies to visit you and quote. However some of these companies have a preference for larger, whole house jobs, as smaller jobs aren't worth their while. Enquire about their job size, and know your budget, before making an appointment and wasting your time (and theirs). Just remember that builders are not designers, and you need to match your builder with the size of your job.

Dr Retro

Cheers once again Dr Retro. Much appreciated.