Should You Hire An Interior Designer or General Contractor First?
Spoiler: Most homeowners hire their team backwards — leading to increased costs, fees, time & frustration.
How so? Keep reading.
Do You Even Know What You Want?
So, you’ve decided to move forward with your home renovation or remodel. Exciting! Like most homeowners, you begin by gathering multiple bids from different contractors. On the surface, this seems logical. After all, they’re the ones handling the labor and procuring the materials.
But here’s the catch: this approach assumes you already know exactly what you want.
How many homeowners truly have every design and finish selection figured out before speaking with a contractor? In reality, most people have a general sense of their style, but hope to “figure it out” as the project unfolds. That uncertainty can become costly.
General Contractors Are Meant to Build — Not Be Your Designer
From our experience, most general contractors prefer not to be deeply involved in the design process. Their priority is to keep projects moving efficiently, which becomes much easier when selections are already made.
Of course, contractors often get pulled into design conversations simply because clients naturally seek their input. But their expertise lies in execution — determining what can be built, how it can be built, and ensuring it’s done correctly and safely — not in curating cohesive finishes or developing the design details.
And that’s completely okay.
In fact, many contractors are now building in-house design teams or collaborating with interior designers because they recognize the value we bring. They understand that a well-developed design leads to a smoother build process, an elevated design, and overall successful project.
You should value that expertise, too.
Define the Design First By Hiring an Interior Designer Early
Hiring an interior designer at the beginning of your project allows you to fully explore your design before committing to it.
For example, take a kitchen remodel. A designer doesn’t just focus on how it looks, they design around how you truly live in your home. We can create a conceptual kitchen layout and guide you through different options for materials, finishes, and more.
Do you entertain often? A beverage center might make sense.
Are you a coffee enthusiast? A dedicated coffee station could be very beneficial.
Do you want a large island? Should it include seating, or be optimized for prep space?
These questions are just the surface of what professional designers ask their clients. We also consider how cabinetry functions, how traffic flows, how lighting impacts the space, and how every element works together. These are the details that transform a space from simply “nice” to truly intentional and personalized.
Your home should support the way you live — and that requires thoughtful planning. Once we understand your needs, we present a preliminary suggestion of layouts, finishes, and materials tailored to your vision. Any major revisions should be explored during this phase when they’re the easiest and most cost-effective to adjust!
You’re Making a Significant Investment — Don’t Let the Design Fall Flat
Renovating your home is a major financial investment, especially with kitchen remodels frequently reaching six figures in today’s market. So wouldn’t you want to get it right the first time?
Without a designer, you’re essentially assuming you have the time, knowledge, and resources to create a fully customized space on your own. While that may be true for a few.. most homeowners simply don’t live and breathe design the way we do.
As designers, we are constantly immersed in the industry through projects, vendor relationships, showrooms, and ongoing exposure to new materials, finishes, and innovations. That insight allows us to introduce ideas and solutions you may not have considered.
Our role is to elevate your vision — so your home feels intentional, customized, and far from “cookie-cutter” or “builder-grade”.
Photo Credit to Sven Mieke via Unsplash
Nail Your Design Vision, Then Invite Contractors to Bid
Once your design is clearly defined and your initial selections are made (for the most part), we can help you confidently send that information to multiple contractors for bidding. This approach saves you time, money, and a lot of stress. Why? Because it minimizes change orders and eliminates vague allowances.
When major decisions are made mid-project, costs can quickly escalate. And yes, your GC will definitely charge you for that. Even if you believe you won’t change your mind, second-guessing happens way too often and comes from a lack of confidence. With a designer, you move forward with full clarity and confidence.
Contractors can then provide accurate bids based on real decisions — not ideas. Whether it’s quartz versus marble countertops, semi-custom versus fully custom cabinetry, or standard versus built-in appliances, these details directly impact both material and labor costs.
Additionally, having selections in place reduces reliance on allowances. These are “placeholder budgets” that contractors give to clients for finishes. However, they often feel restrictive once you actually begin sourcing. Many homeowners find themselves exceeding these allowances anyways not knowing how much high quality beautiful finishes actually cost.
A well-defined design avoids that scenario entirely. It also creates a more efficient process for everyone involved. Contractors appreciate working with prepared clients, and knowing a designer is involved streamlines communication, allowing them to focus on execution while we handle design-related decisions.
Photo Credit to Karolina Grabowska via Unsplash
Set Realistic Expectations — Even with the Best Planning
Even with a fully developed design, construction always comes with unknowns. Unforeseen issues — like water damage, mold, structural challenges, or plumbing complications — can only be discovered once demolition begins. These factors may impact both budget and timeline. Material delays or discontinuations are also possible. That perfect tile you selected months ago may suddenly be backordered or discontinued.
When these situations arise, flexibility is key. As designers, we help guide you through these challenges and go into problem solving mode. We offer alternative solutions while protecting the integrity of your overall design. Sometimes that means adjusting materials, reworking layouts, or reallocating budget priorities.
Construction can be unpredictable, but having a professional in your corner makes navigating those moments significantly smoother.
Design First, Build Better
At its core, a successful renovation or remodel starts long before construction begins. It starts with clarity. Hiring an interior designer first allows you to define your vision, make confident decisions, and approach your project with intention. It reduces costly surprises, streamlines communication, and ultimately leads to a more refined and cohesive result. When design leads the process, everything that follows becomes more efficient.
So before you reach out to contractors, take the time to truly understand what you want your home to be. Because when your vision is clear, your investment works harder and the end result speaks for itself — allowing you to have that home you’ve always dreamed of!
Are you based in California and ready to explore design ideas with an Interior Designer?
Learn more about EP Design Studio — take a look around our website!
EP Design Studio is a full service interior design company based in Fresno, California serving throughout the Central Valley, Central Coast, and open for travel to Southern California.
