Professional Assistance

The condition of your space and type of remodeling plan will determine which design and construction professionals you'll need. These professionals include architects, building inspectors, general contractors, interior designers, structural engineers, space-planners, plumbers, and electricians.

If you are contemplating structural changes, you will need a licensed architect or structural engineer. For non-structural changes, a general contractor, architect, interior designer or other space-planning consultant will suffice. Design professionals can often connect you with the appropriate construction personnel to assist with your project.

If you are not using a design professional, you must decide which professionals your project needs. If your proposed changes involve more than three trades (plumber, electrician, etc.), you might consider hiring a general contractor, who will choose and coordinate all of the necessary subcontractors.

Definitions of the three primary professionals who may be involved in your remodeling project:

• Architect: A professional trained in both space and building design. Architects have at least a bachelor’s degree in architecture, but might possess a master’s. They are required to earn continuing education credits on a yearly basis, and are licensed by the State.

  
  An architect is necessary if structural changes to the property, or architectural and/or construction drawings, are required. They can help you obtain necessary building and construction permits and locate qualified construction and/or trade professionals. Architects practicing in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations’ Division of Professional Regulation through the Illinois Architecture Practice Act of 1989.

• General Contractor A professional who can build and implement construction projects. Once your project has been designed, they can turn your ideas into reality. Some projects can easily be handled by a general contractor without a design professional or architect's assistance. General contractors can help you obtain necessary building and construction permits and locate specialist trade professionals such as electricians or plumbers.
  
  In Chicago, general contractors are regulated by the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). They are required to pass several trade exams, and must be licensed to operate in the city. There are five categories of licenses, with each determining the type of projects a contractor can handle.
  
  The DOB provides a list of licensed general contractors and other trade professionals such as electricians, masons and plumbers. Click here to view the DOB’s listing of contract professionals.
  
  
• Interior Designer A professional trained in the design of interior spaces, with at least two years of academic training. If you don't need any structural changes, an interior designer might be your best bet. Interior designers often specialize in certain types of spaces, such as kitchens and baths for residential spaces or offices and manufacturing facilities in the commercial setting.
  
  In order to practice, designers must pass an exam developed by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification and annually earn continuing education credits. They are licensed by the State. Interior designers in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations’ Division of Professional Regulation through the Interior Design Profession Title Act. Click here for more information.

For additional information on other real estate-related professionals, review Chapter 4: Professional Services.

TIP: When entering a remodeling contract, have your lawyer review the material, especially if it is complicated and the project involves a substantial investment. See Chapter 4: Professional Services to find resources on hiring a lawyer.