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WORKING WITH PROFESSIONALS FOR BATHROOM

Written by peter    Saturday, 10 January 2009

WORKING WITH PROFESSIONALS FOR BATHROOM The listing below covers professionals in bathroom design and construction and delineates some of the distinctions (although there's overlap) between architects, designers, contractors, and other professionals. Architects. Architects are state-licensed professionals with degrees in architecture. They're trained to create designs that are structurally sound, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They also know construction materials, can negotiate bids from contractors, and can supervise the actual work. Many architects are members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). If structural calculations must be made, architects can make them; other professionals need state-licensed engineers to design structures and sign working drawings. So is an architect the number one choice for de?signing your bathroom? Maybe yes, maybe no. If your new remodel involves structural changes, an architect should be consulted. But some architects may not be as familiar with the latest in bathroom design and materials as other specialists. Bathroom designers. A bathroom designer is a specialist in bathrooms. They know the latest trends in fixtures and furnishings, but may lack the structural knowledge of the architect and the aesthetic skill of a good interior designer. If you decide to work with a bathroom designer, look for a member of the National Kitchen & Bath As-sociation (NKBA) or a Certified Bathroom Designer (CBD). Both associations have codes and sponsor continuing programs to inform members about the latest building materials and techniques. Retail specialists. This category includes showroom personnel, building-center staff, and other retailers. Some are quite qualified and genuinely helpful. But others may be motivated simply to sell you more goods. If your bathroom requires only a minor face-lift, this kind of help may be all you need. If you're tackling a larger job, check the specialist's qualifications carefully. Typically, you provide a rough floor plan and fill out a questionnaire; the retailer provides a finished plan and/or materials list if you buy fixtures or other goods. Some firms do the work by computer simulation, others the traditional way. Interior designers. Even if you're working with an architect or bathroom designer, you may wish to call on the services of an interior designer for finishing touches. These experts specialize in the decorating and furnishing of rooms and can offer fresh, innovative ideas and advice. And through their contacts, a homeowner has access to materials and products not available at the retail level. Many designers be?long to the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), a professional organization. As bathroom design becomes more sophisticated, professionals become more specialized. A prime ex-ample is the lighting design field, which has come into its own in recent years. A lighting designer speci?fies fixtures and placement of the lighting for your new bathroom and works with the contractor or an installer to make the new lighting scheme a reality. General contractors. Contractors specialize in construction, although some have design skills and experience as well. General contractors may do all the work themselves, or they may assume responsibility for hiring qualified subcontractors, ordering construction materials, and seeing that the job is completed according to contract. Contractors can also secure building permits and arrange for inspections as work progresses. When choosing a contractor, ask architects, designers, and friends for recommendations. To com?pare bids, contact at least three state-licensed contractors. Give each one either an exact description or your own sketches of the proposed bathroom or plans and specifications prepared by an architect or designer. Be precise about who will be responsible for what work. Subcontractors. If you act as your own contractor, you will have to hire and supervise subcontractors for specialized jobs such as wiring, plumbing, and tiling. You'll be responsible for permits, insurance, and pay?roll taxes, as well as direct supervision of all the aspects of construction. Do you have the time or the knowledge required for the job? Be sure to assess your energy level realistically.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 February 2009 )

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