The critical roles of the designer, contractor, and supplier in any building job

Your next home remodel or new home build project is going to involve several key players including your designer, contractor, and their suppliers. It’s important to understand differences between these roles in your project and how their relationships all affect one another. All too often there is a misunderstanding of roles or a breakdown in communication that can hold up a job or derail a design. Our goal is to help all clients understand the process as well as each entity’s role in it.

The designer

Your designer is your partner in vision and creation. They take everything you’ve dreamed about and put it on paper, essentially giving you a roadmap of your project and how it will look when it’s finished. Your designer helps you:

  • Establish a floor and space plan (working with the contractor as needed).

  • Synchronize your thoughts into a mood board so you can get a feel for the future space.

  • Envision what it will look like at the end (often with the help of rendering software).

  • Walk with you through the project from demo to rebuild to install working closely with your contractor. Being hands-on every step of the way is how we ensure the design plan is followed.

  • Celebrate at the end when it all comes to life.

Your designer plays a critical role in any job. They’re your advocate with the contractor and suppliers and your sounding board when working through the construction process. It’s important to understand the relationship between your designer and contractor is key to ensuring your vision becomes reality.

The contractor

Your contractor does the heavy lifting. They have the knowledge and expertise in demon, building, and codes, and they follow the plans that you’ve outlined with your designer to bring it to fruition. The contractor is in charge of:

  • Demo and rebuild following the mutually-approved plans.

  • Troubleshooting with you and your designer when issues arise.

  • Coordinating and working subcontractors as needed.

  • Providing guidance on code and building standards while ensuring the approved plans are followed.

It’s especially important that your designer and contractor have a respectful working relationship and that each individual knows the plan. Any changes that need to be made should communicated with all parties because they can often have a domino effect down the road. When your contractor and designer work together, the process is seamless for everyone involved.

The supplier

You may not think about the suppliers and vendors as much but your contractor and designer certainly do. This is a unique relationship and one that ensures steps can happen on time. The suppliers and vendors in any job provide timelines, recommendations for new products, and can help troubleshoot replacements if needed.

Despite their integrated relationship, normally these are three separate entities operating independently. However, at Eastman Cartwright Home and Eastman Cartwright Lumber, the designer and the supplier are merged, offering clients a unique relationship they can’t find anywhere else. When your EC Home designer is creating your design, they are going right to the source and have the contacts necessary to find what you’re looking for within your budget. Because we fill the role of designer and supplier, we can provide more accurate quotes and job costs for you and your contractor. You’re essentially getting two for one, and together we work with a trusted team of contractors to ensure your job is as seamless as possible.

Before you begin your next remodel, let’s talk. We’re here to help.

Amy Kwallek