Architectural Designs

Architectural Style and How to hire a contractor?

I am fixing to buy a 1950's era ranch style house. The exterior was recently painted a light grey color. It is in need of some updating and a little remodeling. I have always like the design Abercrombie and Fitch have used in there stores, ie. grey walls with white trim and very dark wood floors and dim lighting. I was wanting to do the same to this house through out the whole house with the exception of the bathrooms which already have the vintage white tile.I would like to install base boards and crown molding to all the rooms and some simple buy elegant built in book shelf's. How would i explain this to a contractor. What style is this? Should I just tell my contractor the style I want or should I just pick it out myself and have him install and paint it? This will be my first house, first remodel, first time hiring a contractor etc.

Public Comments

1. Your desires are easy to understand and any reputable contractor will be able to oblige you. I would consult a minimum of THREE contractors to get bids on what you want to have done. You should be looking for how long they have been in business, their professionalism, their verifiable references (go SEE their work), insurance, and what are the DETAILS of the proposal. You're welcome to contact me through my email address in my profile if you have any more questions.
2. you should look at design magazines or meet with him at the mall and then show him your house but I have only been at that store once and don't remember, get several bid and ask if they do the work or use subcontractors, I would pass on the subs cause you can find these guys yourself for half the cost a contractor that uses them, ask your neighbors or look at some lumber and building supply stores and you be the contractor that hires them, with either see a insurance certificate and no down payment except for materials when they are delivered to your job site., its a great time to find some good ones because of the housing market and building trade is a down market right now many are starving
3. Just tell him what you just told us. but be careful in these times many will take your money and you wont see them again.
4. I STRONGLY recommend hiring an interior designer or freelance architect to help out with your remodel. Contractors are necessary for construction, but are not designers even though they try hard to take the place of one. Architects and designers will have contractor recommendations and be able to run interference on aspects of the project that you would never have thought of. I have seen too many times people trying to take care of all the details themselves and they end up spending much more than they would have if they had had a professional take care of these issues. Your vision sounds very pretty, but a designer can make sure that it will flow with the style of the original architecture, work with any existing furniture that you have, as well as help you come up with a plan for future improvements and decorating. To find a designer in your area, try posting an ad on Craigslist. If your area is anything like mine, there are many very experienced architects and designers laid off and looking for work and you can get the services at a very deep discount. Consultations should be free. Good luck!