To create a plan and detailed scope of work, most homeowners hire either an architect or interior designer, and sometimes both.

The plans are called schematic designs; they usually involve a rough layout of the floor plan and some simple views of the exterior of the home if there is an addition.

Contractors are frequently brought into the process once a final schematic design has been selected.

This will allow your contractor to tell you the prices for what you’d like and properly schedule material purchases based on lead times.

Depending on the scope of your project and where it’s located, permitting can take a day, months or even years.

With the plan submitted for permits and material selections made, your contractor will be able to finish up pricing and write up a contract for construction.