Should You Work With a Designer, a Contractor, or a Design-Build Team?

When you're thinking about remodeling your home, one of the first—and most important—decisions you'll face is who to work with.

Should you hire a designer first? Reach out to a general contractor? Or go with a design-build team that handles it all?

Each option has its benefits, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how involved you want to be in the process. Here’s a breakdown to help guide your decision.

Designer First: When Creative Vision Trumps Budget and Timeline

Working with a designer or architect is a great way to start if your priority is creative vision and space planning. Designers help you bring your aesthetic goals to life and think through layout, finishes, and materials.

Pros:

• Highly tailored design vision
• Strong focus on aesthetics and function
• May be familiar with building codes and city permits

Cons:

• May not have accurate insight into real-time construction costs
• You’ll still need to find and manage a contractor
• Costly redesigns can occur if construction realities conflict with plans

Contractor First: When Getting It Done is Job #1

Going straight to a contractor can work if you already have a clear idea of what you want and are focused on budget and build.

Pros:

• May save time if the scope is simple and straightforward
• Direct insight into costs and feasibility
• Some contractors offer design referrals or light design support

Cons:

• Limited design input unless they have an in-house designer
• You may have to act as project manager between designer and contractor
• Less guidance through the planning process

Design-Build Team (Our Approach): Your Vision, Built Efficiently

A design-build firm, like York Enterprises, brings both design and construction under one roof—allowing for a more streamlined and collaborative experience from the very beginning.

Pros:

• One team from concept through completion
• Real-time cost feedback during the design phase
• Better communication, fewer change orders, and clearer expectations
• A collaborative environment that values both design and function

At York Enterprises, we have experienced in-house designers who are deeply integrated with our construction team—ensuring that your project is not only beautiful but also buildable and aligned with your budget.

That said, we also love partnering with outside designers and architects, and we welcome collaboration when clients come to us with existing plans or preferred professionals.

Whether you’re starting fresh or already working with a design pro, we’ll help bring your vision to life with clarity, consistency, and care.