Planning a remodeling of kitchen and bathrooms. Should I hire an architect first? How do you think just hiring a general contractor without getting an architect or a designer?
It depends on what you want to do. Anything dealing with foundation/structure, you'll need an architect. Otherwise, you'll be just fine with a general contractor if you're simply upgrading things/minor remodel. Also, here's a tip. Architects/engineers are far easier to come by in sf. What you're going to have a hard time locking down is a general contractor - fewer supply than meets the demand in sf. I speak from experience. We had to use 2 diff contractors for our baths. And we'll most likely have to use a diff contractor for the kitchen.
I would definitely consult an interior designer or some sort of design consultant if you want a certain look. When my partner and I purchased our home we visited a design center so someone could help us pick out the materials for the bathroom and kitchen and educated us on what could add value to the home. Also making sure all the materials and colors are what we envision. It’s really hard to imagine it all without someone guiding us since we have not a clue about the first thing when it comes to interior design
What was the design center
Make sure it doesn’t trigger a tax re-evaluation. Anything involving permits might do that.
You don’t need an architect if it’s just an in place remodeling. But if you are changing the layout (moving walls etc), you need an architect / structural engineer to get the permit from the city