Most people are unaware, but in many municipalities, you and your poker buddies can draw up Man Cave plans during halftime on a napkin, sufficient to obtain a building permit. An engineer's stamp may be required for any structural work required, but as long as you pass inspections, you, too, can be your own architect and builder. So this merits the question of what professionals you need for your project.

Any project needs a plan providing directions on how to reach your objective. Simple projects may have clearly defined and obvious steps, but the more extensive your plans, the more you will need a professional(s). The more detailed your project, the more professionals will be required to assist you.

Without question, you will need someone to do the work, so you will need a contractor. There are 2 significant types of contractors. 1). A technician providing the skill set and horsepower your project requires. 2). A General Contractor who is a soup-to-nuts facilitator providing sequencing, supervision, coordination, and knowledge of the micro-processes to fulfill your scope of work. This is not limited to million-dollar projects, as many routine household remodels require this level of oversight. A skilled technician could be your best option if your project is one-dimensional and you are comfortable providing the functions defined above. If you overestimate your skill set in any of the tasks mentioned above, the cost of what you don’t know may readily exceed the additional cost a GC would charge to perform that function.

Some GCs provide design elements as part of their services. Because of their proximity to the industry's heartbeat, they have a wealth of knowledge regarding style, function, trends, options, and finishes and an understanding of how to make it happen. Many others are very good at what they do, Build. Provide these contractors with a detailed plan, and they will deliver it.

This is where Architects come in. They tend to be smart, creative, and well educated, providing detailed plans that are compliant with codes and local ordinances. Architects are qualified to confirm many structural elements in your build or have access to engineering if required to define specific technical elements.

The number of options now available is only limited by someone's imagination. It is difficult, if not impossible, for a singular professional to be the only purveyor of good ideas. Designers drill down, creating a visual manifestation of your style and personalizing any project with color, texture, and unique elements.

All these professionals working together can amplify the magnitude of any project. Teams can develop over time with multiple projects, providing a well-oiled machine. It is also a cautionary tale as, over the years, I have observed this arrangement constitutes a delicate balance. To make a statement, many architects who do not have a clue which end of the hammer to grab can minimize, if not ignore, the contributions a contractor can bring to the table. With a final product in mind, designers can complicate plans and overlook the efforts required to bring concepts into a final product. The lack of practical hands-on experience and migration into other professions tends to generate the most friction between those dictating and doing the work.

Every professional brings something to the table, including resources, skills, talents, and vision. If the scope of work is straightforward and you know what you want, the cost savings of filling any number of these roles can make the additional workload worth the effort. However, as a famous movie character once proclaimed, “A man needs to know his limitations”. Knowledge is power, and knowing when and where you need help is priceless.

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