The million dollar question - ID vs Contractor
This is how I got a $32k lower quote from an ID compared to a Direct Contractor
💡Tip - Did you know you can hire an ID firm just for project management if you already know what you want?
Here’s our experience:
✨Sep 2025 (the reality check) - the 1st quote we received from a direct contractor was $83k 💀way over our budget
✨Nov 2025 (the sacrifice phase) - we revised our design and slashed out more built-in carpentry in the living area, and the quote came back at $69k - still painful 💔
✨Dec 2025 (the Eureka moment) - we realized we needed to stop guessing and start comparing. We used HomeMatch (which is completely free btw!) and specified that we already had our design and 3D renders ready—we just needed execution. We got quotations from 5 different IDs, ranging from $51k-$63k 🤯
🚨the takeaway
ID firms don't just do design from scratch. Many of them offer a “project management only” service. They will manage the sub-cons, scheduling, and site updates, but they waive the design fee since you have already done the design work for them
🤔Direct Contractor vs. Interior Designer?
I’m definitely not saying one is strictly better than the other. They offer very different services with the same goal - creating your dream home. Since we’ve been through the thick of it, I’ll be sharing the exact differences we noticed between the two in my next post!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post are my own
When considering a home renovation, many people default to choosing either a direct contractor or an interior designer (ID) without fully exploring their unique service offerings. From my personal experience, opting for an interior designer who provides project management services only can be a game-changer financially and logistically. One key insight I found is that many ID firms are flexible; they don't insist on handling design from scratch. If you already have a clear design and 3D renders, some interior designers will waive the design fees and focus solely on managing the sub-contractors, scheduling, and site updates. This not only simplifies your renovation experience but also keeps costs significantly lower. In contrast, direct contractors often provide a bundled pricing approach that includes labor and materials but might lack the specialized oversight that a project-managed renovation enjoys. My initial direct contractor quote was $83k, which was far above my budget. Even after revising the design, the quote remained costly at $69k. However, by utilizing an online platform like HomeMatch to get multiple quotes from IDs offering project management only, I secured estimates between $51k and $63k, saving thousands without compromising on project quality. From a practical standpoint, hiring an ID for project management means you benefit from experienced coordination among multiple subcontractors—plumbers, electricians, carpenters—and keep the renovation on schedule. This is particularly valuable if you lack the time or know-how to oversee every detail yourself. If you already have a clear idea of your renovation plan, 3D renders, and a concrete design, I highly recommend exploring interior designers who can handle just the project management side. This approach combines professional oversight, cost savings, and reduced stress. Ultimately, whether you choose a direct contractor or an interior designer depends on your specific needs, budget, and comfort level managing construction projects. But don’t underestimate the value of project management by an ID—it’s often the key to unlocking better quotes and a smoother renovation journey.
