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Fees and qualifications will vary depending on what type of expert you select for your project

Before you start to assemble your design and construction team, you'll need to understand what each pro does and how they charge. Below are some general explanations. Keep in mind fees vary greatly by region, reputation and the building or remodeling market.

Architect
Architects work with the entire scope of a project, from designing a space to ensuring that it is structurally sound to specifying materials and products. Architects are also knowledgeable about building codes and zoning laws. Generally, your architect will work with you to plan the new space, submitting several sets of drawings for your approval and concluding with a final set of construction plans that give the contractor detailed specifications, from room dimensions to product placement.

You can ask your architect to oversee construction, for a fee, but more often the architect's job will end with approval of the final plans, though he or she may help you hire a contractor. Architects' fees vary, from an hourly rate to a fixed fee, or a percentage of the total project cost—usually about 10 percent for small jobs and between 7 and 10 percent for larger ones.

General contractor
The contractor will execute the plans drawn by the architect. You should also expect your contractor to be familiar with local building codes, and to procure all necessary permits—in fact, this task should be included in your contract. Contractors also hire and supervise all tradespeople—called subcontractors—involved in the project (tile setters, electricians, plumbers, etc.) and coordinate work schedules and procedures.

Contractors' fees come in three different forms; make sure you know how the contractor is charging before you accept a bid. Some work on a "cost-plus" basis, where the contractor charges a fee for services plus the cost of the project (materials, services of subcontractors, etc.). Others have a fixed fee—the best option, since you know ahead of time what to expect. Still others work on a percentage of the total cost. If your contractor works on percentage, make sure you keep track of expenses throughout the project, and ask your contractor for a cost breakdown.

Certified Kitchen or Certified Bath Designer
CKDs and CBDs attend trade shows and conferences to keep up-to-date on the latest products, materials and technologies, as well as on building and safety codes. If you work with a CKD or CBD, you can expect a detailed outline of your project describing every element to be included, from wiring and plumbing to appliances and fixtures to countertops, flooring, and cabinetry. For these pros, comfort, safety, and aesthetics are equal considerations in the success of your kitchen or bath. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which certifies CKDs and CBDs, fees average about $600 nationwide but depend on the scope of the project.

Interior designer
An interior designer can play an important role in your project, from helping select colors and furnishings to overseeing a team of professionals in a major remodel, but they are generally not qualified to plan structural redesigns. Because interior designers have access to manufacturers that sell only "to the trade," working with one can give you greater access to products and materials than you might have otherwise. Some interior designers charge an hourly fee, while others apply a markup to products ordered. Most, however, combine these two options, charging an hourly rate of $50 to $100 and doubling the wholesale cost of goods.