The answer is BOTH. Any contractor can come in and offer a stunning presentation of what their vision for your home is, and some homeowners appreciate that when they’re unsure what direction to take with the construction. But when the homeowner has an idea of the direction they’d like to head in and a pretty clear vision of what they’re looking for, it’s the responsibility of the contractor to take that vision and bring it to reality with quality renderings illustrating the best route to take. Often, if the homeowner hires a great contractor or design-build firm, they may find that the professional can bring new ideas to the table that accentuate the homeowners original vision. The idea is that it’s supposed to be a win-win when hiring a professional.
Most contractors prefer that the vision come from the client or the client’s designer or architect. Contractors have enough work with the technical and logistical questions not to want to be responsible for aesthetic questions. We can help; we can offer suggestions; but most of us are best at executing on a clear vision supplied by the client, and clients should not depend on getting good aesthetic advice from their contractors.
Design-build firms are an exception.
It’s a process that all can be involved in, but it ultimately comes down to the client. The contractor may certainly have thoughts and ideas that he/she may like in their own home, but the client may hate. Granted, the contractor can bring up ideas that the homeowner may not have thought about. In the end the client is paying the contractor for what they want; and should receive what their “vision” for the home is. Contractors can always make suggestions, but it is solely that…a suggestion. If there is an architect and/or design team involved than they will have many more ideas when it comes to the “vision” of a particular project. Between client, architect/design team, and contractor the goal is for the finished product to look and perform just like your vision and what was on the blueprints.
The vision should come primarily from the client since it’s their property. However, the contractor may be able to give more insight due to their expertise in the field. I would say that the client should listen to the contractor’s suggestions, but ultimately make the decision that is comfortable for them.
We take the homeowners ideas, images they send us of projects they like and in a 3D design we show them what we believe there vision is. We always have input in what their vision is but ultimately it is our ability to first render that vision in 3D and then produce the homeowners vision on the property.
The needs come from the home owner . and the the contractor can help navigate and help with the design process to acheive
the end results to fill the needs of customer.
The Vision for the home should come from the homeowner…however putting the dot’s together and implimenting the details of the scope of work, budget, timeline and ideas on cost saving measures are where a contractor may add value. We often get asked about our opinion of their vision, and we try to stay as objective as possible. Although we put our stamp of exellence and pride on the project, we are not the one’s living in the home. We can add value to the customer’s vision by introducing the home owner to members our team, for example designer’s and architects.
The answer is the client but the contractor should advise or help along the way with certain ideas or with questionable problems or ideas from the client.
What a great question! The vision of a project is the responsibility of the client. The contractor is hired to deliver the vision. It’s very important that the contractor you select has experience emplamenting your type of vision. For example - if your restoring a historic property a contractor that specializes in restorations will share and understand your vision. A contractor that builds new homes may not relate to your vision.
Good luck with your project and may your vision become a reality!
The answer is both. The contractor should get the homeowners wants and desires first and then the ontractor should offer his expert advice and opinion.
Both! It is a collaborative effort that should employ vision and knowledge to get that vision to a reality. The whole process should be a joint effort to ensure maximum results!
Both…the customer should dream it and the contractor should bring the vision to reality. That includes whether the vision is feasible or not in regards to permitting, codes and walls. Customer should always be proactive in the design if they havent hired a designer for their vision otherwise the contractor should just follow orders and create!
The vision should come from the client / owners. Contractor can build on that vision, but not all contractors are able to do that, we recomend to have a designer / Architect provide drawings & documents and have owner have it priced or bid. If owner have the vision and feels comfortable, can hire design build contractor to get the vision build.