How to Build a Renovation Team You Can Actually Rely On

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | August 28, 2025

If you’ve ever watched a renovation show, read a Reddit horror story, or heard about a friend’s contractor disappearing mid-project—you’re not alone in feeling anxious.

One of the biggest fears homeowners have before a renovation isn’t the dust or the cost.
It’s this:
“What if I hire the wrong people?”

It’s a fair question. Trusting a team of strangers to tear apart your home—and rebuild it the way you imagined—requires a massive leap of faith. So how do you find the right people? How do you know who you can count on?

Let’s talk about how to build a renovation team that not only shows up—but shows up for you.

1. Start With a Designer Who Knows the Landscape

Most homeowners begin their renovation by calling a contractor. But here’s the secret:
The smartest first call is to a designer.

Why? Because a good designer already works with trusted trades. I’ve built relationships with contractors, electricians, tile installers, and millworkers—people I’ve collaborated with, vetted, and trust to show up and do it right.

You’re not just hiring one person. You’re hiring someone with a network.

2. The Difference Between a “Price” and a “Proposal”

You might be tempted to go with the cheapest quote—but that low price can come with a hidden cost: miscommunication, cut corners, and change orders that balloon the final total.

Here’s what to look for in a real, reliable proposal:

Detailed breakdown of labour and materials
Timeline estimates (that don’t sound too good to be true)
Clear contract terms
Open communication from day one

If you’re getting vague answers or “don’t worry about it” vibes—worry about it.

3. Look for Fit, Not Just Skill

Technical skill matters, of course—but so does personality. You’re going to be working closely with your contractor and their team. That means you need someone who communicates well, respects your space, and listens to your needs.

When I match clients with trades, I think about:

Are they responsive and respectful?
Do they understand the client’s vision?
Are they problem-solvers, or problem-makers?

When you have a designer managing the team, you’re not chasing answers or solving problems alone. I advocate for you, coordinate the trades, and keep everyone aligned from start to finish.

4. No One Should Be Guessing

So many horror stories come from miscommunication. A contractor thought “off-white” meant one thing. The client thought the hardware was included. The tile got installed the wrong way.

Here’s how I prevent that:

Clear drawings and documentation
Site visits and check-ins during construction
Detailed design packages that leave no room for confusion

When everyone is working from the same playbook, mistakes are minimized—and trust is built naturally.

5. Designers Keep Everyone Accountable

You should never feel like the only person watching the timeline, budget, or quality. That’s where I come in.

As your designer, I:

Track progress and flag delays early
Mediate between you and your contractor if needed
Make sure the vision is executed exactly as planned
Catch errors before they become expensive fixes

You deserve a renovation experience that feels supported, not stressful.

Renovating Shouldn’t Feel Like a Gamble

Your home is too important to leave to chance.
Yes, there are people out there who cut corners or vanish mid-project—but there are also teams who show up, deliver what they promised, and treat your home with respect.

And when you have the right designer at the center of it all, that’s exactly the kind of team you get.

Let’s build your dream space—with a team you can actually trust.
📞 Book your complimentary consultation, and let’s talk about your project, your priorities, and how to make this process feel exciting—not scary.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studio.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

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