Get matched with top residential design pros in Duson, LA

Selecting the right general contractor to tackle a job like raising a sunken living room can feel like an overwhelming prospect. Follow these tips to find, vet, and hire the best local contractor for your project:

• Get recommendations from neighbors and friends who might be able to suggest contractors they’ve used.

• Request written quotes to help set your budget and expectations.

• Verify your contractor’s credentials to ensure a professional and legal finished product.

• Read the contractor’s proposed contract to make sure you agree to all terms, including the project timeline, cost, and materials. 

• Keep copies of all relevant documentation.

While the terms 'interior designer' and 'interior decorator' are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct professions with some overlapping work. The primary difference lies in the scope of their projects.

An interior decorator focuses on the aesthetics of a space, making less permanent decisions about decor. Their work involves selecting colors, fabrics, furniture, wall art, paint, and other finishes to 'dress' a room and enhance its style.

An interior designer has a broader scope that includes a decorator's aesthetic focus but also extends to the structural and functional aspects of a space. Designers are qualified to plan layouts, make structural changes, and manage overall functionality. They handle permanent decisions regarding fixtures like cabinets and bathtubs, establish floor plans, and may hire contractors.

Due to the technical skills required, interior designers typically have formal education, certification, and may hold a license, which can result in higher fees. As a general rule, it is best to hire an interior designer for major remodeling projects and an interior decorator for projects focused on establishing or refreshing a home's interior style.

There are many projects you can invest in that will make your home more accessible. On a theme of lifts, installing an exterior home elevator or wheelchair lift is another way you can ramp up your home’s accessibility. 

You can also install an ADA-approved roll-in shower or walk-in bathtub, replace steps with ramps, modify countertop heights, replace doorknobs with push-pull bars, and install smart home technology that makes it easier to control different elements of your home.

In-law suite floor plans almost always include at least one bedroom, a bathroom, and a combination kitchen/living room area or separate spaces for the kitchen and living room. Larger in-law suites built in accessory dwelling units separate from your main structure can feature multiple bedrooms, dining rooms, and entertainment rooms in addition to the necessities.