You can work with a contractor who is only supplying labor, but then you have the time-consuming process of designing your space, researching, and finding the products and items to complete your project. This is the design and project management aspect of the process. If you have a career and a family, it can be a lengthy chore. You have to factor in what your time is worth. But for the right person with the time to invest, you can save some money.
If you don’t have the time to invest then searching out a full-service, local, design and build, or Kitchen and Bath studio makes more sense. They’ll handle all of your design and project coordination, and do all the legwork so you can focus on your career, kids, and have weekends to your family. A “one-stop-shop” gives you the luxury of not having to run around for weeks searching out designs and products, as well as dealing with multiple subcontractors and suppliers in coordinating the project thru completion. This does come with a cost; typically 10 to 20% of the total cost of the project. But if you’re a homeowner with a busy lifestyle, or you prefer a more professional touch, it’s definitely the way to go.