N is for Narrow your team. 

I highly recommend hiring a team. Just do a quick search on Reddit, and you’ll instantly start sweating at all the DIY horror stories. The reason so many homeowners go the DIY route isn’t just cost—it’s trust.

They don’t trust the professionals they’d hire.

And sure, there are horror stories about hiring professionals, too. But most of them happen because the homeowner didn’t do their research.

So how do you hire the right professionals?

This isn’t a quick Google search. You’re not swiping right and hoping for a good first date (and you know how those usually go). You can’t “test the waters” once your project starts—it’s an instant marriage. So take your time. Do. Your. Research.

The core of your project team is your Trifecta Team:
1️⃣ Architect or Architectural Designer – the visionary who designs your project.
2️⃣ General Contractor – the executor who manages the day-to-day (and may also frame the house).
3️⃣ Structural Engineer – the problem-solver who ensures your home stands the test of time.

This is your foundation. Hire wisely.

What Not to Hire Them For

Homeowners often make hiring decisions based on the wrong things. Don’t fall into that trap.

🚫 Their website testimonials – These are curated. No one posts bad reviews on their own site. Always ask for real client references and follow up.

🚫 Their large, expensive truck – A fancy truck doesn’t mean they’re good at their job. It just means they have a high monthly payment.

🚫 Their expensive suit – Looking the part doesn’t mean they can do the job. You want skill and integrity.

🚫 A single past project – One good project doesn’t mean they’re consistently great. Dig deeper.

🚫 Their confidence alone – Just because they sound like they know everything doesn’t mean they actually do. Ask detailed questions. Make sure they can back up their claims with licenses, insurance, and a detailed budget.

Your project is too important to gamble on surface-level impressions. Hire based on experience, references, and a proven track record—not flashy marketing.

Now Take Action

📖 Go to pages 12-13 in your workbook. Understand how each of the three key professionals' work together and a few of the key questions you should ask your general contractor.
📝 Use our questions when interviewing Contractors. Ask everything.

Start here, take notes, and build a team you can trust.