Hello, long time lurker here trying to figure out exactly where to start. I'm getting lost in the details and need to find someone to help pull everything together. But I'm not sure if I should start with a KD, a GC, or possibly an architect? We know the new layout we want and have been using a basic design program to assist in working out some of the details (not ready for viewing quite yet! I'll definitely share when a bit more progress is made).

Our remodel consists of the following (please note this is a very basic list hitting only the highlights which is not necessarily in order--I understand this is far from a comprehensive plan):

 Enlarging the kitchen by converting the existing adjacent screened-in sunroom into kitchen space. This will require converting the one screened-in exterior wall (already under roof with appropriate overhead support beam) into a regular exterior wall to include a window, set of French doors, and electric/plumbing/whatever else.

 Removing the existing wall between the kitchen and sunroom (after adding the necessary support structure).

 Opening up part of the wall between the family room and kitchen. We just want a couple/few large openings, not a complete wall removal as we want to maintain the feeling of separate spaces.

 Move plumbing about 7 feet to newly converted exterior kitchen wall for sink/disposal/dw, move and/or add H/A ductwork, and electric work.

 New hardwood flooring continued in from other rooms

 And the basics-new cabinets (not yet picked out, but I know the style/finish I want), appliances (already purchased due to finding deals-still need a cooktop), and granite countertops.

We prefer to use our own flooring installers, electrician, and HVAC guy as we have worked with these contractors on several other projects and feel comfortable with their work and rates. To reduce costs, our initial thought (once we have finalized plans) is to find a good general contractor to handle the wall conversion, wall removal, and wall openings and assist with the related permits. We would manage the rest of the construction process. Is this a bad idea? We'll have a temporary kitchen set up, so I'm not too worried if taking this route results in our remodel to not move as quickly as if a GC was managing. It's just the two of us and we're used to living in the chaos of projects in process-although this will be our biggest project by far.

I'd appreciate any suggestions on where to start. If we do go with a KD, how do we find a good one? I've tried asking around, but so far no luck. I went to the NKBA site and there are over 400 listings in my area (Atlanta). I'd prefer a fee based KD instead of one associated to specific cabinet lines. Any help is greatly appreciated. Feel free to ask follow-up questions--I've probably left out a lot of pertinent information.

Thanks!