Easy. Architect for your design. General Contractor for construction costing. Interior designer or kitchen designer if you have special needs or concerns about your interiors.

1, 2, 3.

Good luck on your project.

1. Architect or Residential Designer

2. Contractor

3. Interior Designer/Kitchen Bath Designer

4. Are you living in the house during construction?

First look into the windmills of your mind, dear. Dream of what you want, envision it. Then seek professional assistance - present ideas to them and they can create a bubble diagram. Try to first avoid showing them layouts you may have seen.

" . . . avoid showing them layouts you may have seen."

Good advice worth repeating.

Start w/ an architect and then add an interior designer, kitchen designer, lighting designer, etc.. Determine what you want out of your remodel and the best approach to achieve that within your budget. Nail down as many details as you can as any not nailed down will be unwelcome surprises later. Then go to contractors for bids.

Also, the industry is currently overloaded which means very high prices and sometimes shoddy work due to inexperienced people entering the industry. I'd strongly suggest waiting 2 or 3 years until things settle out a bit.

Thank you for all the responses. I have a lot in mind but have not closed on it yet, as I was told to take a contractor/pro and get their opnion first. Do I hire the contractor myself? Is there an architect company that has an all-in-one service in Alamo, CA area? What do I look for when determining which Architect is best suited for us? If anyone is willing, can you please give top 3 factors I shoul look for (i.e., experience, rating, size, fees etc.)?

1. Is it a good fit; can you work well together?

2. Can they design the type of home you desire?

3. Are they licensed.