What does a renovation consultant do?

A renovation consultant advises the owner and does not build the project. Before construction, we help you define what the project should include, set a realistic budget and timeline, and find the right contractor. During construction, we check in with you and the contractor and help keep communication clear. The contractor performs the work.

Is a renovation consultant the same as a general contractor?

No. A general contractor builds the project, hires the trades, holds the permits, and is responsible for the construction. Hawthorne Mason does not perform construction work and is not the general contractor on any project. You contract with and pay the contractor you choose directly.

Is a renovation consultant the same as an owner's representative?

Not as we work. An owner's representative is usually hired to manage a project on the owner's behalf. Hawthorne Mason does not manage or supervise construction and does not sign contracts for you. We advise you, introduce the team, and keep you informed.

Do you work on commercial projects too?

Yes. We work with owners and tenants on office build-outs, tenant improvements, retail and hospitality interiors, and commercial renovations, as well as homes.

A renovation consultant on your side in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Many people renovating deal mainly with people who are selling them something: contractors, showrooms, and design-build firms. Hawthorne Mason advises you, the owner. We help you decide what the project should be, find the right contractor, and keep you informed until it is finished.

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What we do for you

Define the project. We talk through your goals, scope, budget, and timing, so the work you ask contractors to price is the work you actually want.
Set a realistic budget. We use published cost ranges and our experience to help you plan before you collect bids. See our renovation cost guide.
Introduce the right contractor. We introduce a vetted independent contractor from our network, such as GridStone, our licensed construction partner, and can introduce architects and designers when the project needs them.
Help you compare proposals. We help you read what is and is not included, so you can compare bids on equal terms before you sign.
Stay involved. While the work is underway, we check in with you and the contractor, share updates, and help keep communication clear so decisions are made on time.

What we don't do

Hawthorne Mason is not a general contractor and does not perform construction work. We do not manage or supervise construction, hold permits, or sign contracts on your behalf. Your construction contract is directly with the contractor you choose, and the contractor is responsible for the work, its permits, and its warranties. Hawthorne Mason does not guarantee any contractor's credentials, workmanship, or performance. Before you sign, confirm the contractor's license and insurance; our contractor checklist shows where to look in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

How you pay

There is no charge to start and no minimum budget. When you hire a contractor from our network, Hawthorne Mason is compensated by that contractor, so you do not pay us a separate fee. If you already have your own contractor, architect, or designer and want an experienced advisor in your corner, consulting is available for a fee we agree with you in advance.

When a consultant is worth it

It is your first major renovation, or the last one did not go the way you wanted.
You are not sure what the project should include or what it should cost.
You have bids that are hard to compare, or one that seems too good to be true.
Your home is in a historic district or the work needs permits and inspections. Our service areas page lists every permit office we cover and links our permit guides.
You own or lease commercial space and need a build-out on a deadline. See our tenant's guide to office build-outs.
You live out of the area or are too busy to be the go-between yourself.

Homes and commercial space

On the residential side we work on kitchens and bathrooms, whole-home renovations, and additions. On the commercial side we work on tenant improvements, office interiors, retail and hospitality interiors, and commercial renovations. We serve Washington, DC, five Maryland counties, and Northern Virginia.

Comparing your options? Read advisor vs. design-build vs. general contractor.

Common questions

What does a renovation consultant do?: A renovation consultant advises the owner and does not build the project. Before construction, we help you define what the project should include, set a realistic budget and timeline, and find the right contractor. During construction, we check in with you and the contractor and help keep communication clear. The contractor performs the work.
How much does a renovation consultant cost?: When you hire a contractor from our network, Hawthorne Mason is compensated by that contractor, so you do not pay us a separate fee. If you already have your own contractor, architect, or designer and want an advisor in your corner, consulting is available for a fee agreed with you in advance.
Is a renovation consultant the same as a general contractor?: No. A general contractor builds the project, hires the trades, holds the permits, and is responsible for the construction. Hawthorne Mason does not perform construction work and is not the general contractor on any project. You contract with and pay the contractor you choose directly.
Is a renovation consultant the same as an owner's representative?: Not as we work. An owner's representative is usually hired to manage a project on the owner's behalf. Hawthorne Mason does not manage or supervise construction and does not sign contracts for you. We advise you, introduce the team, and keep you informed.
Do you work on commercial projects too?: Yes. We work with owners and tenants on office build-outs, tenant improvements, retail and hospitality interiors, and commercial renovations, as well as homes.

Talk it through with us

Tell us about your project in about five minutes, then book a 30-minute consultation.

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