Home owners normally find the contractor to do the remodeling or addition. This is not the right way to do. The home owners should find the reliable "Architect" to design the house then find the contractor to do the construction. It cost a lot bit more, but it is a smart way to protect your own properties.

Her is the general process of house addition / remodeling or Tenant improvement.

1. Find an Architect first
2. Architect has the following phase:
• Schematic Design - Sign contract, design by following owners need.
• Design Development - Complete design process and submit to HOA ( residential) or Property Manager ( tenant improvement)
• Construction Documents - After approval from either HOA or Property Manager, Architect will prepare Construction Documents in order to submit to building department. IT will involve Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineers (tenant improvement) and Structural Engineers.
• Submit Project to City planning and building department
• After couple corrections the permit will be ready to be issued.
3. Find a Contractor
• By biding
• By architect's recommendation
• referred by others
4. Start construction