Hire an architect when building a custom home or for home remodeling projects involving structural changes or costs beyond 5% of your house's value.
Hire a general contractor for house renovations or remodeling projects that don't involve structural changes or costs less than 5% of your home's value.
Hire a structural engineer for remodeling projects that involve the house's stability, such as knocking down a wall, rebuilding a chimney, or planning an addition.