Scherer Contracting in Baltimore: Full-Service Interior Design and Custom Renovations
Scherer Contracting is a residential interior design and build firm that handles the complete arc from concept through installation, managing projects that range from kitchen and bathroom remodels to whole-home renovations across Baltimore County and the city. The firm operates as both designer and contractor, eliminating the coordination step many homeowners face when hiring separate professionals, and carries licensing and insurance required for structural and electrical work in Maryland.
What Scherer Contracting actually does
The company operates as a design-build contractor, meaning clients work with the same team for initial design consultation, material selection, permitting, and construction. This differs from the more common arrangement where homeowners hire an interior designer independently, then source a contractor. Scherer handles kitchens, bathrooms, additions, basements, and full-home refreshes. Projects typically involve custom cabinetry, flooring, tile, paint, lighting design, and fixture selection, with in-house management of any structural, electrical, or plumbing modifications required to support the design.
Services and pricing
Scherer structures projects as custom quotes rather than tiered packages, since scope and material choices vary widely. A kitchen remodel in the Baltimore area typically ranges from $40,000 to $100,000+ depending on cabinet selection, countertop material (quartz or granite versus laminate makes a significant price difference), and whether appliances are included or upgraded. A bathroom renovation generally starts at $15,000 for a straightforward refresh and can exceed $50,000 for a luxury spa-style master bath with custom tile and heated floors. Full-home renovations begin at roughly $150,000 and scale from there. The firm includes an initial design consultation and 3D renderings in the quote process, allowing clients to visualize the finished space before committing. Verify current pricing by contacting the office directly, as material costs fluctuate and labor rates adjust seasonally.
How Scherer compares to other Baltimore-area interior design and build options
Most Baltimore homeowners choosing an interior renovation face three pathways: hiring an independent interior designer (typically $75 to $150 per hour or a fixed project fee of $2,000 to $10,000) plus a separate general contractor; using a large regional builder like NVR or Ryan Homes, which handles volume work but with less customization and slower response; or selecting a smaller design-build firm like Scherer. Independent designers offer flexibility and often work with preferred contractors, but require homeowners to manage the relationship between two parties and reconcile conflicting timelines. Large national builders move faster on cookie-cutter projects but charge premium pricing and are less responsive to mid-project changes. Scherer's design-build model suits homeowners who want a single point of contact, detailed custom work, and faster permitting (since the contractor can expedite licensing applications). Choose a design-build firm if you want fewer meetings and clearer accountability; choose an independent designer if you prefer design guidance without construction involvement, or if your project is small and you already have a trusted contractor.
Who Scherer suits and who it does not
This firm is best for homeowners in Baltimore County and the immediate city area planning renovations of $15,000 or more, with a timeline of several months, and a preference for hands-on collaboration with the same team from design through completion. It suits people willing to make decisions on material finishes during the design phase and comfortable with the design-build process. Scherer is not the right fit for renters, short-timeline emergency repairs, or homeowners seeking a designer purely for consultation without construction intent. It is also not appropriate for very small cosmetic projects (repainting a single room, minor fixture swaps) that don't require structural or electrical coordination.
What the first visit involves
The initial consultation typically includes a walkthrough of the space, discussion of the client's style preferences and functional needs, an assessment of existing conditions, and a preliminary cost and timeline estimate. The designer will take measurements and photographs, then produce 3D renderings and a detailed proposal within one to two weeks. This proposal includes material selections, labor estimates, permitting requirements, and a project schedule. Some firms charge a consultation fee ($300 to $500); confirm Scherer's current policy when you call. Once approved, the contract establishes the project scope, budget, and start date, and the contractor files necessary permits with the City of Baltimore or relevant county authority.
Hours, parking, and logistics
The company operates by appointment; call or email to schedule a consultation. There is no walk-in showroom. Verify current contact information and hours directly, as these details change. Projects are completed at the client's home, so parking and access logistics depend on the site. Scherer manages permits with the city or county, so the homeowner does not need to handle applications independently.
Scherer Contracting fills a specific role in Baltimore's home renovation landscape: the firm justifies its spot for homeowners who value integrated design and construction under one roof and are investing significantly enough in their space to warrant a full design phase and professional project management.
