Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Interior Designer
One of the many keys to a successful redesign is developing a solid professional relationship with the interior design companies you hire. When you work with the right interior designer, any amazing vision you have for your space is possible. You may also feel as though the process goes by much faster – and headache-free.
With so many interior design firms near you, it could be difficult to find the one that’s the right fit. However, when armed with the right questions, narrowing down your ideal designer may be easier than you think.
Naturally, you will come across the designer’s previous body of work online, their reviews, and qualifications. These are essential for making sure you get someone with the right amount experience. However, you’re looking for someone who is best for your vision.
Today we will discuss more about the kind of questions you should ask to ensure the professional design team can work with you so your project goes perfectly, from start to finish.
What Kind of Styles Would You Recommend?
There are several popular interior design styles you can use for your home. You’ve likely developed a great idea of the style you wish to go with. Allow you designers to express how they would make your unique vision come to life, and be open to other ideas they suggest to make your vision even stronger. Perhaps even a completely different style you didn’t even know you were looking for.
What Can You Do With My Budget?
Ideally, your project will go as smooth as possible – but we don’t live in an ideal world. Any home or office can have its own unique set of challenges lurking beneath the floorboards or inside the drywall. It’s important to outline your must-haves, your “would-like to haves”, and give your designers a sense of how flexible they can get with your budget.
How Will We Communicate?
It’s a great idea to create a communication plan up front. How regular do you want to meet with the designer? How many meetings will you like to set up? How frequently do you intend to talk over the phone. How involved do you want to be with the project?
Related article: Read more tips to “Hiring an Interior Designer”
How Will My Project Stay on Budget/Schedule?
Experienced interior design firms will offer full project oversight. This means all of the aspects of the redesign including, hiring contractors, creating schedules, deliveries are all managed properly, and everyone is on the same page. With one person on top of it all, you will always have someone to let you know exactly where your project stands.
Related: Read more about Crayon Design’s approach to Project Oversight.
How Much Will Your Services Cost?
The answer to this question relies naturally on the scope, client budget, requirements, and complexity of the project. For a full home redesign, one can expect an experienced interior designer could charge anywhere from 20 to 40 thousand dollars.
Related – Read more in our article, “How Much Does An Interior Designer Cost?”
How Does Your Billing Process Work?
Designers will typically charge hourly, by a flat fee, or, in some cases, they will offer take a percentage of overall construction costs. Most of the time, a hybrid billing structure involving hourly and flat fees is the most suitable for any given project.
Do You Have Any Other Questions?
The more you ask, the more you will receive. You owe it to your redesign and yourself to ask the right questions, so you can rest assured knowing your great vision is fulfilled. If you have any questions about any exciting projects you may have, our staff of experienced designers are ready to answer. Contact us here today.