What to ask an interior designer before hiring
When planning to revamp multiple areas of your home, it can be difficult to set aside enough time. If you define yourself as a busy bee- unable to find the time for house remodeling- consider hiring an interior designer. They are equipped to help you redesign your home to look as if it came right out of a magazine! However, in order to make sure that your interior designer is fit for the work you’re requiring, it’s important to ask him or her a few questions first. Such questions should include:
1. What is your education/background in interior design?
To design your home the way you’ve always imagined, you’ll need someone who is experienced and knowledgeable in the field. Hopefully speaking, you would never visit a doctor who has no medical degree. The same goes for your interior designers! One thing to keep in mind is that most states don’t require interior designers to have a specific degree related to interior design. However, it’s still important that you make sure they have an education from an accredited design school.
2. What experience do you have in designing rooms in my preferred style/budget?
As talented as your designer may be, they may only have experience with one style of room. In this case, we suggest that you keep looking. Try to get a good idea of your designers’ typical style aesthetic. Once you feel comfortable with this, then you should ensure that he or she has done rooms under the budget you’re requesting. All of these factors will result in how your space will look.
3. Can I see your portfolio?
If an interior designer is a professional, he or she will have a portfolio of previous work. They often include floor plans, photos, fabric samples and other items pertaining to their projects. It’s also a good idea to ask for references to get an outsider’s point of view on your designer’s overall services. Don’t feel shy to ask them for the names and contact details of at least two previous clients.
4. How will you share information with me?
Designers could share info with you via design boards, computer imaging or plans. It’s important to discuss which one will work best for you and your projects. This way, you’ll know exactly what they have planned and what to expect in the final product.
5. How do you charge for your services?
Everyone is different. Some charge by the hour, some charge by the room. If they charge by the hour, it could be difficult to figure out what the total fee would be after beginning a project. It can add up quickly when redoing a number of rooms. Paying by the room is often more straightforward and you can have a good idea of what the final bill will look like.
6. How do you make sure furniture will fit in my space?
Your interior designer should be bringing in furniture that both fits the size of the space and looks good with the amount of space they’re working with. Good designers prepare the floor plans in a computer-aided drafting program so that any last-minute changes can easily be made. This will ensure your renovation plans run smoothly.
7. How do you handle problems when they come up?
If a designer tells you that he or she has never experienced any issues when designing a room, then they’re likely inexperienced. Therefore, they often don’t know what to do when an issue arises. To know your home is in good hands, your designer should have a number of troubleshooting ideas.
