Tips for Hiring an Interior Designer
Jd Institute
How to Hire an Interior Designer?
There are some of us who are not just house proud but find inspirational ways to design and decorate our homes without commissioning the work to an Interior Designer. However, there are many homeowners who would take comfort in hiring interior designers. This is especially so, when budgets are substantial and the job at hand comprehensive or complex, that hiring an expert is the need of the hour.
A thorough search is required to find someone who will be the right fit. That is, have a proven track record of producing the kind of work, aesthetics and finishes that you are looking for.
Steps to hire an Interior Designer:
Start with a Budget in Mind
Always start with a budget in mind because that will help to narrow down the search. However, you should keep a buffer so that you can spend on something that you desire in the décor that you consider a ‘must have’ but was not budgeted for initially. Afterall, the end-result must be what you started out to achieve, and something that should ultimately give you much joy and happiness.
A budget then will determine the scale of designing that can be carried out in your home project. Shortlisting two to three Interior Designers can get you three different estimates to compare. Choose the designer or firm based not on the most economical budget, but someone who can bring in the kind of aesthetic you have in mind. That is why it’s crucial that you’re asking for multiple estimates so that you have an idea of how much you’re expected to spend. Importantly check for hidden charges, by asking pointed questions. Firm up an estimate by making clear that this is the budget limit within which the kind of interior designing sought, will be delivered.
Look for Recommendations and Referrals
When you see a tastefully done up home of a friend or family ask for referrals. Coming from people you know; the price indication will surely be genuine and realistic. Once you have some recommended names of interior designers, based on their workmanship and creativity, start fixing up meetings with a select few. This is a safer way to go about finding a designer if it is your very first project. Also, the short-listed designers may be more empathetic and cooperative towards helping you arrive at an agreeable price and design delivery because of the friends’ and family connection.
Reviewing Portfolios and Comments
Start by asking for a portfolio presentation or education qualifications in the field, where you get to see the entire gamut of the designer’s or design firm’s work. You can surf the net, check on the respective social media handles for the same and more importantly comments and reviews from clients. These would be mentions not just about the work of a designer, but about work ethics, attitude, and quality consciousness. These bits of information and feedback are crucial to consider before you can zero in on the most suitable designer for the job at hand. Afterall, for many months here on, both of you would be working as a team. So, reviews are very important and must be gone through objectively.
Work Experience
Work experience in terms of years, associations, any outstanding work, and the designer’s qualifications need to be studied to get someone blessed with a body of work that impresses and inspires confidence. In this manner you can locate a designer, given his years of experience in the industry to turn your vision and concepts into a beautiful home, just as you had dreamt of.
Fees and other Charges
Be clear on the terms of payment and see that it suits your budget allocations. Some designer’s charge by the hour and some do per project, on a turnkey basis. Find out where you need to shell out a 100% advance, and when and what you can settle at the end. There should be no room for unpleasant surprises or showstoppers!
Single Point of Contact
Make it clear right in the beginning that you wish to deal with one point of contact and let the designer identify who. It could be one representative from his team, or the designer himself. In case of a firm, there should one person solely accountable and responsible for an ongoing project work. It can get chaotic, dealing with different members of the design team or the contractor’s team. A good designer or firm will accord his or her client peace of mind by coordinating with all those involved on behalf of a client.
Conclusion
Interior designing for a new home or a makeover, is a mammoth task, where a lot of supervision is required, and reviews made for the work done or ongoing. While it is good to have realistic expectations of the outcome, all cannot be left to the designer and /or his team. The homeowner must make his or her presence felt, so that the team on site don’t take it easy or take liberties. Therefore, a well-reputed designer is best to go for, for he or she will make sure that every bit of work is in place to give the desired result to the customer. The choice of designer will make all the difference.
