Hiring an interior designer to revamp your home is exciting! There’s no better feeling than seeing your interior visions come to life. However, there are many expectations and guidelines that should be discussed before you agree on an interior designer to use.
Hiring an interior designer is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Rushing into a relationship with a designer can often lead to several mistakes and mishaps, which can be time-consuming and costly. Here are the top four mistakes you should avoid when hiring an interior designer.
Mistake No. 1: Not being clear about expectations
Miscommunication between designer and client can be detrimental to the design process. To avoid this, have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish. Before meeting with a designer, pull inspiration from magazines or create a Pinterest board that showcases what you’re envisioning for your space. The designer should also ask you a slew of questions about yourself, the functionality of the space and taste in style. Nonetheless, come prepared with your own design expectations.
Mistake No. 2: Not establishing a budget
Start your project by creating a budget. To ensure you’re not overspending, create a budget that includes all design fees, furniture costs, taxes and delivery charges. Add an additional 10% of your budget for unexpected items. To make sure you’re getting the best deals, ensure that your designer is requesting multiple bids for construction and/or custom building services.
Mistake No. 3: Not checking the designer’s previous work
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people hire a designer without checking the designer’s portfolio! To avoid this, call their references, explore their website and, if possible, request to visit their previous projects. We also suggest taking a look at their social media platforms, especially Houzz. Houzz is a platform where designers showcase their work. Think of it as the LinkedIn for the design world.
Mistake No. 4: Not being prepared for the unexpected
Designing a home or office space is a process that requires time and patience. Be sure to go into each project knowing that everything doesn’t always go as planned. If you’re building a house from the ground up, there will be surprises that may cause the building process to take longer and cost more. Always stay calm and know that there will be bumps in the road. You just have to be prepared for them.
As you prepare to hire an interior designer, keep these no-no’s in mind when making your decision. Do you have any more questions about hiring a designer? Feel free to ask us!
Image Source: Pamela Hope Designs
