When Should You Engage an Interior Designer?

If you’re building a new home or renovating, Spicher recommends engaging an interior designer at the beginning of the project to ensure their plans are clear and detailed enough for your contractor to build from. This also gives the designer time to manage supplier chains and book tradesmen.

At an initial meeting, Youngblood says a good interior designer should listen to their client and understand what their project is about before talking fees. She adds:

1. When you have a clear vision

While it’s easy to think that interior design and decorating is all about aesthetics, it’s so much more. Interior designers are skilled at harnessing what’s going on in your head and turning it into a cohesive design that is both functional and stylish. They are also expert negotiators who can help you save money by finding exclusive products and getting better prices on materials or items you would typically purchase through a builder or homeware store.

When deciding whether or not to engage an interior designer, consider what your goals are and how much work you want to do yourself. If your project involves a major renovation that involves changing the structure of a room or building, or swapping out existing structures like flooring, cabinets or fixtures, an interior designer will likely be your best option.

A good designer will meet with you in person to get a better understanding of your project and how it will be used. They’ll take measurements, tour the space and use this information to create a design plan using software. They’ll then present this to you, along with an estimate for their services. After you’ve agreed to the design, they’ll get to work on sourcing products and finishes. They’ll also assist you with obtaining permits, and may even be involved in the construction process itself.

2. When you want to save money

When hiring a builder or contractor for new construction or renovations it can be challenging to understand who is responsible for what. Interior designers have your end vision in mind while also keeping the project within budget and on schedule. They obsess over the small details that untrained eyes may miss such as electrical outlet placement that will accommodate your furniture layout, avoiding costly changes down the road.

As a professional Grayscale Homes, interior designers have access to trade discounts and pricing on paint, fabrics and furniture. This can significantly cut the costs of a design project and can easily offset a portion of your designer’s fee.

Interior designers are skilled negotiators and can secure discounts and prices that will save you a significant amount of money in the long run. This can save you a significant amount of money in renovations down the road and also add value to your home when it comes time to sell.

Interior designers are a cost saving resource and can bring a fresh perspective to your design. They know that sometimes a sofa that was a gift from your grandmother can be saved with a simple coat of paint and new legs, or that you don’t need to buy that expensive mirror from DWR when it will look just as good at Ikea.

3. When you have a limited budget

If you have a limited budget, an interior designer can help save you money. They can help you prioritize your wish list and find solutions that fit within your budget. They can also provide trade discounts on products such as furniture, appliances and accessories. These discounts can be significant and can often save you a lot of money.

An interior designer can also make sure that the plans they create are detailed enough for a contractor to follow, allowing you to get the work done at a lower cost. This will help you stay on budget and still end up with a beautiful finished product.

Finally, an interior designer can add value to your home by making it look more aesthetically appealing and functional. This can be anything from adjusting layouts, aiding a renovation or modernizing a dated space. This expertise and extra pizzazz will help you get a better price on your property when it comes time to sell.

When looking for an interior designer, it’s important to choose one with good references and a portfolio of previous work. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations or do an online search to find a designer with good reviews. It’s also important to be clear about your vision and budget with the designer at the beginning of the process.

4. When you’re moving into a new home

Whether you’re moving into your first home, or a new phase in your life, having an interior designer on hand can help make the transition easier. It’s also a great way to save money in the long run.

If you’re planning to engage a design professional, it’s a good idea to start the process before your closing date. That way, when you finally move in, you’ll have everything finished and ready to go. This will also eliminate the frustration associated with having to wait for furniture, rugs or other industry related delays that are beyond your control.

It’s important to remember that a designer will work on a schedule just like any other contractor would so be sure to discuss the timing of your project with them upfront. It’s also helpful to arm your designer with blueprints, floor plans, model home spec sheets, links to realtor photos, pinterest inspo and anything else that will help them understand the scope of your project.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t hire an interior designer after you move in. In fact, this can be a great opportunity to help you get the home you’ve always dreamed of. So, whatever your reason for wanting to work with a design professional, just be sure to find the right one at the best time for you.