9 Questions You Should Ask an Interior Designer
The new house you just purchased here in Cedar Rapids may need an interior designer. The decision to hire an interior designer can seem difficult, but in reality, is not. If your budget permits then hiring an interior designer can be the most rewarding decision you can make for a quality design job of your living space. My experience tells me that if you would rather shake than paint, you are not confident in your design skills. Hire a designer can save you lots of money. Here are 9 questions you should ask an interior designer before hiring.
9 Questions You Should Ask an Interior Designer
- Do I like the designer? Can I spend a lot of time with him/her? Good communication goes together like music and dancing. Working with an interior designer involves some give and take. You will share ideas, and the designer will lead you through insights and advice based on his or her talents, knowledge and experience. Depending on the scope of the project, you could be working with your designer a couple of weeks to many, many months.
- Do I get that he/she is trying to understand me by asking a lot of questions? The key to success is really getting to know you in the early stages and how you and your family’s interests and how you use your home.
- How do you charge for your time? Designers may charge by the hour, which can be anywhere from $35 to $300. These costs can quickly mount up. Others may offer a free first consultation, and then quote you a flat fee on the basis of your discussions. Some may charge for the first meeting in advance and then a fee for the whole project based on the estimated hours. Some may bill each month a level amount. Some may get a designer discount and pass some or all the savings on to you. Whatever the basis on which your interior decorator is paid, make sure you know how the designer is getting paid and that you both agree on the budget.
- Can we accomplish the redesign and stay within my budget? Your designer will be able to estimate how much time and money it will cost.
More of the 9 Questions You Should Ask an Interior Designer
- I can’t decide if I like the design. Do I still have to pay for it? “Yes! When you decide to hire an interior design firm, you have decided to trust the design recommendations of that firm.”
- Are you available for conversation about changes and fine-tuning? A good designer may present you with several options and give you the choice of one or the other. The American Society of Interior Designers recommends you: “Minimize changes to your plan. Changes or special requests can require any number of adjustments that will add time and expenses to your project.”
- Can I go to the local Design Center, with or without you? Of course, just let them know that you are working with a designer and his/her name.
- What if a piece of furniture comes damaged? The furniture store should inspect the furniture when it arrives. The designer should also inspect the furniture before it goes to the client. If something is missed or it breaks when it is used, the designer and the furniture store will work together with the vendor to resolve any problem.
- How long does it take to receive things, once they are ordered? Here’s a guideline (though individual vendors may vary):
Upholstered Furniture: 10-16 weeks depending on the vendor.
Casegoods – Chests, bookcases, tables, hutches, etc.: 8-12 weeks depending on the vendor.
Window Treatments: 6-8 weeks depending on the size of the job
Accessories, Lamps, Art Prints, Silk Flowers/Plants: 4-6 weeks or less.
Rugs: If machine made, 2-4 weeks. If hand knotted, 3-4 months
Wallpaper/Fabrics: 3-5 days.
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