Unique Content Article: 10 tips to remember when engaging an interior designer

10 tips to remember when engaging an interior designer

by Daniel Ross

1. Figure out what you'd like

Before you begin, have a sharp image of the sort of home you want in mind. If you should go to an interior designer without a clue as to what you desire, the interior designer will have to spend time helping you to pin down your choices; a complete waste of the designer's time, and your time AND dollars. It can be as easy as collecting samples from newspapers and coffee-table books which strikes your fancy, and indicating them to the designer.

2. Make a list of potential designers

Do your research; create a list of interior design firms and freelance designers whom you think will be suitable for the job of bringing your dream home into existence. Search on the Internet, browse books and magazines pertaining to interior design, look through the classifieds, keep an ear out for word-of-mouth, it should not be hard to come up with a tentative listing of candidates before long. Reduce your choices a number of of the most suitable designers, whom you think might have what it takes.

3. Mind your financial budget

Keep the budget in mind, and make certain you stay within your means. Remember to communicate this to whoever is your chosen interior designer, for this will help save time for both yourself and the latter, avoiding unnecessary time wasted being shown concepts outside your budget. Also remember that this budget also has to take the designer's service fees into account; interior designers have various rates and may not always charge the same way, so be sure to enquire thoroughly about the cost for their services. There are many local reported gripes in Singapore regarding further bills incurred after completion, and therefore best to avoid such problems and misunderstandings.

4. Use a realistic schedule

Reality TV, as opposed to its name, does not mirror reality; homes never go through a major transformation in the span of a weekend. Be well-advised that depending on the scope of the work, home decoration is going to take a good amount of time; put aside 2-3 months for a single room, and more than a year for an entire home.

5. Take a look at their portfolios

Now you're ready to pick the interior designer you will entrust your home to! To start with, take a look at their portfolios; their past projects can tell you much about their skills and suitability. Is there anything they've done which you like? Do they have much experience in home decor? Things they've done that looks like type of home you're looking for?

6. Ensure that they've the appropriate qualifications

Don't forget to make sure that the interior designer you've set your sights upon is really recognized for his brand of work. Every country and state possesses its own set of credentials for interior designers; make sure that the designer has the relevant qualifications and certificates, or you might end up with substandard work from a fly-by-night operation.

7. Be sure they've got the appropriate insurance coverage

While you are checking over their qualifications, you may at the same time determine if the interior designer has got the appropriate insurances for their profession while you're at it. The best-laid plans don't survive contact with the battlefield, or in this situation the actual work of putting together the home, so the possession of insurance can buy peace of mind at least. This too is true of the contractors that could be engaged to refit the home soon enough.

8. First impressions count

Once you have made a shortlist, you're ready to find out for yourself precisely how professional they are in their line of work. Set up appointments with the interior designers on your shortlist, and ask them for concepts. Does the designer appear capable and professional? How did the designer deal with issues that cropped up in past projects? Does the designer listen to your needs and concerns?

9. Communication is essential

Once you have decided on the interior designer, be sure to work with him or her every step of the way. If you see something you prefer or otherwise, speak up about it. Concerned about how that nice sofa will hold up under the depredations of your highly destructive kids? Let the designer know. Source the designer for ideas, be sure the latter knows what you need, and is aware of what you want.

10. Have confidence in your designer

Finally, if you have done your homework up to this point, trust the designer you've selected for the project of making your dream home. Make your own suggestions whenever required, but don't make it a point to question every call made by the designer. Don't get in the designer's way, since that will just cause unnecessary frustration on both sides. Just let the designer work his or her own wonder on your home, and you'll be all the more grateful for it.

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New Unique Article!

Title: 10 tips to remember when engaging an interior designer
Author: Daniel Ross
Email: garie@rabbit.com.sg
Keywords: interior design,interior designer,furniture,furnishing,bedroom,home,singapore
Word Count: 813
Category: Home & Family
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