Last updated on October 8th, 2020
We can’t overemphasize the importance of hiring the right interior designer to bring your vision on decor to life. And, while there are several good reasons to hire an interior designer for decorating your home, the main question is, if the designer is sufficiently skilled to understand your requirements and turn your design dreams into reality. And, if you have never gone through this process, then there are quite a few things that you need to know before you entrust an interior designer with your home. Here are the five questions to ask before you hire an interior designer for your home.
1. Do I need a designer for consultation and/or execution?
Before you start searching for a design expert, you need to understand that you can hire a designer either for consultation or execution. Which means, you can book an interior designer just to provide you with design consultation or, you can hire a designer for end-to-end execution and supervision of the project.
2. Can the designer work within your budget?
Asking this question might seem quite obvious. But trust us, with all the excitement of designing your home, it’s easy to forget asking budget-related questions, to make sure there are no surprises ahead. Be honest about your plan to the designer; let them know if you are working on a tight budget and wouldn’t like to overshoot it.
Remember your budget will differ depending on the individual designer or modular company you choose. A modular company will offer you a whole package. Whereas, a freelance designer might charge you a separate consultation fee. So, to steer clear of all budget-related confusion, bring all hidden costs to light.
3. Can you get a visual representation of the project?
Before you commit to a designer, ask for a blueprint of the project. The blueprint will help you get a better idea of the design. These days, designers offer 2D and 3D images as well as rendered images to give clients a clear picture of the project. Additionally, don’t forget to ask for the portfolio of the designer, so that you get a fair idea about the design style and the projects undertaken by him/her.
4. How long will it take to complete the project?
Once you have discussed the scope of the project with your designer, ask him how long he will take to complete it, and hand over the house to you. Now, if you are hiring an interior designer for a newly-constructed home, then you might need to think about how long you are willing to wait for your house to be ready to move into. Ensure that you agree on a date so that your designer knows what you are expecting out of him.
5. Is there a termination clause in the contract in case of a dispute?
Now that you have decided on the design and budget of the project, it is time you build a safety net for yourself – and hence, the last point. If possible, include a termination clause in the contract for some pre-written violations. This exit strategy will allow the aggrieved party to terminate the contract in the event of a breach.
