Questions You Should Ask an Interior Designer Before Hiring
Posted by Amy Vochatzer // February 27, 2019
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The new house you just purchased here in Kansas City 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 and save lots of money. Here are questions you should ask an interior designer before hiring.
Questions
You Should Ask an Interior Designer Before Hiring
- 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 Questions You Should Ask an Interior Designer Before Hiring
- 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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