HOT PROPERTY
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HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
When you’re ready to get some help with a room makeover or an entire house renovation, you’ll want the interior designer you hire to be a good fit.
Start with referrals from familyand friends with similar tastes.Research, and when you’ve narrowed the listdowntoahandful, hereare questions youshould ask:
Howlong have youbeen in business?
Aperson doesn’thave to have lots of experiencetobegood at what theydobut it helps to knowhow manyyears they’vebeen in the profession. Also, ask about their training and certification status.
Do youhaveadesign specialty?
Most interior designers have at leastone specialty likekitchens,bathrooms or even window treatments.They’ll be able to do morethan just
that, but choosing the right prowill makefor an easier project.
Can Isee photos of your mostrecentwork?
It maybedifficult to tell if the photos on a designer’s website arefromlastweek or afew years old. Asking for recent photos will give you aclearer ideaofthe work they’ve currentlydone.
If Idon’tknowmystyle,how will youfigureitout?
If youaren’tcertain aboutstyle,aproshould ask questions about which colors,fabrics,shapes and styles youprefer.Theymay ask to seeimages or pull pages from magazines of décor youlike or don’tlike.
Can youwork within my budget?
As long as your budget is realistic, apro should be able to getyou the look youwant at the price youcan afford.
What is your fee structure?
Some chargebythe hour or squarefootora flat rate. It’salsocommon for adesigner to ask for aretainer upfront.
Howlong will the job take?
After assessing the size of the home and the scope of the project, the designer will give you an estimated timeline of when the work will be completed.
Do youdobackground checks on anycontractors who will be working in my house?
Interior designers rely on ateamofcontractors,suppliers,and craftsmen to getthe jobdone.
Adesigner with astellar reputation often uses the same contractors theyknowtobetrustworthy.
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Agood interior designer should be able to determine what will fit in your home, even if you aren’t sure. Photo Courtesy of Content That Works
