segunda-feira, 14 de maio de 2012

10 tricks to keep in mind when hiring an interior designer

By Jess Ng


1. Understand what you'd like

Before you begin, have a distinct picture of the sort of home you want in mind. If you go to an interior designer with no clue in regards to what you're looking for, the interior designer is going to devote more time to helping you to narrow down your choices; a total waste of the designer's time, and your time AND money. It can be as simple as collecting samples from journals and coffee-table books which strikes your fancy, and showing them to the designer.

2. Create a list of potential designers

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

3. Mind your budget

Keep your budget in your mind, and ensure you remain within your means. Make sure to communicate this to whoever is your chosen interior designer, for this should help save time for both yourself and the latter, and prevent unnecessary time wasted being shown concepts outside your means. Also remember that this budget also has to take the designer's fees into account; interior designers have a variety of rates and may not always charge the same way, so be sure you enquire thoroughly about the cost for their services. There are various local reported complains in Singapore regarding extra premiums incurred after completion, and therefore advisable to avoid such problems and misunderstandings.

4. Have a realistic schedule

Reality TV, as opposed to its name, does not reflect reality; homes do not undertake a major transformation in the span of a weekend. Be cautioned that depending on the scope of the work, home design is going to take a good amount of time; set aside 2-3 months for a single room, and more than a year for an entire home.

5. Look at their portfolios

At this point you are going to choose the interior designer you're going to trust your home to! For starters, take a look at their portfolios; their past projects can tell you much about their capabilities and suitability. Is there anything they've done that you prefer? Have they got much experience in home decor? Anything they've done that looks like type of home you desire?

6. Be certain that they have the appropriate credentials

Don't forget to make sure that the interior designer you've set your sights on is actually accredited for his brand of work. Every country and state possesses its own set of credentials for interior designers; make sure that the designer possesses the appropriate qualifications and certificates, or you may end up with low quality work due to a fly-by-night operation.

7. Ensure that they've the right insurance coverage

While you are checking over their qualifications, you may at the same time find out if the interior designer has 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 particular work of putting together the home, so the possession of insurance can buy peace of mind at least. This too goes for the contractors that would be engaged to refit the home soon enough.

8. First impressions count

Once you have made a shortlist, you're ready to see for yourself exactly how professional they're in their line of work. Set up appointments with the interior designers on your shortlist, and ask them for thoughts. Does the designer appear capable and professional? How did the designer handle issues that cropped up in past projects? Does the designer pay attention 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 want or otherwise, speak up about it. Worried about how that great sofa will hold up under the depredations of your highly destructive kids? Let the designer understand. Source the designer for ideas, ensure the latter knows what you need, and understands what you want.

10. Trust your designer

Finally, if you've done your homework up to this point, trust the designer you have opted for the project of making your dream home. Make your own suggestions whenever necessary, 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 useless frustration on both sides. Just let the designer work his or her own magic on your home, and you'll be much more grateful for it.




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