10 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer
The sun is shining here in Kansas City, birds are singing, lilacs are sending out their sweet scent, the sycamore is leafing out, and so are “For Sale” signs in neighborhood yards.” It’s spring! If you manage to find a house to buy in the small parade of homes, chances are you’ll need an interior designer. It’s more than just paint and by the book design. You can do the job yourself if you have the eye or hire it done. My experience tells me that if you are not confident in your skills, a designer will save you tons of money. Here are 10 questions to ask an interior designer before hiring.
10 questions to ask an interior designer
- How do we work together? You are going to spend a lot of time with him/her. Good communication is a must. Working with an interior designer involves some give and take. You will share ideas, and the designer will contribute 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 you the designer ask questions of me to get to know me better? The key to success is getting to know you in the early stages, 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 based on your discussions. Some may charge for the first meeting in advance and then a fee for the whole project based on the estimated hours. Others may bill each month a level amount. Some may get a designer discount and pass some or all the savings on to you. Make sure you know how the designer gets 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.
- Do I still have to pay for the design if I don’t like it? “Yes! When you decide to hire an interior design firm, you have decided to trust the design recommendations of that firm.”
More of the 10 questions to ask an interior designer
- 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.”
- Why shouldn’t I listen to my friend who doesn’t like your ideas? If you have to ask this question you should probably have hired your friend.
- 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 do I do 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 inspection misses a defect or the furniture breaks when 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 you place the orders? Here’s a rough guideline:
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 size of 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.
Terra Firma Property Solutions, LLC is a professional, full-service real estate solutions firm.
We buy and sell properties throughout the greater Kansas City area. We specialize in buying distressed homes, then renovating and reselling them to home buyers and landlords. Terra Firma Property Solutions is excited to be part of the economic rejuvenation of Kansas City and its surrounding areas.
Call us today at (816) 866.0566
