Why Hire An Interior Designer?
You’re ready to renovate! Of course you want your project to go swiftly and smoothly and to stay within budget but where do you start? Many people start off by talking to a general contractor, especially if their project involves construction work, but not everyone realizes that most projects involve a lot more than just construction. Space planning, budget planning, room design, scheduling, custom furniture design, room decoration, product procurement, presentation and working drawings and total project management are all important tasks that are best managed by a qualified interior designer. If you do it yourself, or expect your contractor to do it all, the project can turn into a highly stressful experience.
Many good architects and contractors now team up with an experienced interior designer who can serve as a Project Director that handles all the design details of your project.
In my 29 years in the business I have saved clients money and headaches by being a good and fair Project Director as well as a strong advocate for my client’s expectations. Here is what you can expect from a great designer.
Every Project has a Phase
Phase 1- A successful project begins with a good design that meets your needs, requirements, and budget. Your designer will help you come up with a budget based on the scope of the project as well as your standards for the quality level of furniture and furnishing to be purchased.
Phase 2- Space planning is the essential next step followed by product presentation. The designer will do all the research and will suggest furniture and furnishings that fit your space, style and your budget. Once you decide on the colors, fabrics and other purchases, the tedious task of making those purchases, handling the deliveries and installations and supervising all vendors and contractors begins.
Phase 3- During the construction phase of the project, it is the job of the designer to make sure that the contractor is reading and adhering to the design and technical drawings prepared and is not cutting corners or making substitution when it comes to parts and fixtures. It’s also the designer’s job to deal with product suppliers and delivery companies; making sure everything is as ordered before final delivery.
I also encourage all my clients to allow me to assist them in the selection of a general contractor, as many contractors are builders that cannot always offer creative, cost-cutting solutions to your unique needs and requirements. I’ve even been involved in the selection of a project site, as this is a crucial stage of every project that can make or break your budget and time frame.
Designer Discounts
Did you know that vendors often reward designers for bringing them business? Design professionals can enjoy product discounts up to 40% off the retail price! This does not apply to items purchased in retail stores or retail websites open to the general public, but any reputable manufacturer who deals with design firms directly offers a discount. In my design practice, if I receive a discount, I pass all or part of the savings along to my client. The client benefits in two ways; first, there’s the cash savings on products and secondly, the client knows I am making a purchase based on their design needs, preferences and budget.
If you are working directly with a contractor and he or she is making the purchases, it’s important to find out from the start if he or she marks-up on products including supplies, parts and furnishings purchased on your behalf to complete the project. If this is the contractor’s general method of operation, you should at least be advised as to the percentage of mark-up. If the work the contractor (or the designer) incurs to make the purchase is included in their design or contracting fee, it should be stated upfront
Creativity and Expert Management – A Winning Combination
A good interior designer is your Creative Visionary, Project Director and Advocate throughout your design project. Knowing how to ask the right questions in the beginning and putting your construction team together gets the projects off on the right track. You should never have to worry about making a costly mistake on a bad purchase or having to deal with job site problems. As your representative, your designer will insure that all mistakes are corrected soon after they occur and that you do not have to foot the bill.
I’m proud to work with a team of architects, general contractors, furniture craftsmen, electricians, upholsters and warehouse inspectors who are honest and experienced. All projects, both big and small are multi-faced and require cooperation and a congenial attitude between all parties.
Visit my Design Website, CbMiles.com for a comprehensive look at my work and design perspective.
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