Home Living
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Home Remodeling

Hiring A Professional Designer

A good professional interior designer creates a total environment that nurtures the family and reflects their personality and lifestyle. The designer can do this because he or she has access to fabrics, furniture and accessories that are available only to the design trade. Even an astute, experienced shopper sees only 20 percent of the furnishings that are available for decorating homes; a designer knows where to find that other 80 percent.

Well trained in the technical areas (lighting, sound, plumbing, etc.) that help create a total environment, he or she works with a cadre of qualified subcontractors. These relationships help ensure the project will be completed correctly and on schedule.

Interior designers make their money several ways. They may charge a flat fee, which covers all services from concept through installation. Or, a designer may charge an hourly fee for the actual time spent on the project. The designer will prepare as much of a plan as you can afford, from suggesting a furniture arrangement or a color scheme to recommending fabrics. For large projects, designers use several methods to calculate their fee, which is usually based on what you buy. In the cost-plus method, a designer buys everything at wholesale and sells it to you for that cost plus a predetermined percentage. In the retail basis method you buy the furnishings at retail and the designer receives a commission on the sale.

To find an interior designer, tour model homes and showcase houses looking for interiors that appeal to you. Also, check out design studios at better furniture retailers and review projects featured in local magazines and newspapers. If you don’t find a designer, call the American Society of Interior Designers’ (ASID) designer referral service, 800-775-ASID (extension 2743). They will put you in touch with state ASID office which will give you the names of local designers.

Here are some points to keep in mind once you’ve narrowed your search to a few candidates.
• Set a budget. Start the interview by being forthright about how much money you can afford. Be specific about your needs, desires and preferences.
• Ask questions. A good designer will listen to you and then make a presentation on the project. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
• Get references. Examine the designer’s portfolio and ask for a list of references. Tour several projects that are similar to yours.
• Ask yourself if you like the designer as a person. Remodeling projects can be very stressful; a successful project requires that you and the designer are able to operate as a team.
• Put it in writing. Record all promises in the agreement, which should also include a detailed description of the work, services, schedule, budget and compensation.


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