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Common Misconceptions of hiring an interior designer
07/09/2008 - By Ariana Knittel With the popularity of interior design shows hitting their peak on television, there are many misconceptions about what to expect from a hired, professional interior designer in your home.
The top five are as follows:
Interior designers can work just as well on an extremely low budget as they can on a bigger one . The first thing to understand is that you should never undertake a big project without first considering your budget. It's a good idea to overestimate costs so that you won't find yourself running short on funds near the end of the project. Then, make sure that you stick to your budget! In some of these reality shows, the designers are given exceptionally low budgets. To think that paid professionals can do as much as the paid actors on these shows do with a small $1000 budget is unrealistic and unfair to the designer, as well as the homeowner. The job will lack better quality products that could possibly be needed and even necessary items to get the job done.
All interior designers are way too expensive and overpriced. The truth is, designers usually have relationships with professional craftspeople and vendors that they can refer you to and can often times get you a discount. Interior Designers can sit down and discuss options that fit your budget so that there are no surprises at the end and homeowners are not forced to spend money that they don’t have.
Designers take way too long on one job and occupy your house for an extensive amount of time. Most interior designers want to make your project go as smoothly as they can and move on to their next customer. If you have a plan and know what you want overall, the job will go a lot more quickly and should be done when the designer quoted you it would be. Be sure to ask when they expect to be done and stay on track to what you both originally discussed. This will ensure that the deadline will be met and save you and the designer unnecessary time.
Projects can be done in as quickly as one day . For example, the show “While you Were Out” gets an entire house or rooms re-modeled while the homeowner is out for the day. This is unrealistic. You will need to set up a consultation with the designer and they, in turn, will need to shop around for the best items to use that fit you and your ideas. Depending on the job, it should not take too long after these steps are taken, however, enough time should be allotted so that the designer can be meticulous and get the job done right. Of course custom items can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks, so make sure you plan on this if you choose to go with something more original.
All interior designers are aggressive and push their ideas on you. Having an up-front conversation with your interior designer will let them know what you are truly looking to do. They frequently use an analytical problem-solving approach to use your space properly, and fit your furniture aesthetically. Many times during a remodel or building of a new house, the designer will work with the architect as well so that the best lighting and overall design suits the plan for décor and concept of what the homeowner wants. Many of these designers are required to be college trained, work extensive hours (depending on the state), and pass major examinations before becoming certified. So keep in mind that interior design is more than just having an "eye" for what looks good and these designers are only trying to help you do what's right for you.
Homeowners need to understand that each interior designer works different and that most misconceptions are just that, misconceptions. Communicating with the designer and then letting them do their job is the best way to get the project done smoothly.
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Created by CMDS