There is a lot that goes into interior and exterior design of a home. It starts from the basics, such as what furnishing and decor to use, then goes into the more complex stuff, like knocking down walls and adding new fixtures to make a new home look stunning. All this can be extremely difficult to do if you are not experienced at it. That is why you should consider hiring professionals to help you navigate your way through the world of home decor. Some tips that will help you when you are working with design professionals include the following:
Know What You Want
Professionals will tell you that there is nothing as frustrating as working with a homeowner who does ‘not know what they want.’ It is understandable that one might require some guidance on certain issues pertaining to home design, but you should at least have the basics covered. For instance, instead of telling the designer that you want your house to look ‘beautiful,’ you can be a little more specific. Tell them you want your home painted in a brighter colour; that you want to add more greenery to your surroundings; or that you want a particular room to be overhauled. Knowing what you want lowers your chances of being disappointed when the project is finished.
Check Qualifications
When you are using a professional home decorator for the first time, you should confirm that they are qualified for the job. Ask them whether they are certified to do the work or not. Check their papers to see where they were trained, and ask them for portfolios that show where they have worked before. It is always better to go with an experienced designer, but sometimes it’s worth taking a risk with a relative newcomer to the field – but only if you are willing to guide them through the process.
Discuss Budget
Never make the mistake of hiring a professional designer without having a candid discussion about the budget. Talk to them about how much money you plan to spend, what you want to prioritise, and whether there are other hidden charges that you may need to pay as well. Payment and a lack of mutual understanding about the budget is an all-too-frequent cause of conflict for those who choose to work with professionals. Therefore, have a written contract that breaks down the cost of everything, and specifies where you are likely to make adjustments.
Ask about Insurance
Can you imagine what would happen if the designer slips and falls in your home, injuring himself or herself? Who would pay for their medical costs? A good designer is one who is fully insured against all damages or injuries that may occur on your property. You are taking a risk by choosing to work with a designer or decorator who is not insured.
Interview More than One
You should consider talking to several companies or individuals before you settle on one to do your home decoration. When you interview many of them, you get a broader sample of what designers can do. It is always advisable that you meet them personally and talk to them face to face before you hire them. This will help you in assessing things like their personalities, and whether they know what they are doing. You should also be sure to check reviews written by other people who have used their services in the past.