THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE HIRING AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

What are you designing? 

It is not necessary to design the full house.

When you think of designing we usually think of designing the complete house, which may well be if you can afford it. However, if you are on a budget and want only a part of your house to be designed then don't be embarrassed to get only that part designed. It could be you want to beautify the area where you entertain guests at home or in the office. Maybe you want a Den for yourself. Do not hesitate to call in the friendly neighbourhood interior designer to help you out if you want to give a special touch to that favourite or important place in your house or office. 

Know and plan what you want

Prepare detailed document of what you want before calling the designer. Make sure that you have made an extensive document to explain your point of view and what you are expecting from the design. It doesn't have to be technical. Put in simple terms why that space is worth the trouble you are taking. Remember you are telling the designer what you expect from the design and not dictating what is to be done, else he might ask you to go ahead and design the place yourself. 

Get quotes and preliminary designs.

You have to decide if you want only the design or put the designer in charge of completion of the execution. In any case you will have to get a quote from them. Make sure the quote is detailed and gives a break up of everything you are expected to get according to your agreement. If you opt for design only, you would want detailed maps of the lighting and electricals along with placement of furniture and information about the material to be used.

Budget / Timeline

Expenses usually depend on the efficiency of the execution. So you should know your budget and be a little flexible at the same time. The time that the project will take should also be clear. Sometimes last minute changes or decisions are taken as excuses to prolong work with the comment 'if you hadn't added xyz we would have been on schedule.' Although some times this may be true. 

In case of important rooms will there be alternative accommodations

In case you are revamping or designing your bedroom or kitchen it becomes difficult to cook or sleep while the work goes on. In which case you will have to make alternate arrangements for yourself or take the help of the designer or contractor to offer make shift arrangements for you.

Your views

Agreement in document