Remodeling? Designer can save you time and money

Fri., March 21, 2008

Lori Kinnear Correspondent

Finding a designer

Get organized

» Be able to describe how the space is going to be used, as well as your time frame and budget. Be prepared to answer questions. The more specific the information you provide, the more successful the end result will be. Have examples of what styles you like and what you don't like.

Interview at least two designers

» The interview should last no longer than one hour and give you an idea of personality differences, style and business methods. This initial interview is usually free of charge. The person you hire should be an active listener who acknowledges your ideas and concerns.

How much?

» Ask how you will be charged and what is included in the fee

Details

» Find out if the designer is a member of a professional organization such as American Society of Interior Designers and if they are licensed. If the designer uses sub contractors ask if they are licensed and bonded. Ask to see a portfolio. This should include previous work and references. Do follow up and check references. Select the person that you feel you will work best with. Price should not be the deciding factor.

After a grueling winter of rain, snow and HGTV, the craving for a home makeover is overwhelming. What better time to consider breaking out of the winter doldrums and creating a new space. But wait. Is this something you should tackle yourself? Considering the time and money the average homeowner plunks down on home and garden facelifts, a designer can save your checkbook and your sanity. A trained designer brings organization to the project and helps focus your ideas. They reduce costly mistakes and have access to the latest products and ideas for your home or garden.

Make a good match

Selecting the right person is similar to entering into other business relationships. Open communication and trust are essential. Landscape designer Pat Haye, owner of Design a Scape, says listening to the client is vital.

“It’s not just the final product, it is how you work with the client,” she explains. “I ask how they are going to use the space. And I have a set of questions that I ask of every client to get that information.”

Likewise clients should ask specific questions such as how the designer likes to work, what they envision for your space and are they able to work within your budget. This person will be spending considerable time in your home or garden and you should feel relaxed talking, sharing ideas and expressing your likes and dislikes. If you detest pink, you should be comfortable saying no. A competent designer will create a finished product that is to your taste not theirs.

Make a plan

Gina Cook, owner of Gina’s Design Corner in Spokane, advises the homeowner to “look for someone who will help them create a total project plan. That includes a color scheme, color schematic and a budget. The plan should be turn-key so that it can be implemented as the budget allows.”

Finding the right person could be as simple as visiting a friend’s professionally decorated home or garden. The Yellow Pages or the internet lists designer’s specialties and locations. The American Society of Interior Designers, home and garden centers are also good referral sources.

Select someone before planning structural changes or making purchases. Typically he or she will assess your entire home and garden before creating a plan.

Most designs don’t start with a blank room or garden and designers are accustomed to working around what the client may wish to keep. New furniture or new plants can be incorporated with what is already in place.

Cook advises that unless you have a generous budget and can afford to change your décor with the latest trends, “be trendy with accessories rather than the ceramic tile.”

Details

A written contract should spell out the scope of work and an itemization of cost. Some designers offer a complimentary one hour initial consultation prior to signing a contract. Find out if the designer charges by the hour or the job is done for a flat fee.

If the DIY urge still hasn’t left, remember, a home makeover is an investment. Good-quality furniture lasts a long time and well placed trees and shrubs increase the value of your property. After all, good design is about creating harmonious space within the place you call home.