7 Questions to Ask an Interior Designer Before Hiring Them

Before you hire an interior designer to help decorate or redesign a room in your home it is important that you know something about the person who is providing you their professional advice. Do you like their style? Do they listen to your design ideas as well? Do they have experience with a portfolio of past jobs that you can look at and study? There are several questions you can ask a professional designer but following are 7 of the most important questions or things to know before hiring an interior designer for your next project.
1. In today's digital world, there's a never-ending supply of before and after photos. Ask to view their web site before you meet.

2. While a designer should be able to create the home you're dreaming of, some designers specialize in certain design styles. Ask what their favorite design style is and make sure your tastes are compatible.

3. Referrals, referrals, referrals! Talk to clients who've actually worked with the designer. Rather than just making a phone call, ask if you can see the client's home with or without the designer. Most happy clients would gladly show you their successful project. If visiting in person isn't an option, at least ask the client about their overall job satisfaction. Would they use the designer again? What did they like most and least about working with the designer?

4. If you can't tour a client's home, the designer's home is the next best thing. If a tour cannot be provided ask them to look at their portfolio of work either online or a physical book of images.

5. Ask the designer how they charge for their services. Many designers charge a percentage of the total costs. Given supplier discounts to the trade, the discounts usually pay the client back for all and often more than the designer's fee, saving the client money.

6. Time line. Get an idea about when the work would begin and be completed by. Make sure that goals and budget are clearly defined.

7. Are you compatible with the designer? This is a person you'll spend a fair amount of time with. While they don't have to become your best friend, it's important that you consider this person to be a good listener, reliable, knowledgeable and professional.

If the interior designer you are considering hiring meets all your requirements then you have a good match. Keeping this list of questions handy will be helpful in your search and may even save you money by hiring the right designer for the job.

To read more about interior design and home decorating tips, visit our business website and blog: Transitions Home Design; interior design for the Sacramento Valley area.

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