We often hear the same questions over and over. This tells us you all share the same concerns. We’re not too surprised. We’d worry about the same things too. Let’s take those questions on and see if we can set the record straight.
1. What is a typical investment?
Every homeowner we hear from starts with their biggest fears — how much will it cost, and how long will it take? While this isn’t a simple question to answer, some guidelines exist.
How much will it cost? The answer comes from you. Your design professional will ask you what you are comfortable investing in your home renovation project and will advise you to leave a cushion for the inevitable unexpected things that will come up.
It then becomes a matter of determining the scope and looking at what you want to achieve. Of course, there may need to be some adjustments to the dream, but professionals can offer creative solutions to get the most for your investment dollars.
Work with a design professional you trust and have a candid conversation upfront about what you are comfortable investing in and where the hard stop on your spending is.
2. What are the advantages of working with a designer if I already know what I like?
We often hear, “I know what I like, but I don’t know how to put it all together.” That’s where your design pro steps in, interprets your style and pulls it all together with a flourish.
Most people have a general sense of what they like. Still, it takes experience and training to put all the elements together in a cohesive fashion paying attention to design styles and sensibilities, colors and undertones, and the practicalities that are particular to your installation.
For example, you’ll want to work with someone who can pick the suitable flooring material and countertop selection to stand up to the wear and tear in your home will be well worth the investment.
3. How much do you charge for your services?
My firm offers a full ladder of services to help you, no matter your budget. Designers will either charge an hourly rate or a fixed-price plan. If it’s a fixed price, so is the amount of work we provide. You will be limited to a specific number of revisions and limited options.
Full service is excellent for custom projects with homeowners who have busy schedules and don’t have time to run to the local home-build store for every last selection (think grout colors, hinges, and all the practicalities).
For a mid-tier option, a materials and finishes plan is a great service who are happy to manage the project but want a trained pro to help them pick out selections that will all work together, ensuring a great outcome.
Lastly, for homeowners who want to do more of the design work themselves, we offer consultations to provide check-in appointments to pick our brains for answers to their pressing design questions. There is something for everyone!
4. Will you also help furnish my home?
We would be delighted to! A renovation project is only really complete when you are in your home, fully able to relax and enjoy it. We recommend having your designer complete your space’s furniture, furnishings, and styling for a seamless look.
Designers are fully trained in construction, space planning, and quality furniture selection. We can also help you optimize the value of your investment in buying furniture that will stand the test of time. For example, we can help you avoid frequent floor plan missteps made in new builds.
A thoughtful design plan will last for years to come. Your designer can add value to your project and save you money.
If you would like to discuss design plans for a new home, we would love to help! Reach out, and let’s get to know each other.
Warmly,
Judith
