Buying a house is probably by far the most expensive investment a person will make in their lifetime. Not just in terms of money but also an investment in time & emotional energy. It can be very stressful and put a lot of pressure on a family. So, many homeowners wonder if it's financially viable or even wise to hire an Interior designer. Do professional fees end up taking too large a percentage from the overall budget to make using an interior designer truly worthwhile?
The answer is a resounding no. Anyone with a REALISTIC budget should hire an Interior designer, ideally at the very beginning of a project in my opinion. It turns out that Interior design services often end up paying for themselves.
Interior Designers are well aware of various hidden costs that can arise during a renovation project. Structural changes along the way, Electrical & plumbing issues once all the walls are removed. This is a whole different blog subject but for now, I thought I would give you tips on my experience of how myself and other designers have saved the client money during a renovation
Here are some reasons why using an Interior designer can help homeowners save money.
Sourcing and Discounts:! A touchy subject!!
Interior designers often have access to a wide network of suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers. They can negotiate discounts on furniture, materials, and fixtures, passing on the savings to the client. Did you know that if you walked into a furniture shop & tried to negotiate a discount on a product you would most likely get less discount than if you brought with you an Interior Designer, that works regularly with the showroom? The shops want to encourage Interior Designers to buy from them and not from their competitors. I personally try to use two or three suppliers that I know give me great discounts, are trusted, and provide excellent customer service.
Avoid costly mistakes: by having professional plans drafted. Most builders will charge you more during a renovation if they have to change the plumbing pipes while renovating. A good designer would have planned the layout/plumbing plans correctly with an option of one change which is also confirmed with the builder before the renovation starts. It should be very clear and transparent so the client is not handed any extra costs for moving the plumbing pipes around last minute. A tile plan is another example that enables the client to order the correct amount of tiles at the bathroom showroom therefore not ending up with boxes of spare tiles and saving money.
Space Planning: Efficient space planning ensures that the available space is used effectively, eliminating the need for excessive square footage and reducing construction or renovation costs. Space Optimization: Through smart design solutions, a designer can make the most of small spaces, reducing the need for excessive square footage and associated costs.
Prioritization: A designer can help the client prioritize which areas or rooms to focus on, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and the overall project stays within a budget. It is so easy to get court up in the enthusiasm and excitement of the moment and realize you have blown all of your budgets on the top-of-the-range oven.
Dimensions: Designers can help clients avoid costly errors such as purchasing the wrong size of furniture, improper material choices, or incorrect measurements, which could lead to additional expenses. I have seen so many American immigrants bring their huge beds and wardrobes to Israel only to find the rooms are too small and the furniture doesn't fit. . Part of my Design by Room package is to go to the client's house and measure the room. This has saved a lot of the clients the headache of ordering the wrong size sofa and furniture only to have to return it and fight for their money back.
I hope these tips are useful and as I mentioned above quite often it turns out that Interior Design services end up paying for themselves.
Happy renovating.