How to Hire an Interior Designer

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (6 Ratings)

You don't have to be rich to hire an interior designer. In fact, professional advice can stretch your budget and help you avoid mistakes, saving money in the long run. Let a designer find just what you need--or didn't know you needed--to bring your dream home to life.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Collect magazine clippings of the style, color, fabrics and furnishings you like and decide which existing furnishings you wish to keep. Sketch a simple floor plan.

Step2

Visit show houses and model homes or read local publications to find designers whose work you like. The American Society of Interior Designers (interiors.org) has a free referral service to locate members near you.

Step3

Interview each designer to assess compatibility--you'll need to work well together. Review portfolios and ask for references.

Step4

Determine each designer's fees. He or she might charge for a consultation, a flat project fee, an hourly fee, a percentage of the project cost, or cost plus (wholesale plus markup). Fees vary widely by location, reputation and experience.

Step5

Set the project's scope and budget. Ask about ways to save money to cut the overall cost of the job. Maybe you can do some of the painting yourself. Find out if you can spread out a big project and do just one or two rooms at a time.

Step6

Sign a contract before work begins. Clarify what services the designer will provide, when he or she will be on site, whether the designer or someone else will oversee the work, all budget details, how you will be billed, and the projected time frame. Clarify in your contract how cost overruns will be handled.

What to Look For:

Compatibility
Relevant experience
Fees to match your budget
A clear contract

Tips & Warnings

If all you need is basic advice on furnishings and color or pattern schemes, try in-house decorators at furniture showrooms and highend paint or wallpaper stores.
Finding an interior designer is like finding a hairdresser: At first you must show or explain the style you're after, but later he or she will understand what makes you happy.