5 Important Questions To Ask Before Selecting An Interior Designer

Homeowners hire interior designers for numerous reasons. Some want to redecorate their homes but don’t have the time to do it themselves; others lack the expertise needed to get the results they desire. Regardless of your situation, it’s important to select an interior designer who will get the job done just as you want it. In order to achieve this, it’s best to ask your designer the following questions:

Do You Have Samples of Previous Work You’ve Done?

Any interior designer you choose should be able to show you a portfolio of previous work they’ve done. This will tell you a lot about their personal style, and whether or not it is compatible with the type of style you’re looking for.

Which Types of Rooms Do You Usually Redecorate?

Some interior designers have a great deal of experience working with living rooms, while others specialize in kitchens, bathrooms or bedrooms. If you want to redecorate the entire house, you will want to hire a designer with experience in every type of room; otherwise it is better to hire someone who specializes in the specific room you’re interested in redecorating.

Can I See Your Reviews?

An interior designer’s portfolio will tell you a lot about their personal style, but for additional information you should seek reviews or references from previous clients. While it is important for a designer to be good at decoration, they should also have good people skills. A great designer is a good listener and easy to work with. Talking to previous clients or reading their reviews will help you determine how your designer measures up.

Which Style is Your Specialty?

Interior design comes in a wide variety of different styles. Some designers specialize in the modern style while others perform more classical work. Before hiring an interior designer, it is important to find out which style you want to use when redecorating your home. Once you have this information, it will be easier to select the right designer.

Do You Charge a Flat Fee or By the Hour?

Before working with you, many interior designers require you to sign a contract. Never sign anything until you’ve discussed the payment and fully understand what and how you will be charged. If an interior designer charges a flat fee, it will be easy to establish a budget prior to hiring them for work. However, those who charge hourly rates can be more complicated to deal with; in these cases, you will want to let them know your budget upfront and whether or not they can get the job done.

The problem with designers who charge by the hour is that they may claim to be capable of doing the redecoration within the budget you’ve established, but if it takes them longer than expected, the rate will increase. This is why it is important to select designers who are experienced and well-reviewed. Interview each candidate and ask them all these questions to determine if they’re a good fit for your needs.