7 Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer

In the construction industry, there are many ways to go about updating or renovating your home. Amidst all the contractors, companies, suppliers, sale centres and showrooms, it can be an overwhelming task to select the right people and products for your project. One of the steps that many homeowners skip is to hire an Interior Designer to assist them with their project and this is often a mistake. Below are a few of the reasons that hiring an Interior Designer can make your next project a success.

1. Conceptualization: One of the greatest hurdles to embarking on a renovation project is knowing where to start. There are many variables to consider when it comes to renovations and a professional Interior Designer will be able to identify potential issues and work with you to develop a design concept that will help bring your ideas to reality. Doing a pre-construction consultation will answer a lot of important questions, and your Designer will bring up details you may not have considered. Is it possible to remove a wall? Is your space big enough accommodate what you want? Is the aesthetic going to work with the rest of the house? Have you missed anything? An in-depth consultation coupled with an understanding of building practices and construction will allow your Interior Designer to develop a personalized plan for your project that hopefully checks all the boxes.

2. Time Management: An Interior Designer will have valuable experience with the processes involved in carrying out a project. In the planning phase and during construction, there is an order to which all tasks must be completed for the project to continue smoothly, and important decisions need to be made in a timely fashion. A good Interior Designer will understand the time involved with each design decision, how long it takes to order and acquire materials and the how long it will take for the work to be carried out. Your Designer will ensure that any decisions about the project are made according to the schedule, effectively guiding you through all the important milestones of your project. Managing a schedule is part of every Designers skill set, and that skill can be invaluable to your project when it comes to crunch time.

3. An Eye for Design: Hiring someone who gives sound advice in an area of their expertise is never a mistake. Interior Designers are experienced in their field and will offer innovative ideas, unique solutions, and tasteful recommendations for your specific project. A Designer will often find the way to add that wow-factor to your project, using a combination of creativity and artistry to make your final result pop.

4. Product Knowledge: Interior Designers have a vast storehouse of knowledge regarding materials, fixtures, finishes and furnishings that we have developed over our careers. If you see something you like in a picture, showhome, magazine, or online, your Designer will either know where to get it or will figure out how to find it. Sourcing materials and products is a large portion of what Interior Designers do and their knowledge only builds with each project that is completed. In addition to that, Designers are constantly familiarizing ourselves with new products being introduced and the changing trends in the industry. If you're looking to do something new and exciting, usually your Designer can offer suggestions on how to do so.

5. Saving Money: Renovations are expensive and because of this homeowners often forego costs that are seen as "non-essential" to save money. The truth is, Interior Designers are experienced with budgeting and understanding costs, so having a Designer on your side will help you avoid mistakes that cost money and help you save money where you can. Also, Designers receive discounts from some suppliers and vendors that, when purchasing materials, can off-set the costs of their design fees.

6. Troubleshooting: In a perfect world, every project would go off without a hitch but, unfourtunately, this is the real world and nothing is perfect. With variables to manage like weather, existing building conditions, manufacturing issues or the infallibility of humans, renovations are notorious for never going as planned. The good news is that your Interior Designer has actually prepared for this and is ready to jump into action when the time comes. Troubleshooting comprises a large portion of what we do, so don't be surprised if your Designer is able to turn your unexpected issue into a happy outcome.

7. Advocacy: The most underrated part of what Interior Designers do is to advocate for their clients during the renovation process. Your Designer's main job is to make sure that the project ends up the way that you visualize it. Your Interior Designer will step in to handle any hiccups or stressful situations during the renovation, so you don't have to. With the knowledge that they are in your "corner", your Interior Designer will help you navigate your renovation as effectively as possible.

If you are considering a renovation, consult with an Interior Designer first to review your design goals. Insight and expertise from a professional will be invaluable and can help bring your vision to life. How much or how little involvement your Designer has in your project is up to you; if you only need a little guidance or a lot, your Designer will cater their services to your needs.

Happy designing!

Torie Findlay Designs

Calgary, AB

info@tfdesigns.ca