When starting a new build or renovations, the amount of decisions to be made is daunting. The questions keep coming at you like rapid fire from builders, electricians, plumbers and painters. The dollar signs start rolling in your eyes like a cartoon character. You start to think that designing your space is just not worth the effort. Beginning the design process with a professional interior designer can guide you through the process making it fun and easy. I know you’re thinking, “only the rich and famous”, use interior designers. This could not be further from the truth. Using an interior designer is a smart and affordable option. Their expertise can help you save time and money and increase the value in your home.

An interior designer can take the Pinterest mood boards you’ve been curating for months and hone your design into reality. Their fresh eye on your space can bring pleasing, unexpected ideas that ensure your space is not only beautiful but functional and works for your family. A designer can mediate with builders and architects on your behalf; taking the constant barrage of questions from trades off your already busy and full plate. And with their vast experience, designers can aid with the bidding and negotiation process. You may even benefit from their trade discounts that a professional secures during their career. Interior designers are more than “swatch monsters.” It’s not just choosing the perfect paint color or selecting new throw pillows. Design is involved and surprisingly detailed.

You may be wondering how you would even work a professional interior designer into your budget. Design work is priced out in many different ways and varies depending on the scale of the project.

Here are a many of the ways you can expect to get pricing from a professional interior designer:

•              Fixed Rate or Per Room; If you’re just wanting to rework your bedroom, consider getting a quote for a single room.

•              By the Square Foot; Contractors can give you the exact footage of your new home or addition that would allow your designer to base their charges by the square foot.

•              Per Hour or Day; Homeowners have the option of having an hourly consultation or day of consultation. This option can help you hone your design aesthetic or even reimagine a space within your home in a concise amount of time.

•              Per Furnishing or Mark Up Percentage of a Contractor’s Bid or Charges; New builds with interior design are often priced as a percentage of the total project. While this may seem like an unjustified charge in home building, it can save you money over time with project management and design details put into practice correctly without costly changes.

•              Online Consultation; Have you ever considered this? Many designers can accommodate you remotely and guide you through the design process virtually.

Real estate is often the biggest investment a family will make. Making your home exactly what you dreamed is where an interior designer shines. Investing in their services will not only give you a home you’ve dreamed of, it will add value to your home and give you peace of mind. So, save time, save money, get the style you love and add value to your home… hire an interior designer.

Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

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