When to Hire a Designer
By Lisa May 20th, 2013
When do you need an Interior Designer? How about a Project Manager? A General Contractor? Making improvements to your home can raise all kinds of questions about what kind of help you may want to seek out. And help can really make the process go more smoothly and guarantee that the end results be exactly what you want and can afford. Let’s break down the differences and examine when to call in the pros:
Interior Design:
When your project involves space planning, updating materials and furnishings or a creative re-use of items you currently have a designer is a great asset. He or she can help you develop a practical budget, an overall scheme and a realistic schedule. Drawings can help you envision your home so you are confident moving forward. Designers have knowledge of and access to many options for materials, furnishings and accessories and can help you choose products that will work in your space – not just aesthetically, but more importantly functionally. The right countertop, flooring, fabric or paint color can make all the difference in how well you live in and with your new surroundings. The best part of working with a designer is their ability to bring your unique vision and personality to your home in a tasteful way.
Project Management:
Many projects involve small changes to plumbing, electrical or trim work in your home. These efforts don’t require a construction permit and can be managed either by you or by your designer. Designers have built relationships with tradespeople that supply these services and therefore can coordinate a schedule that stays on track. Many times homeowners take on some of these tasks themselves, especially the more straight forward ones- painting for example. Things do run more smoothly when you have a professional help plan a reasonable schedule or order of work so that even if you are doing the work, you don’t have to do things twice.
General Contracting:
Large scale projects that require a construction permit are best handled by a General Contractor. Although in some states (Minnesota included) a homeowner can pull a permit to work on his or her own house, a licensed contractor brings knowledge, skills and timeliness that few homeowners have. Your contractor works in conjunction with your designer to make sure that those dreams in your head, put to paper, become a gorgeous reality.
