When you plan to redesign or rebuild your home, you should acknowledge the fact that you cannot always do it alone. At some point, you will need the help of a professional. Or if possible, enlist their help from the get-go. This is especially true when it comes to interior design and decoration. Working with a reliable professional will keep you from committing mistakes that may cost you money.
However, the services of an interior design, whether you live in a suburban home or in a transportable kit home, will require you to shell out some cash. In this case, you should know how to develop a budget. If you are clueless in this area, below are some of the things you may want to keep in mind:
Start with your design concept
The budget for your interior design will heavily depend on the theme and vision that you have for your space. Generally, some design themes are much more expensive than others. For example, elaborate Victorian designs may require you to bring in a lot of displays and fixtures, which naturally cost money. Similarly, Japanese minimalism may seem affordable, but they may require you to find solid pieces and wood-based fixtures that may be hard to procure.
Get down to the details
When you have already picked the design plan for your home, you should start getting down to the details. Are you thinking of bring a large sofa into the living room that will be complemented by a mahogany center table? Are you planning to install recessed lighting or track lighting? Will you consider bringing in exotic indoor plants? Questions regarding details will help you identify the items that you will need to bring in and calculate how much your are going to spend. While you are at it, create a graph or chart where you can find alternatives to design items you will need.
Know your consultant’s fees and quotations
Of course, you will be working with an interior designer. When asking them questions, do not hesitate to talk about the fees. Ask for a breakdown, so you will be prepared for the payment in case you decide to work with them. This should include the tax, the costs of the materials, shipping fees, and charges on installations and labor.
Look for more options on designers
Just a word of caution: do not go for the first interior designer that you will come across or the one recommended to you. At this point, it would be wise to have at least three or four options. That way, you will be able to identify who can provide a more comprehensive scope of services with your budget. When coming up with a shortlist, read reviews about the prospective designers.
Work together now!
Once you have done your due diligence, it is now time to work on the project. Ask for a viable timeline and come up with a contingency plan with your interior designer and contractors. Draw the breakdown of the plan to make sure you are on track and on budget.
