We’re back with another round of the FAQ’s of Renovation!
If you haven’t read the rest of our posts in this series, make sure to go back and read them here: Contractors and Designers 101 + Getting started
We’ve tackled some general questions about the renovation process, and taken a look at beginning to work with a contractor. So now it’s time to talk about designers.
Your Aunt Bessie may have told you, “I watch the HGTV’s and read the Southern Livings, I can help you with your interior design… Bubba says I have an eye for it.”
(Apologies to all Aunt Bessie’s and Uncle Bubba’s out there. No ill will intended.)
There are a lot of people who can get by without the help of a designer and if that’s the category you fall in, check back in next week when we talk about another topic in the process of renovations. However, our experience is that most people could use the help, talent, resources, and expertise of a designer on some level.
To put it bluntly: it’s often the most dismissed part of the entire process, all in the name of reeling it in via the cost department. But having one is beneficial in so many ways.
So let’s dive in, shall we?
What is the purpose of the designer?
On the basic level, it’s flow. (Check out this post for more about that, where we touch on the surface level of it all.) A good designer will do more than take you to the local paint store to pick out the latest colors… they’ll be concerned with the flow of the house. The cohesiveness between spaces, and how they work together to achieve a harmony of balance, beauty, and most importantly… function.
A designer is there to help the process of form meets function in a beautiful way, unique to you and your entire home. Realistic, attractive spaces that actually work in real life, and reflect who you are as a family or individual, are hard to come by. These are one of the many purposes of a designer. Magazine-worthy spaces are awesome. But what makes them even better is when the spaces actually function, and the two meet in beautiful harmony. This is where the designer comes in.
Paint colors are no biggie. Neither are floors. But there are a lot of interworking elements and moving parts that truly influence a home’s design. This is where most people freeze up or have trouble.
And if you have trouble with all the working parts, you could end up either costing yourself more in replacing what doesn’t work, or end up with something that doesn’t work and you aren’t happy with in the end. This can make your renovation feel unfinished. Designing a home and moving forward can be paralyzing in the fear department. It can be overwhelming, to say the least.
Neither of those options are great.
And while they make it look easy in publications and all things media, there is an art and expertise to all things design.
A good designer, and not all are, will help you achieve not only a functional space, but a beautiful one that flows from space to space. So here’s a few things they take care of:
• They work with the contractor and speak his language. As was mentioned in the last post, there is an order to a renovation and when things go out of order it only causes stress and more money. They know what things need to be communicated to the builder and will help you through the process of planning. IE: Think placements of furniture and other furnishings so that you’re not cutting a new hole in the shiplapped ceiling to hang a chandelier you forgot to plan for. {Bummer.}
• Save money. Yeah that seems kinda weird. To many, hiring a designer is the antithesis of saving. It’s a right reserved to those with an abundance of cash flow. How can hiring someone help you save money? In addition to avoiding costly mistakes, your designer can help you make decisions about what can be repurposed, and what needs to be reworked along with a multitude of other design choices. There’s a lot to be said about their value.
• Resources. Designers bring a wealth of resources which can help you achieve the look and feel you want, often from places you’ve never shopped and a lot of times, for less money. While some of the best pieces come from a local big box store, it’s not your only option.
• They’ve got your back. They’ll be there on and after move in day. While your contractor, subs and bank are simply concerned with the construction process and getting the project closed out, {which is their job, and absolutely essential as well} the designer keeps an eye on the future, also. They will be there on move-in day and if needed, the days after to help you continue the process of flow. There’s always a lot of work left to do after closing day to get your amazing renovation or build turned into the space you dreamed of. And because of that, {and many other reasons} they take it to the next level.
Types of payment
Generally, there are three ways a designer will charge, although you could combine these to suit your personal needs upon agreement with someone you can work with.
• Per hour fee – This is what it sounds like. You agree to pay the designer “X” amount of money per hour of work they put in on your project. A lot of designers will say that they have a minimum amount they will charge when working this way. The minimum is there to ensure that the designer gets a fair payment for devoting their resources and time to your job, because in many cases they might be turning down other work to work on your project. It’s a financial safety net, in a sense. It simply ensures they don’t turn down a job only to take another one that doesn’t end up paying what was projected because of a variety of reasons. The kids have gotta eat, yo!
• Percentage fee – This structure is used a lot in new and larger renovations. Much like the contractor charges, a set fee for the project and the designer will charge a certain percentage of the project to be paid in installments. This fee varies from location to location and is often based on the demand of the designer. You might have one designer who charges twice as much as another in the same location. That’s not because one is over-charging necessarily, but because of their demand, experience, talent or some combination of these.
• Cost plus – This goes by a variety of names, but the general idea is that the designer will charge you for the product, plus a mark up on it. This is a less-used form by itself and often used in connection with one of the other ways to make the fee seem like less. The way this works is very similar to buying anything else in life. Products are purchased at wholesale and then marked up for a decided-upon retail price. Every store does this, and designers us this model some, as well.
Do I need a contract?
It’s helpful, and the scope of the job will define this.
On small jobs and even some hourly jobs, there may not be a need for a contract or a very simple one. We would suggest something on paper detailing fee rate, when payments are made and if there is a minimum.
On larger jobs, it’s good to have one and it will be very similar to the one we talked about for the contractor, but geared more towards the work of the designer.
You’ll want to cover subjects such as:
• Scope of the project – Clearly define the scope of the project. What will it entail? Is this a kitchen remodel? What is being remodeled in the kitchen? New appliances? Be detailed here so there is a clear understanding. Most good designers will emphasize this as they don’t want to be halfway through the project only to have something else tacked on. Make sure to include what needs you’ll have for the space, as well as what pieces you already have that you can reuse for the space.
• Budget – This is a much more fluid item than with the contractor. The contractor is bound by certain prices that can’t be ignored, such as you can’t decide to put all your studs at 24 inches instead of 16 inches to save money, because that won’t pass codes. You can’t use a 6-inch board for a joist when you need a 10 inch, again codes. The designer has a lot more flexibility to match your budget and find ways to save money. {Which is part of the reason you hired them, right?} However, with that said, the old saying is true, you get what you pay for. So don’t expect the designer to give you a “Tiffany’s” look on a Claire’s jewelry budget. Yes, things can be finagled and worked with, but too many times people don’t come in with a realistic approach. Make sure you provide them an appropriate budget. Or at least are willing to work within a realistic cost. {Do some research and ask around if you’re doubting your designer’s quotes} Otherwise, they might turn down your job.
• Who will get supplies – Most of the time it’s cheaper and more beneficial for the designer to source everything. This is one of the main reasons they’re working for and with you on this project. However, there are some instances where you want something unique. Such as Aunt Betty’s china cabinet. In this case, make sure you note in the contract that you will be getting “x” so that the designer doesn’t order it and you end up with something you don’t need.
• Must have’s – We all work within budget constraints, unless you win the powerball, so denote where you want your money spent. For example, you’d rather get the lighting you want over the curtains. By doing this, your designer will know that they can spend a little extra on the lighting and a little less on the curtains. This helps them know where they can rob from in the budget to get that piece or pieces that are important to you.
• Revisions – If you are working on any fee other than per hour, you need to know how many revisions to the design concept you get. You should be up front from the beginning with certain requests and needs for the space, so that they can meet those in the design. Most designers aren’t going to let you keep revising the design 14 million times. There will be a limit, generally 3. Know what these are and how much you’ll be charged if you go over.
• Payment – When and how payments will be made. Also, don’t forget to cover the fee structure.
Just a few things all designers probably want you to know…
• Yes, you love your designer, but don’t let that love get in the way of getting what you deserve. Don’t be intimidated or overwhelmed by them as a person. You’ve paid for their services, so don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself or the project. Ask questions and double check things. They’ll be just as happy you’re doing that as you are. This is a partnership and at the end of the day it’s your home. Your money. So it should work accordingly.
• But be gracious. That’s something the world {and most certainly the internet} is missing. Chances are in most cases, whatever the issue is, it’s a simple misunderstanding. Just like all partnerships, they take work. So communication is always key.
• Boundaries are healthy. More than likely, you’ll fall in love with your designer. We kind of think you should definitely have a good relationship {per our previous posts}. But don’t abuse the relationship. Just like you want your designer to considerately listen to all your needs and tastes {and create a space for you without running you over} remember that this is a professional relationship. Your designer is not at your beck and call. They more than likely have other clients. So don’t be offended if they don’t answer every time you call or respond to every text within seconds.
• Don’t be a free loader. Don’t try to sneak in getting free design advice on another project or even for Aunt Sally while working on the current one. Just like it is inappropriate to do this with other professions, the same holds true for this project.
• Don’t break the bank trying to get a certain look. If you’ve clearly defined your budget, then any good designer will help you stay in it and plan for the future. Rome wasn’t built in a day and its ok to do some now and some again in six months. Don’t get caught up in the moment and be patient. Don’t let anyone push you to be otherwise.
• Stay open. A designer is a designer for a reason, so be open to their suggestions. Too many times, homeowners think they know what they want, but don’t have a real reason behind it. {Or, they let their significant other dominate all their choices.} This is where a good designer is key, because they can show you why something will or will not work. They offer guidance in areas that are unclear. Homes and spaces are all about the reality of compromise. Contrary to popular belief, everyone doesn’t live on TV or in magazines.
Take this lovely metaphor for example: if a homeowner wants to keep items a,b,c and then defghijklmnop, sometimes they just won’t work and aren’t currently working for a reason. It’s just like asking a stylist to come help you pick an outfit, but you’ve already decided you’re wearing your newsies cap with your army jacket and bikini top. These sound like great ideas but they aren’t flowing well or serving a purpose in the space. A good designer {and stylist} is not there just to salvage the remaining options, but to give you realistic suggestions and open you up to new possibilities. Of course, they will also work within your budget and needs to create the most beautiful, functional space for you and who you are. So sometimes that means trying a few new ideas and staying open to possibilities. And then working until you can meet on common ground for what really will work for you. Yes, at the end of the day it is TOTALLY your space. Just don’t forget the purpose of the actual designer.
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Hiring a designer is truly one of the best things you can do for yourself when undertaking a home project and we know you’ll love your new space. There is always more we could talk about, hopefully this will get you started down the road.
As always, if you have any questions please leave them in the comment section below.
(If they’re urgent, because you’re about to begin, write ‘urgent’ and make sure to leave your email address in our comment form. We will email you an answer as soon as we can. Don’t worry the email addresses in the form – they only show to us, not publicly.)
Have an inspired day thinking about creating the home you truly love! (And don’t forget to continue reading in our fourth post in the series.)
{Pssst: And if you’re in the Nashville area don’t forget we offer in-house design services paired with contractor services. This format creates an even smoother flow in the process and helping attain what you want in your home. Contact us today if you’re interested… we can’t wait to help you love where you dwell. And of course, as always, we are still taking on design clients worldwide.}
Karen Grissen says
We did a HUGE gut remodel and addition to our 30+ year old house last year and I really felt like I could not do the project without a designer. I had NO idea the magnitude of what a designer did until we were into the project. Everything you stated and then some. She was worth her weight in gold and mine in sanity. And I totally agree to the “spend money on a designer to save money”. This post should go out to every contractor in America. I think if more people worked with good designers it could save a lot of headaches for almost everyone involved. Emphasis on “good”. Also, I’m so in love with what you did with your new home. You definitely transformed it to another level.
ashley @ the handmade home says
So true, Karen! Thanks so much for your perspective. We couldn’t agree more!