Choosing the right interior designer for your home renovation project could make or break the aesthetic, atmosphere and functionality of your space. Some homeowners overspend on full-service design firms while others are reluctant to hire a design team at all. They imagine choosing each element, securing all products and implementing various solutions would be cheaper if done on their own. However, hiring the right interior designer can often save the homeowner money throughout their renovation. Practiced interior designers can keep the project on track -- closely following the homeowner’s budget and timeline. Their experience and connections ensure each renovation is executed flawlessly -- no matter the size, scope or style. Follow below for several tips on choosing an interior designer for your renovation.

Choosing a Designer in Three Steps

First: Set a Budget and Scope for Your Project

Before you even consider hiring an interior designer, residential architect or full-service design firm, you must determine the scope and budget for your home renovation project. While you likely know what you can afford, you might not understand how this amount will be allocated or how much it will be able to cover. If your budget is on the smaller side, you might choose to conduct a partial remodel or an update rather than a full gut renovation. Given this, setting a budget must come first as it helps determine the scope of your project. In her article “Ready to renovate? Here’s how to budget and pay for it.” for The Washington Post, Michele Lerner explains how to set a sensical budget. The most important thing -- writes Lerner -- is to begin with a buffer.

Quoting financial planner Bob Harkson, Lerner writes that “‘every home improvement project will cost more than you think it will and will take more time than you planned.’” As such, homeowners should expect to pay at least 10 to 25% more on their project than they initially anticipated. Homeowners should set this amount aside in their budget, leaving it untouched unless an issue arises. Next, homeowners should consider the value of their home when allocating money for renovations. In conversation with smart-home expert Dan DiClerico, Lerner writes that “‘a broad rule of thumb is to spend about 5 to 15 percent of your home value on a kitchen renovation.’” For a bathroom renovation, homeowners should spend about “‘3 to 7 percent of your home value.’”

Second: Determine Whether You Need an Interior Designer, Residential Architect or Both

Next, you must determine whether you need an interior designer, residential architect or both. In her article “How to Decide Between Hiring an Architect or a Designer” for MyMove, Shelley Little explains the difference. Though decorators often lack structural knowledge, “many designers have some knowledge and training in architecture, similarly, many architects have knowledge and training in design.” As such, certain interior designers are fully prepared to handle complex renovations. However, major remodels -- involving demolition and reconstruction -- may require the expertise of a residential architect.

If your renovation includes altering the plan of the home, moving electrical or plumbing or installing an addition, you might need help from a residential architect. Because residential architects are well-versed in safety codes, they usually “closely supervise as a construction firm takes over to build said design.” While architects design buildings, interior designers contribute all space planning and greatly influence the form and function of a home. Most designers are also well-educated in “architecture, design, construction, building codes and sustainability.” In the end, every project is different, so you should “look at your individual project to decide whose skills best fit your needs.”

Third: Book Consultations with Designers

After settling on a budget, scope and type of professional to hire, start researching designers in your area. Ask friends for referrals when possible, but be sure to consider your taste and personality first. While a friend’s home might have been designed beautifully, his or her style might not mesh with your own. As such, his or her designer might not be right for you. Once you have created a list of potential hires, consider Michelle Guerrerre’s advice in her article “12 Insider Tips for How to Choose an Interior Designer” for MyDomaine.

Quoting designer Christine Markatos Lowe, Guerrerre recommends homeowners stick to the “rule of three.” This means meeting with three designers on your shortlist. Markatos Lowe notes that you will likely find “‘two of the people you meet are probably more like-minded and one will stick out to you.’” Meeting with too many designers can flood the brain with an excess of information while meeting with just a few makes “it easier to compare different personalities and styles.” Ask the questions below during your consultations to ensure you create the right partnership!

Five Questions to Ask During Your Consultation with an Interior Designer

#1 How will you update me throughout the project?

#2 How do you handle budgetary and timeline hiccups?

#3 Which vendors do you typically work with?

#4 What is your experience with my type of project?

#5 Are you comfortable working collaboratively?

Working with Studio Shaolin on Your Home Renovation

Whether you plan to gut your kitchen, convert your garage or simply update your space, working with an interior designer ensures a stunning, comfortable and fully functional home. At Studio Shaolin, we work with clients in Hawaii and across the United States to create timeless spaces that reflect the individual needs of each project. Learn more about how we can help with your home renovation project by booking a discovery call.

How to Choose an Interior Designer for Your Renovation