Before You Hire an Interior Designer: 8 Things to Know (From a Transparent Design Firm)

Hiring an interior designer is exciting — you’re finally bringing your vision to life, improving your home, and investing in how you live every day. But it’s also a partnership and a financial commitment, so it helps to understand how the process works before you get started.

As a design firm that provides everything from floor plans and 3D renderings to material selections and construction-ready packages, we believe in being completely transparent with clients. Here are the 8 things you should know before hiring any designer — including us.

1. Every Designer Works Differently

Not all designers operate the same way. Some offer full-service, handling the entire project from concept through install. Others, like us, offer both virtual design and on-site design consulting so clients can choose what fits their needs.

You’ll also see different pricing structures:

• Hourly (common for remodels, floor plans, and consulting)

• Flat fee packages (common for single rooms, virtual design, or renovation bundles)

The key is choosing someone whose process matches how you like to work.

2. Know Your Budget (And Be Honest About It)

A realistic budget includes more than furniture. It typically covers:

• Materials

• Fixtures

• Labor costs

• Design fees

• Freight/shipping

• Contractor expenses

• Project management (if applicable)

Good designers — including us — can help you maximize your budget, prioritize where to invest, and avoid costly mistakes.

3. Have Inspiration Ready

Your Pinterest boards, screenshots, saved Instagram posts, or even a camera roll of homes you love are incredibly helpful.
They show us:

• Your preferred color palette

• The vibe you’re drawn to

• The level of finish you expect

• Your style direction (even if you think you don’t have one!)

Inspiration doesn’t limit the design — it guides it.

4. Designers Aren’t Photographers

Interior designers create the space, layout, materials, and selections — but professional photography is a separate service.
We style your space with designer-level detail, but when it comes to magazine-worthy photography, that’s a different skill set.

We’re happy to coordinate a photographer or give guidance on who to hire!

5. Communication Is Key

Design moves quickly when clients respond promptly.
Timely feedback helps:

• Keep timelines accurate

• Prevent material ordering delays

• Speed up revisions

• Ensure construction stays on schedule

• Avoid lost weeks waiting on decisions

We keep everything organized in shared Google Drive folders so communication is clear and easy.

6. Be Honest About What You Dislike

Design is collaborative. If you don’t love something, say so! You’re not hurting our feelings — it helps us get even closer to your vision.

Honesty = better outcome.

7. Trust the Process

Sometimes we recommend a layout, furniture size, or color palette you didn’t originally consider — and there’s always a reason.
Designers understand scale, flow, proportions, and long-term functionality.

Your trust allows us to take your space to a level that’s elevated, cohesive, and intentional.

8. Ask About Deliverables Up Front

Every designer offers different deliverables. Ours may include:

• Floor plans

• Black-and-white 3D views

• Full-color renderings

• Material selections with purchase links

• Furniture boards

• Layout options

• Contractor-ready drawings

• Spreadsheets for budgeting

Knowing exactly what you’ll receive helps eliminate confusion and sets clear expectations.

Why Clients Love Working With Our Firm

We lead with transparency — not surprises. You’ll always know:
✔ What’s included
✔ How long it will take
✔ What it costs
✔ How we communicate
✔ What you’ll receive at the end

Whether you’re refreshing a single room or remodeling an entire home, we’re here to guide you through every step with clarity, professionalism, and excitement.

Ready to Start Your Design Project? Let’s Talk.

We’d love to help bring your home vision to life — from concept to a fully finished plan you can confidently execute.

📅 Book your design appointment here:

👉 https://remodelingconsultants.org/booking-page-calendar-2973-4872