If your search engine brought you here, chances are you're gearing up for a construction, renovation, or home improvement project. Exciting, right? But let’s be real – it’s also a little daunting. At some point, you might find yourself in over your head, wondering if it’s time to call in the pros. But where do you even start? With so many options depending on your goals, priorities, and budget, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Since hiring an interior designer crossed your mind, but you haven’t worked with one before, you’re probably asking questions like: What do interior designers do exactly? What are the benefits of working with an interior designer? And how much is this going to cost me? The good news is this post is here to unpack it all with plenty of practical advice. Let’s dive in.

What professionals can help with remodeling or building a home?

Assembling the right team of experts is essential for a successful project. Let’s explore the key players and the unique expertise they bring to the table.

1. General Contractors or Tradespeople

General contractors oversee construction projects, managing materials, labor, and services necessary for completion. They might provide a basic floor plan and suggest materials from their suppliers based on your budget. But don’t expect them to obsess over how the wall color complements the flooring. Their goal is to build, and do it as fast and as efficiently as possible.

2. Design-Build Firms

Design-build firms manage both the design and construction under one contract, providing a unified approach. This method streamlines collaboration between teams, and can lead to more efficient and cost-effective projects. However, the extent of services, including interior design and furnishings, varies among firms. It's essential to clarify the scope of services and the level of client involvement with the specific design-build firm you are considering.

3. Architects

For new construction and remodels with structural changes, such as modifying load-bearing walls, hiring an architect may be necessary. However, requirements vary by jurisdiction, so it's important to consult the local building department to determine if an architect's services are required for your project. Some architects have in-house designers for bigger projects with hefty budgets, but their primary role is to ensure the structure meets all building codes and general standards, rather than tailoring the design to the homeowner’s specific lifestyle and preferences.

4. Building Material Suppliers (Lumber Yards)

Some suppliers offer design services when you purchase materials from them. These services typically include budgeting and drafting assistance, and often have some options for “stock” plans to choose from. Because lumber yards sell cabinets, they will have a dedicated specialist to work on cabinet layouts and help with door style and finish selections. But don’t get too excited – these services are limited to assisting with purchasing decisions rather than providing a comprehensive, tailored design approach like an interior designer would. Their focus is on helping you select building materials, not creating a fully customized plan for your home.

5. Interior Designers

If you want a personalized, cohesive, and thoughtful approach, an interior designer is your best bet. We take the time to get to know you and how you want to live, so every detail of the design is tailored to your lifestyle. From the height of the baseboards and the placement of light switches to the color palette and the depth of your sofa, every choice is deliberate and designed to fit you perfectly.

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer is your advocate, navigator, and (dare I say?) your fairy godmother. And better yet, she will not let your home turn into a pumpkin no matter what! Our job is to:

Be a trusted advisor: An interior designer acts as your advocate, putting your goals first and managing the details to make your project seamless and stress-free.
Simplify decisions: Narrowing down countless options, we help you choose materials, furnishings, and designs that suit your style and budget.
Offer outside-of-the-box ideas: Interior designers are equipped with the knowledge, experience, tools, and talent to offer creative ideas and solutions which you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.
Visualize the design: With detailed drawings and realistic renderings, we help you see and understand what the final product will look like.
Provide a clear Execution Plan: From drawings to specifications, we provide a comprehensive plan to guide contractors and ensure everything aligns with your vision.
Handle the nitty-gritty: We handle orders, deliveries, and installations so you can focus on what’s important to you.
Access exclusive options: When working with a designer, you will be able to take advantage of the custom and one-of-a-kind products that cannot be purchased elsewhere.

Why Hire an Interior Designer?

Even if you have great taste, you will still benefit from working with a professional.

Save Time and Reduce Stress: Designers manage all the details, from decisions to logistics, so you don’t have to.
Avoid Costly Mistakes: With expert guidance, you get it right the first time, preventing errors that can derail your budget.
Achieve a Cohesive Vision: Designers are great at interpreting your personality, lifestyle, and taste through colors, materials, objects, and even the floor plan that all come together in a unified concept.
Access Exclusive Benefits: An industry insiders, designers build special relationships with artisans and manufacturers, and have access to trade-only furnishings, materials, and resources not available to the general public.
Enjoy Peace of Mind: Designers have the skills and experience to handle challenges in a professional and creative way, ensuring that your project stays on track from start to finish.

When Should You Hire an Interior Designer?

We prefer to get involved at the earliest planning stages of the project. Here’s why:

If you start without a concrete design plan, you’re asking for trouble. Builders will interpret your vision differently, leading to quotes that are all over the place. Without detailed drawings and specs, you’ll end up with a bare-bones budget that balloons once decisions are finalized. Translation: headaches and higher costs.

By working with a designer from the start, you’ll have a clear vision, solid selections, and an accurate budget. You’ll also avoid costly mistakes, change orders, miscommunication, and lasting delays. Cheers to that!

How Do Interior Designers Charge?

Interior design has long been seen as a luxury service, but thanks to social media and the rise of “affordable luxury,” it’s more accessible than ever. Here’s the deal:

Hourly rates: Designers charge a set rate per hour, which can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on experience and location.
Flat fees: Some designers offer a flat fee for the entire project, agreed upon before work begins, based on the scope of work.
Percentage of project cost: Certain designers charge a percentage of the overall project cost, usually between 10% and 30%.
Per square foot: In some cases, fees are calculated per square foot of space designed, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per square foot.

At V & Co Design, we prefer to calculate a flat fee estimate when a project scope can be clearly defined. This allows us to be creative instead of watching the clock, and provides our clients with a clear understanding of projected costs. For the projects that require more flexibility, we bill hourly.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this post gave you some clarity and confidence to move forward with your project. If you’re ready to explore how we can help, check out our Services, and don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you and help turn your vision into reality.

When and Why to Hire an Interior Designer