Hurray, you are getting the keys to your new house in a few months’ time! You have been scrolling through images of your ideal home on Pinterest and Instagram the past few months and excitedly sharing them with your loved ones. There are so many ideas and hundreds of interior design firms out there for you to choose from but you’re not sure who to engage!
Sounds familiar? Many new homeowners encounter such dilemma and we have summarised some pointers you may want to consider when choosing the perfect interior designer for your home.
Consider only HDB-licensed interior designers
We’ve all read horror stories about interior design firms performing a disappearing act after making grand promises and receiving payment from homeowners. You do not want to fall prey to those scammers.
Only HDB-licensed contractors can perform renovations on your home. They have also undergone training and should know the rules and regulations of renovating an HDB flat. Do some background check on your interior design firms and make sure that they are listed on HDB’s site.
Budget management
Check if your designer can work within your budget. Set a reasonable range for your budget and ensure that your designer stays within the range. You wouldn’t want to shoulder loans that are too heavy for your comfort post renovation.
However, besides the price, the quality of materials used and the workmanship are important factors to consider too. You may not want to go for the lowest quote and risk having to redo the work in the near future, possibly incurring a greater cost. Find out more from the company about the materials used and as the saying goes, if something is too good to be true, it probably is!
Work with the interior designer you trust and work well with
Do your research on the interior design companies you have shortlisted the first round. Are you comfortable with the amount of experience they have in the field? Are you satisfied with the quality of results of their past projects? If possible, meet up with 2-3 interior designers to get a feel of how they work and how well you think you can work with them. If the renovation works are managed by a project manager and not by the designer himself/herself, talk to the person who is the most involved in your project. If there is mutual understanding and effective communication between you and the company, it is more likely that your renovation journey will be a smooth and enjoyable one.
You might have friends who have engaged interior designers before. Ask them for their experiences and recommendations. A designer recommended by a friend is more likely to be trustworthy.
Do they have enough experience?
An experienced interior designer has been in the industry for many years and is more likely to be well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. They would have also seen enough to foresee any difficulties or downfall of some of your ideas, and thus more likely to propose practical solutions for your living space.
Pick the interior designer with the right expertise
Not all interior designers specialise in the same theme.
Although conceptualising and designing a home is the job of an interior designer, it would be good if you have some idea of what you would like to see, or what aspects are important to you. Find out more from your interior designer on their expertise and browse through some of their past works to see if they match your preference.
Start off your renovation journey by talking to us! Swish Design Works is a BCA accredited and HDB-licensed renovation contractor that specialise in one-stop interior service for HDB flats, condos, landed property and commercial spaces. We have more than 15 years of experience in the industry dedicated to making your dream home a reality.
Get a free quote from us today by calling 6553 3500 or drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram! Don’t forget to like and follow us too!