Don’t like the setup of your home, is it out of date?
Almost all interior design blogs start like this don’t they?
So you have already heard the basics, you have to figure out what you want from your home, how you imagined it, what you don’t like about the current set and you have to figure out what your needs are. So you have already started to dream about ideas. Now is when things start to get more complicated. Where do you go from here?
Before you even start to figure out which professional you will need for your project, it’s best to try and gather pictures or samples of all the things that interest you, even if you are going to be doing the renovations yourself. You want things to be clear in your head so that you can explain to the professionals what you are looking for. You might decide to do the work without the help of a designer but you will still have to go shopping and deal with contracts so best to have it as clear in your mind as you possibly can.
Now you have a clear idea and a vision for what you want your home to look like, now it’s time to hire the professionals. There are many different types of professionals that can be used depending on how big or small your project is. There are engineers, architects, interior designs, interior decorators, general contractors, tradesmen.You will need some (or all of these) depending on the scale of the renovations.
If you are planning on a small remodel you might only need a general contractor or even just the tradesmen. General contractors often act as a manager for the whole renovation project, he will supply all the raw materials and the labour needed to complete the project. If you are trying to do the the project yourself you might only need one or two tradesman, you might only need to hire a plumber or electrician, so you can get in touch with one on your own without the contractor.
If you are thinking of doing a larger scale renovation you might want to hire an interior designer. An interior designer should not be confused with an interior decorator. A decorator will take your existing space and help you decide on what colour walls you want, the type of furniture etc. A decorator influences style but only surface concerns. While an interior designer focuses on style they also focus on functionality as well. They can provide assistance with, space planning, concept design, and floor plans. They can draft full sets of plans and elevations, and can oversee a renovation project from design to construction to completion.
Interior designers can also help you with the selection of materials, finishes, flooring, lighting and plumbing fixtures as well as furniture, cabinetry and customize items to create a cohesive space that reflects your styles and tastes
When you hire an interior designer you are relying on their expertise and creativity to create your dream space with great detail. They can also help reduce surprise costs, by making sure that all the materials are at the project before they are needed, to allow your project to be completed on time.
Architects are not generally needed on standard home renovation, but if you are building a home from scratch or if you are doing an add on to an existing building you will probably need an architect. They can create your blueprints and specs, and can see them through from the beginning to the end. In some areas an architect or engineer is needed to at least review and approve/stamp the plans drawn up by an interior designer.
