Questions to Ask
Whether you are hiring a Decorator, Stager®, or ReDesigner for your upcoming project, these are some helpful questions to ask to assist you in your decision making process. Though chemistry is an important part of hiring a professional, be sure you know who you are working with.
Don't you wish you knew exactly what to ask a professional before you hired them?
I know I'd want to know what to ask a plumber before he starts working in my basement or what an electrician is going to do up in my attic. In the same vein, you should ask any Interior Decorator or Home Stager® you are considering hiring, the following questions:
Are you an Interior Decorator or Interior Designer?
Although both deal with layout, design and stylistic aspects of interiors, the major difference between a Decorator and Designer is quite simple -- a Designer has obtained a four year degree and a Decorator should have a two year certification. Typically, the type of job you need done determines who you should contact. A Decorator can help you with colors, blinds, wallpaper, fabric samples, space planning, or creative ideas on a new baby’s room. Decorators are more concerned with materials and finishes, as well as lighting and furnishings. However, if you are doing a complete tear down remodel of your interior and plan on moving walls or making other structural changes, a Designer would be a better, safer choice. Interior Designers have specialized training that allow them to better manage large projects and supervise elaborate remodels, such as luxury kitchens and bathrooms, that involve multiple subcontractors and schedule coordination.
Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce?
A company’s membership in the Better Business Bureau or local Chamber of Commerce shows their substantial commitment to the standards of practice that epitomizes the most successful and ethical companies in the world. All Better Business Bureau members are pre-screened, which includes both a background and credit check to assure the public that the company is properly licensed if necessary and is free from any pattern of complaints. Both the Better Business Bureau and the local Chamber of Commerce will mediate any disputes you have with a company, as they have agreed to address all customer concerns if they are members. This saves you the financial cost and heartache of litigation in the unlikely event something goes terribly wrong and you are unable to resolve it with the company directly. Knowing these facts is just one more way you can protect yourself as a consumer when you decide to hire a company you’ve never used before.
Do I need to sign a contract to work with you?
The answer should always be yes. A contract protects all parties involved and shows you the company takes your business seriously. Working without a contract leaves you absolutely no recourse if things go wrong on the project. Even if it’s your best friend doing the work, make sure that whatever you agree upon is in writing so everyone knows what is expected of them.
Can I see your portfolio?
Look for variety, because you are looking for someone who can adapt to your style. Don’t write someone off if they don’t have the style you were looking for in their portfolio. Maybe they have a passion for what you are looking for but have never had the opportunity to bring it to life, or perhaps the picture style has been rotated out of the portfolio in order to make room for newer, fresher ones.
What kind of work have you done and for how long have you done it?
Ask for examples of high-end and low-end work to see how imaginative they can be on a budget. Nowadays, a Decorator does more than simply decorate. They are space planners, organizers, consultants, and more. Find out what services they offer and how involved they get in the project.
What are your credentials?
The type and number of credentials, while important, should not be the entire basis of your decision to work with a particular company. However, lack of any credentials should be a giant red flag. The greatest factor in your hiring decision should be personality compatibility with the individual you will be working with. A person who displays clear communication skills, timeliness, integrity and trustworthiness would be an excellent choice. Two people can have similar credentials, but one may be an Interior Decorator, and the other and Interior Dictator. If you need someone to tell you what to do, the latter may be the better option, but if you prefer to offer input throughout the process, make sure you can establish a relaxed working relationship with whomever you hire, as depending on the size of your project, this person could be in your life and home for weeks, months, or years to come.
Are you licensed, bonded, and/or insured?
Interior Decorators are generally not licensed, while Interior Designers and Architects in Georgia are registered with the state. Registration involves completion of specific education requirements and passage of a national examination, making registration one of the easiest ways to determine the difference between the two. Bonded and/or insured companies demonstrate they care about their client’s peace of mind. By ensuring their company with a bond, the client will be reimbursed quickly and with as little hassle as possible in the event of a minor loss on the job site. Insurance covers major unforeseeable catastrophes that do sometimes occur.
What is your favorite kind of project?
This should give you an idea if they are only after the glamorous jobs or if they know how to work within a budget. Most Decorators find a style and stick with it. Again, make sure to review other work they have done to make sure all of you know what you’re getting into.
Can you work within a set budget?
There are companies that feel their creativity is totally stifled by a limited budget and work on a bid only basis, and there are those that thrive on the considerable challenge of major makeovers with minor amounts of capital. A high end Decorator might encourage you to spend $10,000 on a single dining room set, while a budget minded one could help you remodel an entire kitchen and make it look like you spent three times as much as you actually did. Make sure you’re all on the same page, or the entire experience can be a let down for both you and the person you choose to work with.
How involved can I get?
If you don't want to hire a dictator, so look for someone who's accepting of the things you love and is open to you doing some of the work on your own, like painting, if you want to. Many Decorators will reject the idea of letting you tag along on a shopping trip as homeowners can slow down a skilled Decorator on their shopping adventures. On the other hand, asking your Decorator to meet you at a store for their opinion is a different story altogether.
Would you be willing to design a plan that I can implement on my own?
Some Decorators say "no" because they don't make enough money for the few hours it may take to come up with a plan. However, some will gladly hand over the reigns to a home owner that is a true do-it-yourselfer!
Can you do an Interior ReDesign on my home?
Interior ReDesign is the process of relocating your existing furnishings and accessories in a more attractive way to make your home look freshly remodeled. Since you may love what you have, just not the way it currently looks or feels in your home, this can be a wonderful cost effective option for you to achieve a fresh perspective on your home at minimal cost. Many companies commonly refer to the practice as a one day room remodel.
Can you meet my deadline?
As simple as it sounds, the question can be a deal breaker. Even if you found the best, most affordable, sought after company to work on your project, if it can’t be done within your time frame, you must go somewhere else. Truly professional companies understand this and may ask you up front if you have a specific time frame in which to complete your project. Keep in mind that if third party vendors are involved, such as painters, plumbers, or electricians, the Decorator has no control over their availability.
Do you have any minimum requirements?
Some companies will only work with clients who plan on doing large projects with a minimum financial commitment, conversely, a few do not mind coming in for a one hour consultation and setting you loose with their ideas, and still others specialize in only remodeling kitchens and/or bathrooms. Make sure you know exactly who you are hiring and what you expect from them, as well as what their expectations are of you as a client.
How are your fees structured?
Fees vary, but will usually be based on either an hourly rate or a flat design fee. If it's a big project, find out if the work can be done in stages, for example, one or two rooms at a time. Be sure you get a letter of agreement or contract that spells out the terms. Many Decorators work alongside clients for months and/or years.
Do you charge for a consultation? If so, how much and what does it include?
Consultations are the best way for a client and company to "feel" each other out. Some companies offer introductory appointments free of charge in order to obtain an opportunity to get in front of prospective clients. However, most Decorators and Designers charge for consultations, which are more involved, to ensure a strong commitment from both sides. Often times the consultation fee is rolled into the contract if you decide to move forward. What is most important to know is exactly what the consultation or appointment includes and the up front cost to you, if any.
How far will you travel, and do you charge for mileage or travel time?
There are companies that have no geographic boundaries or do online consulting. There are others that will not leave their offices or do any kind of work for you without starting the meter. Since the Savannah area is large, it’s important to know whether you are paying for travel time and/or mileage. You may have found a more affordable company you think you’ll love, but if they’re traveling 30 miles each way to get to you and charging for both mileage and travel time, you could end up paying more in travel fees than if you’d hired a more expensive company closer to home.
What resources do you have available?
Depending upon the Decorator's level of commitment to the field, each has different avenues available to them for finding that perfect something for your home. Ask if they have access to trade rooms, company discounts, or knowledge of where to locate unique accessories.
Do you have a staff or are you the only one I will be communicating with?
As noted before, communication is the key to a successful project. If you get a call from Kelly, Kathy, and Katrina all from the same company on Monday morning, are they each calling you for different reasons, or are they all trying to just get a hold of you for the same reason? Establishing exactly who your point of contact is becomes vitally important when the painter arrives and you’re watching him put Pearl paint on the walls instead of the Peach you agreed on.
Do you have letters of recommendation or names of references that I can contact?
Every Decorator should have all of this information on hand for you, or at least be able to supply it to you within a reasonable time frame. Do your due diligence and follow up on the references in order to verify their authenticity and receive a helpful verbal review of the Decorator.
Do you have repeat clients?
A company who has repeat clients shows that they take good care of their customers and treat them with respect and timeliness, all while providing excellent service. As a consumer, you know that if you receive bad service, you will take your business elsewhere. Restaurants know this fact all too well. If people are coming back to utilize the company’s services, that’s an excellent indicator of a quality establishment.
It is our sincere hope here at Plan B ReDesigns, that all of this information and the related questions will assist you in finding the best company for your individual needs.
Happy Decorating!