How to Hire a Good Interior Designer
What is interior design? As the name implies, it's all about designing a living
area – such as a bathroom or basement – while taking into account your
needs, tastes, and budget, as well as the characteristics of the space itself.
If you've ever sketched out an idea for a renovation – to add a wall, install
hardwood floors, or paint – then you've done interior design, as least at an
amateur level. Home improvement contractors, when they make suggestions about
how to renovate a room, are also acting as interior designers. According to the
Association of Registered Interior Designers, "Interior Designers will analyze your
needs and budget, prepare and present conceptual solutions and then manage the
implementation of the project." Although hiring an interior designer may seem like
a luxury for many homeowners, it can actually be quite affordable. Plus, consider
that your interior designer can manage your project from concept and design all
the way through to a finished renovation – including managing the renovation
work itself. How do you find a good interior designer? In Canada, check out Interior
Designers of Canada at www.IDCanada.org. In the U.S., visit the American Society
of Interior Designers at www.asid.org. Both websites have search tools
to find qualified registered interior designers in your area. A REALTOR® who is an
expert in the local market can also give you a recommendation. When reviewing
possible interior designers, take a close look at their portfolios, which are usually
in the form of pictures of completed projects. Consider the style of work they've
done for other clients, as it is likely that’s what you can expect for yours.
According to an article in The Epoch Times by Lloyd Princeton, it's also important
that you get along with the interior designer. You'll be working closely with that
person. If you have a gut feeling that you're not going to like him or her, then you
won't be satisfied with the result – even if the design is actually good.
Dealing With Multiple Offers
You may think that having to deal with multiple offers on your home is a
wonderful problem. The challenge, however, is picking the best offer – and that
isn't always the one with the highest price. Most offers come with conditions, such
as "conditional on securing appropriate financing" or "conditional on the sale of
our current property." You have to consider both the price and the conditions when
choosing which offer to accept. There are other considerations, too. What if
someone makes a great offer on your home, but they don't have a preapproved
mortgage and they haven’t put their current home on the market?
That kind of offer is risky because it is more likely than an unconditional offer
to fall through. So there's a lot to think about when you're in the seemingly
enviable position of dealing with multiple offers. How do you select the right one?
The answer is to have a good REALTOR® by your side to help you make the right
decision! Want more tips on finding and buying your next dream home? Call today.
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