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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
What an interior designer does, what it costs, how the process works, and how to get the best from it.
A 14-page guide for anyone thinking about hiring an interior designer, whether for one room or a full renovation. It explains what designers do, the services they offer, how to set a budget, how to find and choose a designer, how fees and contracts work, and what happens at each stage of a project. It also covers your role as the client, ordering and building work, and what to do when plans change, and ends with a checklist to run before you hire. Designers can also share it with new clients before a project begins.
BEST FOR
- Homeowners hiring a designer for the first time
- Anyone unsure what a designer costs or does
- Clients about to start a renovation
- Designers who want to send new clients a clear introduction
HIGHLIGHTS
- Four levels of service compared, from consultation to full service
- How to split a budget into fee, products and building work
- Six questions to ask before you choose a designer
- Seven project stages, with what you do at each
- A checklist to run before you hire
WHAT'S INSIDE
Every chapter in the guide
How to use this guide
Who it's for, how it's organised, and the full contents.
01 · What a designer does
What you're paying for, when a designer is worth it, and how designers, decorators and architects differ.
02 · Choose the right service
Full service, design only, e-design and consultations compared.
03 · Set your budget
The three parts of a budget, keeping a contingency, and why to share the real number.
04 · Find and choose a designer
Where to look, what to look for, and six questions to ask.
05 · Prepare for the first meeting
What to gather, what you'll be asked, and what to expect on the day.
06 · Understand fees and contracts
Four fee models, how ordering is charged, and what a contract should cover.
07 · The process, stage by stage
Seven stages, what happens at each and what you do, plus why approvals matter.
08 · Your role as the client
Giving feedback, deciding on time, speaking with one voice and raising concerns early.
09 · Buying and building
How ordering and lead times work, buying items yourself, and working with builders.
10 · Changes, delays and handover
Changing your mind, handling delays and disagreements, and what happens at handover.
11 · Before you hire: a checklist
A checklist covering your project, your designer, the agreement and your part.
About The Design Index
A NOTE BEFORE YOU BEGIN
General information, not legal or financial advice. Designers' services, fees and contracts differ, and rules vary by country.
WHAT YOU GET
In the file
14-page PDF guide, A4
Instant download
Print-friendly layout
Request the guide with your email, then use the private link in your inbox to read it on screen or print it.
FROM THE SHELF
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