Don’t miss out these crucial questions when shortlisting interior designers
1. How do you structure your fees?
In order to make an informed choice when hiring an interior design firm, it is crucial for you as the customer to have a thorough grasp of the different price structures that interior design firms may use.
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Pricing for interior design businesses typically varies. Some interior design firms in Singapore might charge a flat project price, an hourly rate, a pre-set rate, or a “% over cost” rate (i.e. a markup on the goods ordered for your home).
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A typical renovation contractor in Singapore should also ask for no more than 20% to 30% of project costs for deposit, with varying staggered payments across different milestones. Be sure to check on this before signing off on any contract.
2. What does your ID cost cover?
Most of the time, the price quoted by interior design firms covers the client’s fundamental needs and preferences for the desired renovation works. This includes the foundation and base of the design, the 3D sketching, and the final design of the project.
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The design fee also encompasses the interior designer’s expertise and knowledge in advising on the selection of materials, design of the furniture, overall colour schemes, and even appliances for the house. Furthermore, the design fee covers the interior designer’s effort in coordinating and supervising the entire renovation works in collaboration with the renovation contractor.
3. What kind of materials and finishing can fit into my budget?
Beware of fly-by-night interior design firms that tend to overpromise and underdeliver or worse, disappear after collection of deposits.
Ask for their accreditations, such as HDB-licensed contractors if you’re looking at HDB renovation works. Or BCA-licensed ID firms like Create Logic Pte Ltd. BCA licensed firms are generally held to higher standards as they primarily service government bodies and statutory boards. Hence, you can be reassured about the quality of work delivered by such ID firms or contractors.
4. How do you manage your contractors?
The interior design firm also has a role in overseeing the contractors, ensuring that the work is completed on time and to the required standard. This includes regular quality control checks and site inspections, to ensure that the contractors are following the correct procedures and meeting the project specifications.
It is important to check on how your interior design firm manages its contractors before starting a project. The calibre of the contractors chosen and their ability to finish the work in a timely manner will have a significant impact on the project’s success. The interior design firm should be able to manage any changes or modifications that may arise during the project and ensure that the renovation contractors are aware of the changes and able to complete the work in a timely and professional manner.
Usually, a reputable interior design company should be able to draw on a network of reliable renovation contractors, such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other experts, to help them finish the job. Some renovation firms in Singapore like Create Logic have a team of in-house renovation contractors, while some other agencies use outsourced help. Typically, having an ID firm with in-house contractors is considered more ideal as the quality and timeliness of the delivery can be guaranteed by the ID firm hired.
5. How flexible are you with revisions?
Any interior design project will inevitably need changes and revisions, so it’s crucial to know how the interior design company handles them
A good ID firm in Singapore will have a clear process in place for handling changes and revisions, and will be transparent about any additional costs that may arise. They should also be able to provide a clear timeline for implementing changes and revisions, and should be open to communication throughout the process. It is also important to ask about how they handle any unforeseen issues that may arise during the project, and how they will communicate and address them with you and the renovation contractor.
Last but not least, make sure to ask your designer about their process for managing budgets and timelines. It’s important to understand how they will handle any unexpected costs or delays that may arise during the project. Knowing this information upfront will help you to be more prepared for any changes that may occur, and ensure that the project stays within budget.
Keen to remodel or renovate your residential or commercial property? Reach out to Create Logic today for a non-obligatory bespoke consultation!
