i am a first time poster and a first time home owner! I recently purchased a new house with an unfinished basement. I plan on living in the basement suite and renting the upper portion of the house. This said, I have decided to hire a designer to make my dreams become a reality... but i have no idea where to start! i have not contacted anyone so before i do, i figured i could ask some people how the whole designer thing works... i assume they draw up a plan and then implement it through their own contractors.. is this correct? and i'm also assuming all designers have their own rates based on experience/awards? and what is the standard protocol when contacting a designer? i dont want to waste anybody's time with basics such as these, so if anyone could please shed some light on how to go about this, i would be very thankful!! designers, please feel free to let me know your thoughts on what is a good relationship with your clients! thanks!