Design Firm Worth It?

13 years ago

Hi. I just bought a house built in the '50s and plan to renovate it in stages. My first priority is the master bathroom, which is a bit small given the age of the house. I don't intend to enlarge the room, but I do want to do a complete renovation and modernize and try to open it up a bit, and this will require design experience that I don't have. Like most people, I have a budget and would rather not pay the extra costs of a design firm. On the other hand, I want to get the renovation right since I'm spending money on it. Is a design firm worth it? I have no experience in renovation but have worked in construction. I know I can get advice from the contractors I use but might want better advice. Thanks.

Featured Answer

PRO

9H Builders

13 years ago

I think you answered your own question. I would step back from the project and ask yourself what you really want. Really evaluate what is going to satisfy you after you have completed the project. Realistically think about how long you might be living in this particular house. There are many factors to consider on any project besides budget. I think you are right to take it in steps and bite off what you can handle at this point. Find a few firms who's work you like and interview them. When you find someone who has an aesthetic you appreciate and a personality you get along with, you are headed down the right path. This site provides easy access to a wide range of portfolios and personas to choose from. Good luck with your project.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Dytecture
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Contractors and Designers are trained differently and don't usually see eye to eye during the construction process. If your priority is strictly to stay within budget, then a contractor should suffice as the quality a designer brings to a project is priceless.
PRO
Kelly Flanagan
13 years ago
It comes down to what your time is worth. The time involved with a major renovation and selecting finishes can take a very long time. Having a designer that knows the materials and their applications can spare you hours of time going to home centers to match items that will function together. Just look at what your hourly rate would be Vs theirs and see who can get it done for less.
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PRO
Kevin Patrick O'Brien Architect, Inc.
13 years ago
Hire the right "team" to help define and refine your ideas. Architects/designers are engaged to help push ideas and alternatives you may not have even considered. We always have a general contractor to help establish the budget as we all pull in the same direction improving the customers ideas. Good luck with your project, hire people to help!
Debby Bright
13 years ago
We hired our designer for both the kitchen re-do as we'll as the master bath and her ideas were so excellent! We're sure these projects would never have come out so beautifully without her expertise. She was worth every penny we paid her..
PRO
Ginkgo Leaf Studio
13 years ago
There is a saying that hiring an amateur is more expensive than hiring a professional in the end. You are making an investment and the best end results almost always start out with a well thought out plan. Interview more than one professional in your area and ask for references. Good luck with your project!
tjrosson
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you for the comments. They were helpful.
PRO
Stanton Designs-online design services
13 years ago
Designers are trained in this area, that is our job and we love it! A big plus to using a professional is that we help you avoid costly mistakes. We think design so we can suggest ideas that you might not think of, plus we have access to design vendors that do not sell to the public.