In your case it would be money well spent. You don’t want to get it finished and Realize you made a huge mistake and hate your choices.

We have a large living room (big and tall); we hired an interior designer to do a layout and decor. I'm so glad we did because I never would've figured out the right scale or color/textures to use in the room. I imagine having someone help you with a bathroom remodel would be a huge help in pulling ideas and a vision together.

For my kitchen/bath remodel, I hired an hourly designer ($250/hour in HCOLA). I had inspiration pics for what I wanted and material samples, but wasn't sure exactly what to pick to put it together. She walked through it all with me in 2 hours and helped me finalize the finishes and paint colors. The project was just too expensive for me to risk having it come out looking wrong, so I felt like it was worth it to have professional help.

I would most certainly hire a designer for a bath or kitchen remodel. No doubt about it. They have expertise, credentials and resources in that area that I don't. As professionals (quality ones at least), they keep up on the latest developments in design and will know which ones are applicable to your bathroom - based on how you live and what your needs/preferences are.

Be sure to do your due diligence when hiring, because not all professionals are equals. Know your budget, interview, make sure they have a strong portfolio with bath designs you like, check references, verify licenses/credentials and get an itemization of exactly what he/she will do for you and how much it will cost.

It will add to your project cost. But in my opinion, the additional cost is worth an end product that is flawless. The alternative is kind of a gamble - unless you really know what you're doing. Take a look at the many posts here on Houzz to give you an idea of the unfortunate possibilities.

In the long run a good designer will save you money and aggravation.

I would suggest working with a Kitchen and Bath Designer. It’s a sub specialty of interior design. Kitchens and Baths are the most restricted areas in the home as far as codes go for spacing and materials. It’s better to get things correct the first time.

One example would be the tile for your showers and floors. There is actually a rating for slipperiness that determines if a tile is suitable to be used in a bath. Plus there is a rating for resistance to wear. Then there is the variability of a tile pattern, like one that mimics stone. Then there is the porosity rating. Only lastly is there the subjective, “is it pretty”, and “does it work with all of the other elements chosen”. You could select some very pretty tile, but if it’s too slippery to be used, too soft so that shoes scratch it, and is so porous as to need constant sealing and maintenance, it won’t matter that it is very pretty.

I have had people who go on vacation, and hand me the keys, and I project manage the whole thing as their representative. They miss all of the mess, and come home to the best. I solve the problems that arise, and only bother them if it's a Pick an A or B solution that needs their input. Like anything, the services provided are tailored to the job needed. Some people just want assistance with ideas to improve a bad layout. Some want hand holding through product selections. Some want it all.

Hello Susan. As a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer (as well as a highly-trained interior designer), I can honestly say that this would be money INVESTED, not wasted. The value that I bring to my client's projects saves them money in the long run, by helping them avoid costly mistakes. One of the main functions of an experienced design pro - in addition to creating floor plans & budgets - is to listen to what a client wants & to advise them appropriately. That advice includes hiring the best labor to execute the project as well. So go for it! The only cost to you would be for a consultation. I haven't met a homeowner yet, who felt that it wasn't worth it. The best of luck to you and if you're in NJ, feel free to give me a call.

Because I have gained experience with house design over the years this last reno I hired a color designer, not an interior designer. The reason is that for some reason I’m not coordinating all my colors very well lately and I have to say, she was worth every dollar! She even showed me how to bring out some of the color in my art with cushions and where to place the artwork in terms of color, which pieces would look best in each room, in specified groupings etc. While I didn’t always agree, mostly I did, and I am so very satisfied with the outcome.

i say, know your strengths and where you need help. If you need help with design and color, hire a well known professional.

Sam, I want to thank you for writing such a well-informed & articulate response to Susan. It's wonderful when our clients see the value in what we do. You described several scenarios that have occurred on my projects. I work hard for my clients, as do all seasoned professionals.