Engage and Interior designer or not to engage interior designer?

O

onedergirl

New Member
Dear all...I'm having a dilemma. I'm getting my BTO unit keys next week and I'm not sure if I want to engage an interior designer to design my house. And if I do, do I have to make down payments? and how much? I want to control my budget.How???
 


if you want to control budget, then you need a clear plan with priority in place. Stick to it regardless. If it comes to deciding between 2 expensive items, refer back to your priority list and you know what to let go. I don't see where your dilemma is. If you don't know what you want, then that's where the problem with arise. There are unlimited options, without a clear mind on what you really want, you can go on and on with permutations and possbilities.
 
onedergirl,

to elaborate, it depends largely on hands on you want to get into your reno and the kind of expectations you have abt it.

Do you have a theme in mind?
Or you have a fixed budget already to spend and not caring the details on how your ID design your place?
Do you intend to use the kitchen intensively? or simply something with basic function and focusing only on nice design?
Do you need / want to replace your windows and frames? Doors? or use all the originals.
Materials is going affect your costs as well. Marble / Natural stone / compressed stone / solid top, kind of flooring etc all different pricing completely.

When you go into the details, there are so many contributing factors.

You surely need a down payment before any reno works take place. Some places offer foc consultation while others require you to sign a contract to pay a charge should you not choose to use their services.

As you see... you will get very lost if you don't already work out on your priorities.
 
My flooring and doors are from HDB so no need to do liao. But after talking to a handful of friends who already owned a house. Based on their reasons and advices, I think I've decided not to engage an ID since I've already got my own plan and colored drawings anyway.
 
fyi, the kitchen reno itself can cost a bomb. If you are heavy user, then, its worthwhile to do more research and get exactly what you want and need in your kitchen.

For floorings, you may consider overlaying wood for the bedroom. Depends on the theme you have in mind.
 
Hi onedergirl,

if your budget is 20k and above, still possible to get an ID but it all depends on how much you want to do for reno. If your budget is below this, I'll think it's not that easy to find an ID. Usually an ID overcharges as compared to the contractors but some people really find it worthwhile to engage an ID because of theme, design and project management while owners are busy. Some contractors are not easy to handle and communicate with so engaging an ID who is able to handle them works for them. It boils down to budget, your theme, how much you intend to renovate etc. If it's not a major project, good to go for a gd contractor. I went for an ID and spent quite a lot but I personally feel it's worthwhile since both my hubby and I were new to reno and we are not gd in designs and colours etc. We did the tiles too because we didn't take them from hdb. We also overhaul the toilets by overlaying the tiles etc. Usually with an ID, the entire house design will be more coordinated but it boils down to your preferences. Some like every room to be vibrantly different and so forth. And yes, kitchen is one of the most expensive places when comes to reno. Do factor that in.
 
I don't get it. Is your problem I don't have enough money for my Reno, how? Or what's the premium for the service of an id over engaging contractors directly? You are expected to pay for either to start work yes. And what has that got to do with managing your budget? Just fire up the excel lady.
 
i'm not sure if TS knows who the excel lady is.

happy.gif
 
Maybe it's not about her sums or calculation. She probably doesn't know the 'market price' or 'payment procedures' of things. Some companies may require more downpayment than others. Of course it makes some sense to ask around but I guess it shortens time to enquire here. Guess she should post in the reno forum instead.
 
Anyway just to share, when my hubby and I did reno, we did an excel spreadsheet to monitor our expenditure. We then see how each of us likes to contribute to the reno. It does help a lot and is useful for future reference when you do reno again. At least you would know what to look out for, what to buy even tho by then, prices would have inflated. It also helps us to keep track of what we need not buy because of the gifts from others etc.
 
it is like asking if you should go on a guided tour package or not as you are planning for a trip to Japan but on a really tight budge. However, u have no idea whatsoever what and where you want to visit or do, nor done any HW on the culture, language and places of interests.
 
ah...shut up lah, fat, ugly, like to stalk pple, retarded milo.

Got nothing better to say, keep your comments to yrself.
 
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