It might sound strange that hiring someone to consult on your home design would save you money since you have to pay the designer. However, hiring a professional can help you avoid costly mistakes that will not only help you save money but can increase the value of your home.
Consulting with an interior professional can help boost buyer appeal and set your home above the competition.
Residential designers or home decorators are specialists who offer advice on furniture, wall coverings, colors, styles and the overall physical appearance of your project.
Home decorators can save you time and money by helping you narrow your choices and utilizing professional discounts for materials such as furniture, home accessories or paint. When you meet a decorator, expect to talk about your personal style and preferences. From that, the decorator will develop some ideas that would work for you and help you translate your vision into reality.
Kitchen and bathroom designers are more specialized remodeling professionals, who are constantly staying on top of trends in the ever-changing industry.
The designer knows the best layout for your room, and he or she can configure the layout for optimal functionality and utilization of the space. In the kitchen, the refrigerator, stove and sink should be laid out in relation to one another, and it should be seamless and easy to move from one to the other.
Before you talk to a professional, consider how you will use the room. For your bathroom design, is it necessary to have a bathtub for bathing kids, or would a shower suffice? Perhaps all you need is a half bath for downstairs or a smaller guest bath for occasional use.
Similarly, for kitchen renovations, consider your cooking habits. Do you eat out often but need a space to entertain in? If so, a smaller kitchen might be fine for you, with a space devoted to wine storage or a bar, and others might prefer gourmet cooking appliances or extra cabinets.
When interviewing kitchen and bath designers, make sure to share these habits so they can best fit the room to suit your needs.
General contractors coordinate and construct projects that typically involve three or more subcontractor trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, painting, roofing or electrical work. Most general contractors focus on major home remodeling projects and home additions, although you may find some general contractors who will undertake small remodeling projects.
If you are considering moving within the next couple of years, don’t wait until the last minute to improve your home to make it more marketable. Do a little at a time so that you can spread out the cost.
Why not enjoy the improvements yourself before your house goes on the market?
Kelly Kniffin is a Realtor at Legacy Properties West Sotheby’s International Realty and a past president of the Durango Area Association of Realtors. She can be reached at Kelly@homesdurangoco.com
