8 Tips on Hiring the Right Interior Design Company in Singapore
Interior Design Decisions Blog by D'Perception Ritz
Hire an Interior Designer to achieve picture perfect interiors that offer lifestyle integrity
The most cost-effective way to do a renovation is to be your own designer, hire a no-frills contractor, and manage the project yourself. However, this is an extremely time consuming approach that may be paved with many unpleasant surprises along the way and even an undesirable result. It can also be stressful and expensive if the end product does not live up to the original vision.
Hiring the right interior design company from the outset can save you many headaches. Here are 8 tips on finding an interior design firm that will deliver stellar results on time and within budget.
Tip #1: Rely on Personal & Professional Recommendations (Aesthetics)
The best interior design company recommendation is one from a friend who has recently completed a renovation with spectacular results that you are impressed with. If you do not have a personal recommendation and are starting the renovation journey cold, pore over the editorials in interior design magazines like Home&Décor, SquareRooms, TatlerHomes, and, websites like Houzz. Editors at these magazines and websites handpick only the best projects to be featured and is therefore your best bet on unbiased professional recommendations when it comes to aesthetics.
Tip #2: Review Portfolio Online
The digital era has made information easily accessible. As soon as an interior design firm piques your interest, go online to check out their official website. Their online presence is indicative of their style, aesthetic sensibility and professionalism.
Review their portfolio for consistency of quality. Interior designers fall into two categories. The first have defined style, e.g., luxe, minimalist or craftsman etc. The second show wider breadth of styles and can adapt to the client’s unique needs. The former can be an ideal match in that what you see is what you get. However, if you are of a more independent streak, the latter might be a better option. Ultimately, you want to engage an interior design firm that has a keen design eye with strong attention to detail.
Remember to bookmark the interior design websites you are in love with.
Tip #3: Work with an Accredited Interior Design Company in Singapore
Always work with firms that have the requisite license from the requisite agencies such as the Housing and Development Board for HDB renovations and the Building Control Authority for larger projects.
Better yet choose a firm that has received industry design awards as such a firm is recognized by an expert panel for design excellence. Some of these awards include the Singapore Design Award, Singapore Good Design Mark.
Tip #4: Take Advantage of Free Consultations
After narrowing down your options, it is time to interview the interior design firms.
Consultations are a crucial step to finding the right interior designer. Get in touch to get a feel for the firm’s design philosophy and communication style. Will you be assigned a veteran designer or a design team?
During the consultation, you will likely be asked to share your design vision, the must-haves, and the nice-to-haves for the project. Also, you will be asked for an estimate of your budget. Armed with this information, the interior designer can propose space planning and interior design solutions.
If, in the process of communicating with them, you feel that they have the skills and resources, as well as a good grasp of your vision, add them to your final shortlist.
Tip #5: Compare Price to Quality
In evaluating interior design proposals, consider the price along with all included elements.
The lowest price is not always the best option. Ensure you are comparing like with like. Are the materials offered the same? There is a difference in price between marble flooring and marble substitutes. The price of designer tiles are significantly higher than generic tiles. Similarly, an award-winning designer will charge more than an inexperienced designer.
Conversely, high prices is not always synonymous with quality. Expensive interior design firms do not always deliver excellent output. The price-quality comparison is more an art than a science.
Tip #6: Set a Realistic Timeline
If 3 out of 4 firms inform you they are unable to meet your timeline, be weary of the 4th that promises the impossible. A well-managed renovation project should have only minor hiccups and delays. Ask for a track record of prior projects completed on time. Pick a firm that is respectful of client’s time.
Tip #7: Negotiate and Finalize the Price
You do not need to agree to the full renovation package offered to you. Feel free to add to, or reduce what's in the quote.
Variations on contracts can be costly. Do not embark on your renovation until you have very clear commitment on your part on the works to be undertaken. Once construction starts and materials are ordered, changes to the plan can result in massive cost increases.
Tip #8: Ask About the Payment Terms
How does the interior design firm handle payment? Do you need to pay everything up front? Perhaps you have to pay a deposit fee, and the rest is settled in instalments. Whatever the payment terms, never trust a company that asks for complete payment prior to commencement. That is an obvious sign of desperation from a shady firm or one that is already running out of funds.
Look No Further! D'Perception Ritz Can Help
At D'Perception Ritz, we value YOU. We deliver unique interior design solutions that caters to lifestyle integrity. As an award-winning veteran interior design company in Singapore, we deliver nothing but the best interior design services. Get in touch with us today to know more about our services.