When to Hire an Interior Designer for Your Renovation
If your home lacks functionality, feels outdated, and isn’t a place you are proud to share with your friends and family (yet), you have probably considered renovating. And you should! A professionally designed home can transform your everyday experience, creating ease and instilling delight through ingeniously practical solutions and seamlessly flowing spaces.
If functionality, creativity and style are high on your list of priorities, you’ll want an interior designer on your team. But at what stage of the project should you bring one in? How does the process work? How long does it take? Let’s cut right to the chase.
When should you hire an interior designer?
It’s smart to hire a designer as soon as you know your renovation’s goals and priorities. Why? Because it allows us to help you design for your ideal living experience from the start, from making big changes (like bringing in more natural light or connecting the indoors and out) to adding smaller, equally important details, like a wine fridge for entertaining or space for your outdoor equipment.
Bringing us into the project early also means we can collaborate with your architect (if you’re engaging one) and builder before construction begins, building delight and function right into the structure of your home.
Remember — it’s FAR easier and much less expensive to add new, innovative ideas to paper than to a home that is already mid-construction!
Even if you’re unsure whether to renovate or rebuild, or even how to start, an interior designer can help. We can look at your existing space and offer recommendations, share investment ranges, and refer you to trade professionals we trust, saving you time and keeping your project frustration-free. Who doesn’t want that?
How long does a renovation take?
Understanding your renovation’s timeline is another way to decide when to hire an interior designer. For example, if you know your renovation will take around 10 months to complete, and you want it done before the holidays, you’ll know roughly when to start. Then, add an extra 1-3 months on top of this number… just in case your favourite professionals are booked out.
So, what timeline can you expect for your own renovation? Will it be the same smashing overnight success portrayed in a 30-minute episode of your favourite renovation show? Not quite…
Phase 1: Imagining the Design ConcepT
Our first step is to dive into your goals, lifestyle, and how you’ll use your home. Then, we’ll begin to develop the design alchemy that is your home, by researching, exploring, and crafting the design direction. We’ll explore innovative solutions for functionality, define your style and colour palettes, and conjure up fresh and delightful features to make you smile. This is your home’s foundation.
Timeline: 4 weeks for the concept design + 1-2 weeks for your feedback
Phase 2: Finessing the Design Details
Now, our ideas and direction from Phase 1 evolve into a fully formed design created in collaboration with your architect (if engaged), builders, trades, and any consultants (like structural engineers). In this highly intensive phase, we create floor plans, elevations and joinery design, select all materials, finishes, fixtures and furnishings for your home, and present our ingeniously practical and personal design to you for approval. This is your first big reveal!
Timeline: 6-10 weeks (according to project scope) + 1-2 weeks for your feedback
Phase 3: Scheduling & Materials Procurement
Have you noticed we haven’t started demolition yet? What gives? There are a few more crucial steps required first, like gaining council approvals, scheduling builders and trades, and detailing the construction schedule. We’ll also need to acquire the materials for your home (flooring, benchtop, hardware, etc.), and while some may be in stock, most will have lead times. We’ll do our best to select materials that accommodate your desired schedule, and we’ll keep you informed as procurement progresses.
Timeline: Depends on lead times, which can range from 1-2 weeks for in-stock items to 24+ weeks for custom and international orders.
Phase 4: Monitoring Construction
Okay, now we’re at the construction phase. Your home will quickly become dusty and noisy — these are the signs of a new home coming to life! (And it will look a whole lot worse before it becomes amazing!) Throughout the process, our team will communicate with your builder, keep a close eye on the schedule, budget and plans, and update you on the progress each week. Construction does take time, so have patience and know it will indeed be worth the wait.
Timeline: Varies widely based on scope. Kitchen or bathroom construction can take 6-8 weeks, while a full-home renovation can require 12-18 months.
Phase 5: Final Touches & Unveiling
Once construction is complete, our team will arrange the finishing touches, such as comfortable furnishings, art you love, and whimsical decor. Then, it’s time for you to enjoy the spoils! Seeing your project fully finished, with everything in its place and ready for spirited living, is an extraordinary occasion…and one to celebrate. Cheers!
Timeline: 1-3 days
The final verdict? If you hire a designer early enough, productive collaboration between your entire design and build team will set the stage for an optimal plan, beautiful design execution, and the best possible results for a joyful life at home.
Have questions? Ready to start the conversation? We’d love to assist you. Reach out to me here, and let’s chat.
Cheers, Donna
