Why Do I Need a Designer?
Do I Really Need a Designer?
A new home build is a lot of work. Even remodeling a single room is a major project. Do you really need a designer, or is that just one more step in a project that already has too many steps? We agree that you want to keep the process simple—and you want to see it done right. A good designer can make a complicated problem simple and help you avoid major setbacks before they arise. Every project should begin with a design and a designer.
With a quick look on the internet, you can learn that there are plenty of ready-made plans you could use… but a one-size-fits-none design downloaded from the internet is more likely to create problems for you rather than solve problems. Read on to learn how you benefit from a designer on your new build or remodel project.
A Designer for a New Build Project
A designer will help you create a space that works for you. A designer looks at the practical aspects of the design, working with you to design a space that is functional and livable for you. Karen Childress’s [link to getting to know the designer article?] specialization in space planning [link to space planning article], functional kitchen design and bathroom design, and aging in place [link to aging in place article] means she can help you craft every space of your new house in a way that not only looks good but that you will want to live in for years to come. A professional design will ensure that the space is the right size for your needs, facilitates good traffic flow, and optimizes functionality.
To make a new building project as painless as possible, get it right the first time. The best way to make sure everything goes smoothly is to start with a professionally designed plan. It might be easy to assume that your builder can manage a project without a designer. But builders are not designers, and treating your builder or contractor like a designer could end up being an expensive mistake. A builder cannot give you an accurate quote on the price of the project without a design. If you are talking with a builder about a potential project, one of the first things a good builder will do is recommend you get a design created for your project.
It might be hard to believe, but some builders will begin a project without a set of plans. They may, quite literally, make a rough sketch on the back of a napkin and convince you that’s all you really need. But this “just trust me” design plan inevitably causes problems down the road. Without precise dimensions and details (taking into account wall thicknesses, utility needs, etc.) a back-of-the-napkin design can become a nightmare for both the client and the construction crew. Even if the builder’s idea is sound, without a floorplan there is no clear way to communicate the plan to the contractors to make sure they execute the plan correctly.
A Designer for a Remodel Project
In a remodeling project, you need a designer for all the same reasons plus a few more. Unlike with a new build, with a remodel you are not working with a blank canvas—and if you want to do a remodel, it probably means the space wasn’t designed well in the first place. That adds an extra challenge to the remodel.
For a remodel, the designer will find the best way to use the space that already exists, taking into account all the quirks of the space as it has been built. It’s not uncommon for remodeling projects to run into numerous hiccups related to the oddities of the original building—from imprecise dimensions, to uneven elevation, to illogical placement of plumbing features and electrical outlets. A designer can take the quirks of a building into account and find smart solutions for quirks before they become problems.
Save Time, Money, and Stress
Whether it is a new build or a remodel, a designer can save you time, money, and stress, helping you get the design you want and need without unnecessary hassle and setbacks. A designer can develop a detailed floorplan and 3D renderings, talk with you about your needs, and find the best way to use your space.
Thinking about a designer for your project? Whether you have a design plan or don’t yet have a plan, Karen will listen to your needs and vision for your project and help you find what’s right for you.
Contact Karen for a complimentary consultation!