Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Agent
Home remodeling projects are a great way to add your own personal touch and creative style to your living space. To achieve the look you want at a price you can afford, hiring an interior designer instead of an architect can save you money because the designer's fees are typically lower than those of a licensed architect.
Although an interior designer may not have an architectural degree, there are still many highly talented interior designers who can greatly influence the outcome of your plans and contribute to the success of your home remodeling projects. Unlike many architects, interior designers usually spend most of their time on home remodeling projects or the design of new homes — they do not normally work on commercial projects. This expertise in home building and remodeling projects allows many designers to provide you with the benefit of their focused experience, and the fact that they've probably worked on more homes than an architect who is also doing a lot of commercial work.
When looking for a good interior designer, some are certified with professional licenses, and some are not. The professional certified designers have accredited study in their area of expertise, in addition to all of the experience they've acquired as an interior designer. For example, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) the oldest and largest organization for designers, sets professional standards and provides accreditation and education. ASID members are qualified by education, experience and examination, and adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct, according to their Web site, where you can search for a local designer.
Homeowners may need to hire an architect for complex or unique designs, or when special building products are incorporated into the design. An architect can help you remodel your home to just about any specifications. While an interior designer can certainly help you get that unique creative look that reflects you and your family's personality and tastes, they typically do not work with out-of-the-ordinary or super exotic designs. If you want your house remodeled out of plexiglass and shaped like a spaceship, you're better off with an architect.
If your expectations are reasonable and fit somewhat into the footprint of your existing home, an interior designer can work wonders and save you money, too. On the lower end, a designer's fees can range from 1.5-3% of the cost of your remodeling project. On the other hand, a licensed architect may charge 10-15% of the total cost of the project. With the help of an interior designer, you can save quite a bit of money, while still enjoying all of the benefits an experienced professional can bring to your project.
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