Are you thinking about employing a property expert? This guide will help you understand exactly who does what, and how to get the best out of your expert.
Employing an architect adds 10-20% to the cost of the project, so it's important to work out how essential it will be to the final outcome. "The advantages of employing an architect are that you get professional plans, there's usually a more exciting design element, and you also get somebody to oversee the works," says Liz Hodgkinson, author of The Complete Guide to Renovating & Improving Your Property.
So if your project is complicated or you would prefer to have a third party dealing with the building team, get an architect on board. "Architects can often steer planning permission through where "Joe Public" applicants might fail" adds Liz Hodgkinson. "They can argue for things in technical language and council officials listen."
Architects really come into their own if you want something a bit different- an adventurous glass extension, for example. "Architects think creatively and are trained to make the most of your space and materials, to maximise what you can get for your budget" explains Richard Brindley, RIBA Director of Practice.
Few of us call in an interior designer as we usually are pleased with our own results. But using a designer can give a more polished finish, plus they have an extensive list of tradesmen they can call on.
"The good ones can save you time, money and effort", says Liz Hodgkinson. "Also, they're looking at homes day in, day out, so often come up with ideas that might never have occurred to you." Interior designers will either charge a day rate for advice, or a percentage (around 12%) of the budget to design and oversee a project. Choose the level of service you want- hire a designer for a few hours at the outset and carry out their ideas yourself, or employ them for the duration. An interior designer's services will probably be most effective if you're redecorating a house from top-to-bottom.
The end result will be cohesive, so if you're halfway through it may be best to continue alone. Alternatively, use the services of an interiors store; many, such as Laura Ashley, offer a design service, redeemable if you then spend money with them. If nothing else, they're good for ideas, and at the very least you could just buy your paint from them.
