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Know Before You Build: Working With a New Construction Builder or Contractor with In-House Interior Design Services

Whether you’re building a new home from scratch or starting a major renovation, you are almost certainly going to be working with a builder (unless you’re doing a DIY home build, in which case, kudos to you). The builder’s responsibilities include the framing, construction and materials used to build out the home structure itself, and they work closely with others to complete the project. 


Most often, it takes four parties to do a major build: the builder, an architect, an interior designer, and the homeowner. The architect addresses the site, the architectural style of the home and all structural concerns. They provide  layout and architectural details and are responsible for the final construction drawings. The Interior designer is also involved with layout and critical interior architectural features.Final architectural plans should NEVER be made without the collaboration of an interior designer: Kitchen/bath design, furniture layout, architectural details, and lighting will all affect the final plans.  An interior designer is your art director, your editor, and your guide through a construction process. They are also responsible for the final vision, including the selection of your home furnishings. The homeowner -- that’s you! -- gets to share their vision with your design team to make it happen.


Once a homeowner purchases a property, the first step is usually to hire the architect, followed by an interior designer, and finally, the builder. Often, the architect has recommendations for designers and builders they’ve worked with successfully in the past. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, the interior designer comes as a package deal with the builder. 


Disadvantages of In-House Interior Designers

The interior design of a new build or major remodel is a crucial part of the process, and should be involved from the start. Some builders offer what’s called an in-house interior designer. This is an interior designer that is on staff or a subcontractor to help the homeowners to make decisions concerning their home. While it may seem convenient for homeowners to not have to find talent themselves, it comes with some considerations. 


Very often, when a builder offers interior design services, what they really mean is builder selection services. Some higher end builders have educated and experienced interior designers on staff. Many do not. Basically they have someone that will meet the homeowner in their “design center” to select their construction materials.When working with a Design Build company, homeowners are often limited on the materials, floorings, and companies they can finish their homes with. For example, there’s usually a list of stores that countertops, floors, or cabinets can be selected from -- and that can lead to a design that is not quite up to your tastes, or that mimics other homes that the builder/designer duo has worked on. Many times, the homeowner is sent to these vendors alone; the design services do not include anyone from the builder’s team to accompany them.  The art director in these situations is the homeowner. You are responsible for the cohesion of the design and the end result. When considering a builder or remodel contractor, have them explain what they mean by providing interior design services.


Another disadvantage of an all-inclusive in-house design/build option is that the designer could find themselves in a conflict of interest, because ultimately, the builder is their boss. If there is a disagreement between the homeowner and the builder, it can get uncomfortable -- the designer answers to their boss, after all.  


Flexibility and Clarity with an Independent Interior Designer

For those who want a custom-designed home that fits their personality, opting for an independent interior designer opens up possibilities considerably. When researching or interviewing a builder, homeowners should ask if the contract includes an in-house interior designer. If it does, and the homeowner still wants to use that builder, it’s OK for them to say they’d like to use an independent designer as a condition of landing their home’s contract. 


Having an independent, full-service interior designer puts the homeowner in the driver’s seat. By selecting the individual builder, architect, and interior designer, the homeowner can effectively create their own Dream Team based on their expectations and wish list. Then, everyone is working in collaboration and answers to the homeowner, and when you get a final estimate, everything is included. Real specifications provide real estimates; don’t fall victim to insufficient allowances.Also without a limited list of stores and materials to work within, homeowners have much more flexibility in sourcing materials and styles that meet their aesthetic goals. 


The design services provided by a professional full service interior designer are radically different from someone helping homeowners make finish selections.  Interior architectural details, lighting design, kitchen & bath design, all interior specifications and finishes, everything that goes into the structure of the home are part of their services. Designers are liaisons between the homeowners and the trades. They double as project managers during home construction, maintaining the communication between builder, architect, and homeowner so that nothing falls through the cracks and the end result is a vision come to life.  


The home’s decoration is part of the whole vision. Independent designers typically provide much more detail and personalization, and can help homeowners create a specific budget for furnishings so there aren’t any surprises as the project moves forward. The key? Constant communication. 


If you’re in the early stages of planning a new home build or major renovation, consider working with an independent, full-service interior designer from the start to create the home of your dreams -- exactly how you want it. Contact Laura Gills today to learn more about how interior designers bring balance, flexibility and creativity to new construction projects.

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