When you are in the pre-construction phase of a new home, there are many crucial decisions that can impact the whole look, feel, and flow of your space. An interior designer from The Guest Room can assist you with all of your choices – from finishes to fixtures. Having a partnership between you, your builder, and one of our interior designers will turn a daunting process into an enjoyable one. With a little pre-planning and professional guidance, you can confidently lay a design foundation for your new house that you will love for years to come.
Pre-Construction: Why is Hiring an Interior Designer so Important?
Using an experienced interior designer during the pre-construction phase is valuable for one simple reason: home builders aren’t designers. They may be excellent at putting up walls and installing windows, but they have no vision when it comes to the touches that will turn a house into a home. Even if your builder has an interior designer on staff that you can use for an additional charge, it is best to use someone independent and who is solely there to turn your dreams into reality.
Pre-Construction: How Can an Interior Designer Help?
Interior designers don’t just make your home look pretty. At The Guest Room, we customize your design ideas and turn them into practical solutions. We can help you decide on:
- Paint colors
- Flooring
- Tile
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Plumbing fixtures
- Lighting
- Built-ins
Pre-Construction: What Design Process Should I Follow?
There are a few things that can make the pre-construction design process smoother and simpler. They will not only guide your designer in her quest to get to know you and your style, but they will also get you into “design mode” – making you think about what you really want and need in your new space.
- Create an inspiration binder of things you love, from vacation pictures to magazine clippings. You can include pictures of a family heirloom you always adored, artwork you appreciate, or fabrics you like. Colors, furniture lines, and even ideas about textures will all assist us in determining your design aesthetic. Arrange your binder based on areas of your home for easier planning. And if you need ideas, browse websites like Houzz or Pinterest; they are full of beautiful design concepts.
- Generate a must-have list of at least ten items that are essential to your new home based on your lifestyle, with #1 being the item most indispensable to you. If you have children, a mudroom or laundry room with tons of storage may be at the top of your list. If you love to cook, the kitchen layout and pantry set-up may be your first concern. Prioritizing features and details will set the stage for how your interior designer will manage her time and your budget.
- Set a budget. Just like your inspiration folder, plan your budget with specific areas of your new home in mind. If you are moving from a smaller home to a larger one, new rooms may need to be furnished. If you are downsizing, you may have plenty of furniture, so funds can instead be used toward finishes and fixtures. At the very least, know what total amount you want to spend on your interior design; our designers can then assist you in allocating your money based on your must-have list.
- Meet your designer. You will want to meet with your interior designer in many different locations. If the builder has a showroom, you will probably want to go there several times throughout the decision process. For the designer to get an idea of what you want to keep, it’s best for us to take a trip to your home. It will give us a chance to measure your furniture and make notes on your current textures and palettes. Finally, we’ll want you to come to our showroom in Leesburg so that we can discuss new furniture and accent options.
Pre-Construction: What are the Benefits of a Professionally-Planned Interior Design?
Benefits vary from person to person depending on the scale and scope of their interior design project. With that in mind, every client using The Guest Room’s interior design services during the pre-construction phase can expect:
- Simplified decision-making – Choices will be logical and deliberate with the construction timeline in mind.
- Functional solutions – Must-haves will be implemented sensibly and stylishly.
- Reduced future costs – There will be no need to replace “builder grade” items – every decision on finishes and fixtures will work with your present furnishings and new purchases.
- Incremental purchase plans – New rugs and accent pieces don’t have to be acquired all at once. We will help you set up a timeline for buying new items that will work with your space and your wallet.
The pre-construction phase of the home-buying process can make anyone anxious and uneasy. By partnering with an experienced interior designer at The Guest Room, those important decisions will become painless. We can guide you through the whole process, from choosing flooring and cabinetry to coffee tables and accents. The Guest Room will help you turn those floorplans into a home you’ll cherish forever.