If you’ve ever built, or are in the process of building a custom home, a few words may come to mind. Overwhelmed is likely one of them. The pressure and the decisions seem endless and often involve products and processes you know little if anything about. From faucets to flooring, to lighting and what seems simple but is most certainly not, the paint colors—even the smallest decision can require a dozen considerations. It can all add up to a lot of worries and a waste of valuable time.
It’s why we can’t recommend enough that homeowners involve an interior designer in the process from the start—prior to construction. As April Jensen of ADJ Interiors explains, “A foundation is laid and ground rules are set. From there, your designer can narrow down an enormous range of decisions, products and styles, creating a concise, streamlined decision-making process.”
Involving your designer from the start promises more than you might expect. Beyond beauty at a glance, their design is driven by function. They are involved in everything from floorplans to electrical and plumbing placement, things that homeowners may not take into consideration.
This is what they do, day in and day out. They already know what’s best, it’s simply selecting what’s best for you, your home, your budget and your lifestyle.
Instead of spending hours researching companies, finishes, and colors, you can feel confident in each choice you make along the way, knowing it has been vetted by an experienced professional and carefully chosen with your needs in mind. We tapped the team at ADJ Interiors for insight into the process, benefits and misconceptions of working with a designer on a new construction project.
Working With an Interior Designer When Building a Custom Home
The main concern for homeowners who have never considered a designer may be the cost. Noting that ADJ works with a wide range of budgets, April explained that working with a designer to establish a timeless foundation promises a home and an investment that will stand the test of time.
“As your designer, we work to ensure that the choices made are timeless and allow for flexibility as your tastes change over the years. We can design a home that will remain classic and current; a design that is cohesive and has longevity.”
– April Jensen
April likes to begin, as we mentioned above, by establishing ground rules. A color palette is determined and guidelines are set based on function followed by the homeowner’s style and needs. These guidelines are agreed upon and keep designers and homeowners alike in check. In short, this work up front saves valuable time during the decision-making process.
Your designer can prevent you from spending needlessly. They know where you should splurge (on tile, April suggests) and where you can save. Similar to the art of dressing high/low, they know how to make a mix of price points and products blend seamlessly.
These are decisions that you will live with for many years to come. And your home is often the most expensive purchase you will make. Building a new home should be an enjoyable process, and hiring a designer will bring you one step closer.
