What to Know When Talking About Money With Your Designer
Most clients feel uncomfortable discussing the money they plan to spend on an interior design project. No matter how much that amount might be, I can usually see their body language change and hear the reservation in their voice when I say the words “money” or “cost.” After asking clients many questions and discussing the money conversation with colleagues, I’ve deduced a few reasons for this might be…
Clients don’t know how much what they want costs, but they don’t necessarily want to disclose that to a designer they have only just met. They don’t want to be perceived as clueless and make themselves vulnerable to runaway costs.
They have a certain dollar amount in mind but don’t want their designer to judge them or that number.
They don’t know whether to state the most they can spend or the ideal number they would like to spend, which is usually quite a bit lower.
Many of us were raised not to talk about money, especially with a relative stranger.
The client has reservations about spending money, for any number of personal reasons.
Whether it be one of these reasons or something else entirely, I can empathize. I recognize that the very act of inviting a professional designer into your home is vulnerable, let alone discussing money together. It’s important that you find a designer you can trust to lead you through the money conversation, and your project.
There are two things I discuss with every new client before we get into the money conversation, and I want you to know them, too:
I am not here to judge you; I am here to help you. Think of me as a general MD for your home. I understand the way all the finishes, furnishings, and equipment work together to serve the people who live there the way an MD understands the body’s systems. The same way a doctor does not expect you to know how to diagnose and treat a condition, I do not expect you to know what things cost and how to solve those tricky design problems. The questions I ask are to help me understand you and your unique wants and needs in order to create your dream home!
We’ll talk openly about costs early in the project. Together we will figure out what the products and work you want will cost and decide on an overall “Estimated Project Cost” together, before design work or construction work begins. This helps me work as efficiently as possible, which minimizes delays and provides clarity for you. And as a result, the process is so much more enjoyable for us all. Back to the MD analogy… If you can be as honest and forthcoming about what you want, your likes and dislikes, and what you are comfortable investing, I can diagnose what you need and how to go about getting it.
If you’re looking for a designer to help you navigate the uncharted territory of a design redecoration or renovation, I would love to hear from you! Click here to book a complimentary call, and we can start figuring out your project and investment level together. You can also read more about the design process here.
Until then,
MB