Why did we choose an ID after getting >10 quotes?

We started our search for an ID / Contractor in September 2022 after the purchase of our resale condo. Met up with 7 IDs, 3 Contractors and 2 interior stylist over a period of 2 months and eventually decided to engage an ID. These were our considerations while trying to come to a decision.

• Interior Stylist •

- Quotes provided were a lump sum design and coordination fee.

- Only able to advise renovation cost after design is complete.

- We felt that the risk was too high as we have a tight budget for renovation and did not want to deal with so much uncertainty when it comes to cost.

• Contractors •

- More knowledgeable on construction / technical details.

- No or little feedback on our moodboard. Most just nodded off and said they could construct based on the pictures we showed them (from ig, Pinterest etc)

- No 3D provided so we will not be able to visualize the design until renovation is complete.

- Quotes provided were on par or even more expensive than some of the quotes we got from IDs.

- We felt that it is not worth it to engage contractors if their rates are not much cheaper than IDs because contractors do not provide or provide minimal designing.

• Interior Designer •

- Provided feedback on our mood board. Able to advise on design trends, color combination etc.

- Some came out with new design and ideas that we haven’t thought of.

- Able to advise type / design of loose furniture for areas that we do not intend to do built in carpentry.

- 3D design will be provided to finalize our designs before construction.

- Quotes were on par with the quotes we received from contractors.

Generally we felt that interior designers and interior stylists were friendlier and more enthusiastic during our design brief as compared to contractors. They were able to provide good feedback and some came back with new ideas they had for our place. We eventually chose our ID because both of us felt that we had the most chemistry with her and managed to bounce off so many ideas during our short discussion. Our styles seem to be very much aligned and we love the mood board she created for us based on our initial design brief. Her quote also came out to be reasonable and comparable to other IDs & contractors we have met.

At the end of the day, we feel that the most important factor to consider when choosing an ID/contractor is chemistry. Renovation is a long and expensive process and we definitely do not want to work with someone who doesn’t understand what we want.

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