Stress-free renovation: How an interior designer can save you time and peace of mind

Why do you need an interior designer?

Renovating an apartment is a complex process, involving coordination between suppliers, construction teams and the client himself. Managing all of this can be tiring and time-consuming, and an interior designer is able to assume that responsibility, allowing you to take care of your own tasks while the work goes on.

A professional designer asks the right questions to understand the client's wishes and translate them into a project that is in accordance with the budget and conditions of the property. Often, clients don't have a clear vision of how they want the final result, and the designer helps turn their ideas into reality, often suggesting creative solutions for the space.

In addition, the designer deals with technical details that often go unnoticed, such as the location of sockets or the arrangement of furniture. This prevents common errors from happening, such as the lack of an outlet next to the computer desk or the absence of a nightstand.

Especially on larger projects, such as renovating an entire house, a designer is indispensable, as the amount of work and planning involved can be overwhelming.

Who needs a designer?

Designers are up to date with the latest trends and know how to use materials and techniques optimally. Just as some people prefer to choose their clothes on their own, while others hire a stylist, so do renovations. While it's possible to carry out a reform without help, the process can be longer and more exhausting.

For those who only want basic guidance, it is possible to hire a designer per hour, with prices starting at €50 per hour. For those who want a complete project, including execution, the price varies according to the size of the space. In Portugal, the average values are:

• Basic design: €30-60 per square meter
• Complete project with supervision: €70-100 per square meter

What does a designer do?

A designer's job goes beyond creating a visually pleasing space. They help plan the arrangement of the furniture, check if it will be necessary to tear down walls, and propose solutions to maximize the use of space. A good designer offers several layout options until they arrive at the best solution for the client.

Once the layout is approved, the designer goes through the visualization phase, where he suggests colors, textures, and furniture. The 3D visualization helps the client to have a clear idea of what the renovated space will look like.

What is construction supervision?

Construction supervision, or Authorial accompaniment, is a service that guarantees that the renovation faithfully follows the approved design project. This service is not normally included in the initial project and must be contracted separately.

The follow-up helps to resolve unforeseen events, such as the lack of materials or necessary changes to the original plan. The costs in Portugal vary between €500 and €1500 per month follow-up, depending on the duration and complexity of the work.

How to prepare for a reform?

When hiring a designer, it's important to be open to the professional's suggestions and to be clear about your budget. A good designer will always try to find solutions that meet your expectations and respect your budget, but you need to be willing to adjust expectations if necessary.

For example, for a limited budget, it may be more interesting to hire only the layout and technical drawings, without investing in 3D visualizations, which are more expensive.

Conclusion

An interior designer helps to turn your vision into reality and to avoid costly mistakes during a renovation. In Portugal, investing in a designer not only saves time and money, but also ensures that the final result is functional, beautiful and modern. In addition, the monitoring of the work ensures that everything is executed as planned, eliminating the stress of dealing with problems in the midst of the renovation.