8. Choose an Interior Designer That Charges Hourly
If you plan on using a professional to help with your interior decorating, choose a designer that charges by the hour instead of one that charges a percentage of the project budget and purchases, said Susan Matthews, a sales associate with Carolina One Real Estate.
“The latter may lean toward higher-priced items for a higher markup,” she said. “An hourly consultant is usually more willing to shop all price points, and the homeowners can get more bang for their buck. For even more savings, homeowners can limit the designer’s hours by choosing to personally handle certain aspects such as contractor management, shopping and receiving deliveries.”