Interior design services for "free". What are you risking by taking it?
Why is it important to choose an interior design firm that gives a proper design contract and not companies that give free interior design services?
Photo by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels
“Anything of value cannot be free.” He then added, “Be careful! Free might mean poor advice or lack of competency. Anybody who is an expert in what they do should be in demand.”
- Interior Design Confederation Singapore (IDCS) president, Cameron Woo
Every time we hear the word FREE; It’s hard to say that we won’t be attracted to it. Who doesn’t want free stuff? Definitely, we would want it, especially when it does not harm us at all!
However, when it comes to getting FREE interior design services, could we say the same? Is there not anything you will end up unknowingly risking when you get them for free?
Let’s think twice and be wise! Before deciding to take the free interior design services offered by any interior design/renovation/contractor or even retailer firm, there are certain things to consider.
It’s better to be safe than sorry!
So, let’s look at why it is important to engage an interior design firm that does not give free interior design services but practices a proper design contract.
1. Are you sure it is really free? With no conditions?
Many contractors or even interior design companies will tell you that the design fee will be free if you engage their services or hire them to build your project. Or the design fee will be free if you buy a certain amount of furniture from them, etc. So, are you sure if it is really free then? Check again!
2. Quality.
When you engage in a free design service, you are actually betting on the design’s quality. They might give a free design service because they are not well-trained to provide a proper full set of interior design services and documentations. There is so much planning involved in offering proper interior design services and documentation than just jumping straight into the execution with little planning.
3. Short-term/Long-term satisfaction.
What would you choose? To have short term satisfaction or long term satisfaction?
When engaging interior design firms that offer you a design contract and proper interior design services, their process to prepare everything might take longer and initially incur higher costs. But in the long run, you will be satisfied and rest assured as everything is written down clearly in the design contract, and you are safe from being taken advantage of as the scope of works are clearly mentioned in the contract.
Besides, good planning beforehand is always better than rushing into the execution without proper strategy and planning! With no clear set of design documentation drawings and material specifications, and budgeting, it will only cause us a headache and extra cost sooner or later!
For more thoughts on the hidden dangers of engaging companies that offer free design services, you may take a look at Cameron Woo’s message to all homeowners at Home & Decor Magazine attachment below!
Photo Courtesy of Home & Decor Magazine
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References:
Home & Decor Magazine (website)