Designers are expensive. My project is small and I am planning to do part of work myself. My contractor said he had done many similar projects and would help me with selecting products materials.
The truth is you can’t afford not having a designer. Designers are more than having fancy styles and good taste and know how to shop. In order to be professional designers, one has invested years of hard work to gain knowledge, skills, and experience. A good designer guides you through options, organizes the information, and prevents mistakes. Without a designer, you are risking spending more money and time and settling for a less-satisfactory result. You should figure 10% – 15% of your budget for design. You don’t always need a full-service package. Even small projects can use design input. If you can’t afford hiring a designer, you can’t afford the project.
Contractors are not designers. They may be design enthusiasts like yourself, but there is a reason they didn’t choose to work as designers. (Some firms do offer design and build services. In such case, you should check their qualifications for designing and building.) On the other hand, ask questions if a designers offers to act as a general contractor.
MICHELLE CHIANG 
Hi Michelle,
Great article!
Krista Brassfield, *LANDMARK DESIGNS* (408)761-1218 (831)331-0432 *www.landmarkdesigns.net*
On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 8:12 AM, MICHELLE CHIANG wrote:
> MichelleChiang.design posted: ” Designers are expensive. My project is > small and I am planning to do part of work myself. My contractor said he > had done many similar projects and would help me with selecting products > materials. The truth is you can’t afford not having a desig” >
Thanks, Krista!