Before meeting your designer, take some time to think about the overall direction of your renovation. This doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers, but having a clear sense of your goals will help your designer understand your vision.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• What is the primary purpose of the renovation? (e.g., more space, better functionality, updating the look)
• Are you looking for a modern, traditional, or eclectic style?
• Do you want to focus on specific areas (e.g., kitchen, living room) or the entire house?

What to avoid:

• Don’t lock yourself into a rigid vision. Leave room for your designer to suggest creative solutions that you might not have considered.

Your home should reflect your lifestyle, so it’s important to communicate your daily needs and habits to your designer. This helps them create a space that’s not only beautiful but also functional.

Key questions:

• How many people live in the house, and what are their ages? (e.g., kids, elderly parents, helper)
• Do you work from home and need a dedicated office space?
• Do you entertain or host often and need a spacious living or dining area?
• Are there any specific storage or display needs (e.g., for hobbies, collections, or bulky items)?

Avoid :

• Being too prescriptive about how these requirements should be met. For example, instead of saying, “I need a 3-meter-long wardrobe,” explain that you need ample storage for clothing and let the designer propose the best solution.

While you don’t need to have a fully fleshed-out design in mind, it’s helpful to share your preferences in terms of colors, materials, and overall aesthetics.

What to prepare:

• Gather inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or Instagram. Create a mood board or folder of images that resonate with you.
• Note any specific colors, textures, or materials you love (or hate).
• Mention any existing furniture or decor you plan to keep and want to incorporate into the new design.

Avoid :

• Insisting on replicating a specific design you saw online. Every home is unique, and your designer’s job is to tailor the design to your space and needs.

Your budget is one of the most important factors in shaping your renovation project. Being upfront about your budget helps your designer propose solutions that are feasible and aligned with your financial expectations (although it may be a challenge if you have not renovated before, and unsure about what you can get with your buck).

If you have a specific timeline for the renovation, communicate this early on. Whether you’re working around a major life event or simply eager to move in, your designer needs to know your deadlines.

Key questions:

• Determine your overall budget for the renovation, including a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
• Prioritize areas or elements where you’re willing to splurge and where you’d prefer to save, and go through these with your designer especially if what you need for your new home is over your budget.
• Identify your ideal start and completion dates.
• Be clear about any non-negotiable deadlines (e.g., moving in before a holiday or family event).

‍Avoid :

• Withholding your budget or provide an unrealistic range. This can lead to wasted time and frustration for both you and your designer.
• Being overly rigid with the timeline, especially if it compromises the quality of the design or construction. Renovations often involve unforeseen delays, so allow some flexibility.

The first meeting is also your opportunity to get to know your designer and understand their process. Come prepared with questions to ensure they’re the right fit for your project, and especially concerns that may keep you awake in the night during renovation.

Key questions to ask:

• What is your design process, and how do you handle revisions?
• Can you provide examples of similar projects you’ve worked on?
• How do you manage budgets and timelines?
• What challenges do you foresee with my project?