Is hiring an Interior Designer for a rehab in Utah worth it for properties in the mid price range?

[Josiah Halverson]

Gary Keller gives some good advice in his book, Flip. His summarized guidance is:

"Prior to making an offer, analyze the property and make an improvement plan. Base your level of finish (basic, standard, designer, or custom) on the neighborhood norm. "

I work full time, and I'm inexperience with construction so I am choosing to hire a general contractor to walk through the property with me (before the offer) to get a thorough and accurate estimate (no rules of thumb). I am also considering hiring an interior designer to include in the improvement plan because my thoughts are to have everyone on the same page sharing the same vision from the get go. I believe this would probably help with communication and with the overall outcome of the rehab because everyone's experiencing the same first impressions together, sharing initial thoughts with each other, coming to conclusions together, and forming the same rehab vision, but I'm not sure. Prior to the walk through, I would gather neighborhood comps to provide level of finish information. That way, the three of us could come up with a promising improvement plan.

An interior designer can make the property look better with less money. They have the artistic talent and design knowledge to do so. As an example, why spend extra money on custom lighting when a lighter color of paint would have the same effect? You get the idea.

Does anyone have enough experience with interior designers to know whether the designer costs offset the value gained from their services? Or do you find that contractors have this ability also so hiring an interior designer would be a waste of money?

Thank you for your time!

M. Josiah Halverson

(801) 389-6080

Sandy, UT

[Patrick T.]

Hi Josiah,

Ricks point about repeating the formula is a good one.

I'm a contractor and work with a number of investors on rehabs and major upgrades. If you are wanting to create a real eye-popper, a designer can help. Not to contradict Rick, but before paying a designer find an experienced contractor (preferably with background in your type of project), they'll have the knowledge and ability to work with you as you mentioned. Use a licensed contractor. Try to find one through referral from other investors. Get to know them enough to get a feel for their ideas and taste. If you need ideas for the finish details, many suppliers have designers on staff for free. It's all about controlling the cost.

Good Luck!