10-Point Checklist for (Beginner) Clients To Complete a Project Successfully

We've all been there, from even the smallest scale home project to a medium to a large-sized commercial site. Completing an interior design project can take a long, tedious, and oftentimes stressful period. However, it does not have to be the case. As long as both clients and the interior designer have a mutual understanding of their responsibilities, it will be a breeze.

Everyone has a role to play in a project. The road to success is never smooth, but with proper planning and an organised checklist, we're here to help you avoid unnecessary conflict with the interior design company you've appointed. Feel free to thank us later!

10-Point Checklist for You to Take Note Of:

1. HAVE A LIST OF YOUR NEEDS, REQUIREMENTS, AND ASPIRATIONS

Make a clear list that would help the interior designer to prepare a proper brief, proposal, execution, completion date, and your expectation of a dream space, if any. If this is your first time working on an interior design project and you may not know what is needed, don't worry. Just list down everything you think you need and cross-check them with your interior designer. They will be able to advise what's required and, at the same time, understand your needs.

2. ALLOCATE A SUFFICIENT TIMELINE

Timelines are always key to every successful project, including interior design and renovations. When it comes to timelines, always remember to allocate sufficient time and set a realistic time frame to complete the work. Most projects fail due to unreasonable time frames, causing contractors to rush their works and producing low-quality results. It eventually leads to either quality-related or timeline-related disputes towards the end of the project.

If it takes a little longer for the perfect space to work in / live in, we'd say it's an investment well spent – because it's your space, and you wouldn't want the problems after moving in.

3. HAVE A CONTRACT WITH CLEAR TERMS AND CONDITIONS. DO NOT JUST SIGN A QUOTATION.

It is crucial to have a contract that lists clear terms and conditions agreed between both parties to protect both client and interior designer. This contract should cover the scope of work, charges, and termination clauses clearly.

And when drafting the contract, make sure to voice out all questions and answers as thoroughly as possible to avoid future disputes. Don't forget to also discuss penalties payable if the contract is broken. Contracts must be mutually agreed to.

4. WORK CLOSELY WITH YOUR INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Once you've appointed your interior designer, be sure to check the designs and drawings before approving them to ensure they're accurate. If you're not familiar with the drawings and the technical aspect of a project, we'd highly suggest you ask and clarify before approving. It's important that you understand the design and details as this is the project that you're approving. Many problems start from here.

5. ASSIGN CLEAR ROLES

Identify and clarify who is in charge of making decisions for your project. For example, if a couple of people are involved, designers need to know who exactly gives the instructions and make the call. If it's a home, would it be the husband or the wife? If it's a commercial project, who is the one assigned? Is it the Project Manager, Finance Manager or Office Manager? Assigning roles allows a clear line of communication.

6. MAINTAIN A TRANSPARENT AND COMMUNICATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE INTERIOR DESIGNER

See each other as partners collaborating to make a project work. If you don't like what you see, communicate it to your interior designer. The worst thing to do here is to "wait and see". Don't wait till the end of the project to say it because it would be too late to make any changes that wouldn't be costly.

7. DON'T GO TO THE SITE TOO FREQUENTLY

It may sound controversial, but it's true. Some owners and clients visit every day and are often unhappy with the slow progress. For instance, the site on day 1 may not look any different from day 2 due to wet works or fixing internal structures. Some works require time to produce and make presentable, especially when it comes to creative works. We often advise clients to visit only twice a week or only when a discussion is needed. Giving pressure to contractors will also cause poor workmanship.

8. TRY NOT TO MAKE CHANGES DURING AN ONGOING JOB

Making last-minute changes after an approved design can result in delays and additional costs. Unless you have pre-allocated funds and time for this, it's best to make sure all considerations are covered during the design approval stage of the project.

8. TRY NOT TO MAKE CHANGES DURING AN ONGOING JOB

Making last-minute changes after an approved design can result in delays and additional costs. Unless you have pre-allocated funds and time for this, it's best to make sure all considerations are covered during the design approval stage of the project. 9. ALLOCATE ADEQUATE FUNDS FOR YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT This point is divided into two important parts. The first part would be the funds you plan to invest in the project. It's no secret that you pay for what you get. We would encourage you to allocate a reasonable amount to your project as it is definitely an investment you wouldn't want to lose from. Think of maintenance and potential defects that may happen after a low budget project.

The second point is that most renovation projects are funded by stages of completion. It's best if you already have the required funds for the total contract before deciding to start a project. It is to ensure the project runs smoothly without any delay caused by the lack of financial resources.

10. GET ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST

Last but not least, trust professionals to handle your work.

Mutual trust and respect are important in any partnership, and interior design projects are no exception. Hire an interior designer that you can trust. Mutual respect and partnership are key to achieving a successful project. The last thing you'd want is to point fingers and argue over who's wrong or right because no one wins.

It's not often that you remodel your home or office, so we'd suggest you put in more time and work closely with the interior designers to create a place that matches your dream space. At the end of the day, the designers are not the one living or using the space – it is you.

We hope these 10 checklists provide some understanding as to how you, as the client, get through a successful project. For more information on interior design and build, check out more of our services or contact us for more info!