Are interior designers really worth getting for your home renovation? Find out how they can add value to your home, and whether they’re worthy investments for the long run!

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A full-blown home renovation can easily be one of the biggest-ticket purchases you’re making, besides your wedding and house, so it becomes an almost natural instinct to scrimp and save on each aspect to hopefully shave off some costs.

However, are interior designers (IDs) really worth engaging? Not only are they believed to be more expensive, but you may also want to take full control of the house renovation — from the overall aesthetic all the way down to the tiles for your bathrooms. 

But as the wedding planners' counterpart of home renovation, IDs save you lots of time and hassle, and help make your home refurbishment journey a whole lot smoother.

So is the extra buck worth spending on? Find out more as we deep dive into the value of interior designers.

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According to Qanvast, these are the expected costs of home renovation for HDB flats:

Each interior designer charges their own rates, and prices can vary depending on experience and reputation. For many, the design fee can cost anywhere between 5% to 10% of the renovation budget, while others may offer free consultations without any obligations.

These are the different types of interior design charges to look out for:

Design consultation: Before you start your renovation journey, you can engage an ID to do a design consultation with you. This service involves the discussion of your home design, making recommendations and developing a plan for you to start on your renovation. The ID will usually try to get a feel of your needs and wants and create a plan moving forward.

Interior styling: This usually just involves styling and decorating your home rather than renovation work. It’s for clients who just need help choosing furniture and decorations for their homes.

Partial interior design: Smaller projects that do not require full renovation works, or for clients who already know exactly what they want. This package usually doesn’t include much design work or rendering.

Full-service interior design: Comprehensive service where the designer oversees the entire process of your project, from concept development to installations. This package includes services like consultation, 3D renderings, floor plans, material selection, sourcing of contractors, and ordering materials.

According to Homees.co, these are the estimated costs for full-service interior design packages in Singapore in 2023. Prices vary accordingly to the content of each design packaging, consisting of labour costs, product costs and the extent of the renovation. 

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#1 They can save you time and stress

Would you really have the time to research the best flooring, compare paint types, pick materials for your built-ins, and source reliable suppliers and contractors — for four different rooms? Unless you enjoy spreadsheets and supplier calls, doing it all on your own can be overwhelming.

That’s where hiring an interior designer (ID) comes in. Think of them like a wedding planner — but for your home. You tell them what you like, and they’ll handle the rest: from design and material selection to managing timelines and coordinating with contractors.

This saves you hours of research and decision-making. Plus, having a professional in charge gives you peace of mind that everything’s being handled properly — and faster than if you were doing it all yourself.

#2 They’re highly recommended if you’re a first-time homeowner

If you’re a first-time homeowner undergoing a major home renovation for your BTO flat or resale, things can get pretty overwhelming. Even if you own a stunning house in The Sims and think you can translate that into real life, it’s often much harder than you think.

Designing is one thing, but making it happen is a whole other ball game. Do you know what’s the best anti-mould material for your kitchen cabinets? Or which type of paint is odourless and wallet-friendly? What about the most durable flooring for a family with kids?

Sure, you can DIY the whole process — but it’ll mean weeks (if not months) of research, sourcing, and figuring things out on your own. An ID, on the other hand, can help guide you through everything from choosing the right materials to meeting HDB renovation guidelines and liaising with contractors.

#3 They can design your home to fit your lifestyle needs

Some people think IDs are just for making your house “look nice.” But it’s more than that — a good ID designs with your lifestyle in mind.

Say you’re living in a 3-room flat with a small living room, but you love hosting guests. Your ID might suggest space-saving solutions like extendable tables or a better furniture layout that makes your space more open and functional.

Need more storage in a tiny bedroom? Want to fit two beds in one room for the kids? Or maybe you’re dealing with odd-shaped corners? A skilled ID can help you make the most of your space — and find practical solutions that suit how you live.

With that said, finding the right person for the job is important. They’ll have to understand your lifestyle and make tweaks to your home to cater to your needs. Don’t be afraid to source for a few designers and have consultations with them before you settle on one — many IDs offer free consultations without any strings attached!

#4 They can help you stay on budget

Setting a renovation budget is one thing — sticking to it is another. As a first-time renovator, you might not know where to cut back or what’s really worth spending on. Everything feels important at first.

An ID can help you prioritise. Maybe that pricey built-in can be replaced with a sleek off-the-shelf option. Or maybe there’s a more affordable material that gives the same effect without compromising quality. They can even connect you with more competitive contractor rates thanks to their network.

Sometimes, an ID might be upfront and tell you that your dream reno simply isn’t possible with your current budget. And honestly? That kind of reality check is necessary to manage your expectations — and avoid financial stress later.

#5 They can help you save money in the long run

Yes, hiring an ID means paying extra for their time and services. But in many cases, they actually help you save money overall.

For example, you might think a marble kitchen countertop is a great idea — but did you know marble stains easily and doesn’t handle acid well? An experienced ID might suggest granite instead: it’s more affordable, more durable, and better suited to daily kitchen use.

Without that advice, you could end up with costly repairs or even a full replacement just a few years down the road.

At the end of the day, an ID helps you make smart, long-term decisions. From recommending materials that last to avoiding costly design mistakes, they help stretch every dollar of your renovation budget further.

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