The Devil is in the Details: Red Flags When Hiring an Interior Designer - Pt 2
Are Your Spidey Senses Tingling?
If you've made it to Part 2 of our blog, it's probably because you're feeling a bit uneasy about trusting a potential interior designer. It's time to channel your inner Spiderman and do some investigating to either ease your worries or confirm them and avoid a potential disaster. After all, you want to hire a designer who will bring your dreams to life, not one who could turn them into a nightmare.
Check out these tips to make an informed decision!
Check their business license
Before you let someone into your home, make sure they're legit! Head to your State's Secretary business search website and confirm that their license is current. If a designer isn't registered with the state, you might be in for a world of hurt. No license means, no insurance = no bueno! Doing this might also uncover some more red flags like if their license had been taken away at some point!
Here in Ohio, ours is https://businesssearch.ohiosos.gov
Peek at their legal records
Do you want a designer who's been in trouble with the law or owes the government a ton of money? No thanks! After all, this is someone you’re supposed to trust with one of your most valuable assets, your home! Not to mention have your credit card on file. Hop on over to your County Clerk's website and search for any public records of past business wrongdoings, personal liabilities, or property damages. Don't forget to check their different names over the years – you don't want to miss anything that could prove that they may be a risky investment!
Here is our Medina County, Ohio Clerk Of Courts search site
Stalk Facebook
Okay, we're not saying you should be a full-blown cyber-stalker, but a little investigating never hurts. Check out the designer's business page and search for their name in local community groups. Make sure the praise isn’t coming from a marketing team or paid “brand ambassadors”! Reach out to real people who have worked with them before and ask about their experience. Pictures of before and after projects are a plus!
Ask to visit a current project
If a designer is legitimately as busy as they claim and confident in their work, they should have no problem letting you see some of what they're currently working on. Seeing a project in person can give you a better idea of their style and quality of work. Just don't be creepy and overstay your welcome. Remember, you’re in someone else’s home!
Google their name
When in doubt, Google it out! You might find some valuable information about their past businesses, collaborations, or even some fun facts about their personal life. Plus, it's always fun to know who you're inviting into your home!
Request proof of insurance
Protect yourself and your home by making sure your designer has the appropriate insurance coverage. Ask for proof of personal liability insurance, worker's compensation, and property damage coverage. If they work with a crew, ask for copies of their license and insurance as well.
Hey, here's a pro-tip for you:
A great way to test if a designer is being honest with you…A lot of design firms claim they are an “all in one firm” - design, demo, and construction - but in reality, they subcontract out most of the work.
Sneaky, right? To catch them out, just ask if their workers receive a 1099 or W-2. A 1099 is for subcontracted work, not company employees. Bonus points if they've been advertising job postings for 1099 work. Don't Let Them Pull The Wool Over Your Eyes!