4 questions to ask your bathroom designer

Thanks to the Internet, the number of bathroom designers in your area is seemingly limitless. While it’s beneficial to have such a wide array of options when it comes to your bathroom remodel, it can also be quite overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Fortunately, there are ways to narrow down your search when meeting with potential designers. Rosemary Mikelinich, a bathroom designer at Alure Home Improvements, listed the most important questions to ask your bathroom designer before moving forward on a project.

1. What are your credentials?
One of the most important questions to ask a designer is what credentials he or she has. Ask for licenses and certifications that are specifically related to your desired project. For example, while it’s nice to know that a designer is certified in roof inspection services, it doesn’t mean he or she is skilled in bathroom renovations. Do your research and go into the meeting knowing which credentials you’d like to see, and ask to physically see the certificates they mention.

2. What does your previous work look like?
A designer could have all of the necessary skills and credentials and still produce work that you’re not happy with. Since style is subjective, it’s important to find a designer who shares your taste, or is at least able to produce a design that goes along with your preferences.

“A good designer should be able to be a chameleon so [he or she can] deliver whatever style the customer wants,” said Mikelinich.

During your meeting, he or she should present you with a portfolio of past projects that directly relate to your project. This will give you an idea of his or her range of abilities and help you visualize the end result of your bathroom renovation.

3. What have your clients said about your work?
Many companies will dedicate either a portion of their site or a section of their print collateral to customer testimonials. While they’ll typically choose the most positive reviews for their marketing, pay special attention to what customers appreciate about them most. For instance, if one testimonial focuses on a designer’s ability to work in a timely manner, it’s a good indication that one of the company’s strengths is staying on deadline. You can also use other services like Yelp or Angie’s List to get a wider array of feedback from real customers.

Your designer should also have some questions for you.

4. What are your questions for me?
When you meet with a designer, the conversation shouldn’t be one-sided. In fact, there are many questions he or she should be asking you to truly understand what it is you’re looking for.

“Your designer should ask all about your needs, wants, expectations and reservations from any previous experiences,” advised Mikelinich.

He or she should ask how you currently use your bathroom and what you’d like to improve on. His or her questions for you should include style preferences, the look of your home, the goals of your project and how many people use the room. The more a designer knows about your wants and needs, the better the end result will be.