If you’re a DIYer or money saver debating whether or not to hire an interior designer, this is your guide to making the right decision for you.
DIY vs. Hire an Interior Designer: How to Plan Your Remodel as a Saver Money Personality.
The decision to DIY vs. hire an Interior Designer should not be made without significant consideration.
If you’re a DIYer considering taking on a remodel solo, then you’re probably also a Saver money personality. If you’re not sure what that means, check out my previous blog: Discovering your Money Personality will help you maintain a healthy relationship during a remodel.
You can take a quiz to discover yours and your spouse’s money personality and even get tips on how you can use your money personality to execute a harmonious remodel.
That blog produced dozens of insights and questions about how the different money personalities collaborate. I noticed that one of the most common and more challenging relationships within the money personalities needed to be unpacked—The relationship between a Saver Money Personality/ DIYer and The Interior Designer.
As a DIYer/ Saver, the idea of taking on a solo remodel probably sounds really exciting while also somewhat daunting. A remodel is a massive project with many moving parts; your choice to hire an interior designer will undoubtedly simplify and brighten your remodel. There are some challenges to be addressed, but awareness and a little mindset work are all it takes to make it happen!
Here’s what’s taken care of when you hire an Interior Designer.
This is a lot to think about on top of navigating the changes of a home remodel. As a DIYer/ Saver, you might think that doing it yourself will save you money, but if you think about the time you’ll spend on each task and the potential financial losses that can come from design errors, hiring an interior designer will likely save you money and increase the value of your total investment.
My 25+ years of experience as a financial advisor gives me a unique advantage when helping DIYers and Savers feel good about investing in their home. It’s my job to ensure my clients are happy, encouraged, and satisfied through their remodel process. Here’s everything you need to know about navigating a relationship with an Interior Designer as a DIYer/ Saver
How does a DIYer / Saver approach the finances of a remodel?
Not all Savers—save—the same way (say that five times fast!) But here are some of the common attributes of a DIYer/ Saver Money Personality. See if any of these resonate with you, and take a look at some things to be aware of when planning a remodel.
You’re a saver if you:
- Get a rush from saving money. You feel pride paying less for something you wanted.
- Are organized, responsible, and trustworthy when it comes to money. A Saver won’t tap out the kids’ college fund to pay for a new boat.
IMG ALT TEXT: What an interior designer does for you Bethany Palmer
- Rarely spend impulsively. Savers scour the Internet for deals, plan every vacation detail, and ensure they have the money in hand before making a purchase.
- Avoid credit card debt like head lice. Savers hate paying interest and accruing debt. They want to pay off every bill, in full, right away.
If you’re a Saver, it’s beneficial to be aware that you can come off as:
- A joy stealer– If your partner isn’t a saver too, your resistance to spending money can take the fun out of joyful activities.
- Overly focused on financial goals. Often, Savers are joy stealers because they tend to only think about money. It’s great to have firm financial goals, and working hard to meet them is great, but money is meant to be spent! Sometimes Savers need to try being less conservative and allow themselves – and others – to enjoy life.
- Obsessive about money. Savers love to talk, think, and worry about money. The money obsession can become so redundant to a Saver’s partner that they no longer want to participate in financial conversations.
- Cheap. Most Savers have a hard time parting with their money which can come across as selfish to others.
An interior designer introduces a lot of situations that can trigger a Saver/ DIYer’s money insecurities, which is why a Saver/ DIYer might be hesitant to hire an interior designer. But, ultimately, your interior designer is your biggest ally and security system during your remodel. They’re there to bring your vision to life while helping you enjoy the process.
Awareness of the challenges between a Saver and an Interior Designer can help prevent and regulate obstacles.
It’s 100 percent possible for a DIYer/ Saver and an Interior Designer to work together. Here’s how:
Communication and Mindset.
- As a DIYer, the best thing you can do is recognize that your interior designer is a professional. Trust their expertise and ability to manage the project. Their job is to help you realize your home’s full potential and have fun while you do it. If you’re confident you can do everything without them, don’t hire them. But if you want the ease and support of hiring an interior designer, let them do what they do best, their job.
- Remember your Interior Designer’s job is to show you the complete picture; if this feels intimidating, let them know and lean on them for reassurance and support.
IMG ALT TEXT: DIY vs. Hire an Interior designer Bethany Palmer.
- BE UPFRONT about your budget. Tell the Interior Designer you’re a saver and define your budget BEFORE any work begins. Allow the Interior Designer to decide if they can work within your budget.
- Get on the same page about discussing options. Your interior designer will do their best to stay within your budget but know that it’s their job to present you with all your options.
- Don’t think of your Interior Designer as a threat but as someone who will work with you.
A remodeling project can feel joyful and exciting as a DIYer/ Saver. Being supported by a professional only makes the entire process easier. Helping couples create their dream home is my passion, so I hope this blog helped you in your decision to hire an interior designer.
With all of my clients, I bring creativity, intuition, sensitivity, and 25+ years as a financial advisor and business owner to the table.
My experience in financial advising and diverse career background gives me a unique perspective and advantage when working with diverse money personalities.
My number one goal is to get you the absolute most out of your investment, all while making it as fun, exciting, and joyful as possible!
My style is modern with a twist on traditional, functional and fabulous, and personality infused. Together we’ll uncover your home’s full potential and create a home you love. If you’re looking for a savvy, supportive, and experienced professional to help make your house your dream home, reach out to me today! Let’s talk about what I can do for you.
Meet Colorado Interior Designer, Bethany Palmer
Bethany Palmer is the bubbly and optimistic genius behind Interiors By Bethany. Her bright and encouraging attitude brings fun to the home renovation process while alleviating stress and worry for her clients. Bethany has a gift for managing not only the moving parts of these remodels and renovations—but the roller coaster of emotions that can happen for her clients along the way. She’s an enthusiastic team player who advocates for her clients down to the very last detail, living her motto: Make it happen.
She has a knack for turning every obstacle into an opportunity. Her meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills make her clients feel like they’re always in good hands.
Bethany is the co-creator of The Money Couple, a focused solution for the conflicts couples face time and time again during a remodeling. Her 25+ years of experience in financial advising allows her to offer her clients a unique set of skills and support through all the financial aspects that couples navigate through the remodeling process.
She offers trusted guidance and expertise that make her clients feel comfortable and confident with every aspect of a home remodel renovation and decorating project.
Bethany respects the need for simplicity, practicality, and timeless finishes with pops of color and elegance to create fabulous and functional spaces.
Follow Bethany on Instagram to stay connected!
