Compass Greater NY, LLC
Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES, Compass Greater NY, LLCPhone: (917) 623-0624
Email: [email protected]

Contractors: Ways to Choose the Right Interior Design Contractor

by Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES 12/12/2021

Changing your home or getting your new home set up can go much more smoothly when you hire interior design contractors. These contractors can help you decide on designing different areas of your home to achieve the style you want. When you’re hiring interior design contractors, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind. These tips help ensure that you hire skilled and experienced contractors to help you with your home.

Ask for Recommendations and Check Reviews

Where should you begin your search for interior design contractors? You can start by asking family and friends for recommendations, especially if they have worked with one recently. They can give you feedback about how the project turned out and what they liked or didn’t like about working with their contractor. If you don’t know anyone to ask for recommendations, read online reviews of different interior design contractors. Not all clients leave reviews, but reading the ones that are there can give you some idea of the quality of a contractor’s workmanship.

Look Through Portfolios if Available

Visit the website for each interior design contractor you’re considering hiring, and check for an online portfolio or images of completed projects. These images can help you see the kinds of projects they do and the different styles and designs they’ve used. For example, you might lean more toward an interior design contractor who seems to specialize in the type of style you prefer, such as modern or contemporary design rather than vintage design. These images might also give you some ideas of the kinds of colors and designs you want to use in your home.

Discuss Your Budget

You should be open about your budget when meeting with interior design contractors. This helps give them a better idea of the price range you’re looking at for the entire scope of your project. Knowing your budget right away makes it easier for interior design contractors to narrow down your options and focus on those that suit your preferences and price range. Whether you need interior design work done for your entire home or just one room, start off with an upfront discussion on your budget.

Meet with a Few Interior Design Contractors

You don’t need to go with the first interior design contractor you meet. In fact, it’s a good idea to meet with a few contractors instead. Doing this gives you a better chance of meeting a contractor who understands what you’re looking for in terms of style and design. You should also get a quote from each of these contractors, which you can then compare. Look for a contractor who can provide you with the services you need without causing you to go over your budget.

Ask the Right Questions

When meeting with interior design contractors, you should be prepared to ask questions. You might ask how many projects they typically handle at one time, what their availability is, how long they think your project might take and whether there are certain styles they don’t offer. You might also ask how they handle issues that come up during projects and if they can provide you with references from past clients. These questions can help you learn more about each contractor’s services and their approach toward assisting clients.

About the Author
Author

Ann Marie Damashek, GRI, CBR, SRES

Ann Marie Damashek has always been a natural at helping people prepare their homes for sale. She started out with a successful business selling goods for people on eBay. "Nine times out of ten they were hiring me because they were down-sizing,” Ann Marie says. "So I decided to get my license. I said, ‘Might as well sell their house too.’” The transition was a smooth one and for nine years she’s had a thriving full-time real estate business that allows her to marry her entrepreneurial spirit with her passion for helping others. With an office in Larchmont, New York, she serves all of Lower Westchester County, with her primary market in the Sound Shore region. The majority of her business is "sphere of influence” with former clients referring her to friends and family. A gifted communicator, Ann Marie quickly builds trust and rapport with her clients by being both thoughtful and responsive; she understands that during the purchase or sale of a home, a quick response time is crucial. "I am very accessible,” Ann Marie says. "I always make time for my clients. They can call me, text me, email me up until 10 o’clock at night and I will respond. I’m available on weekends. I get back to people very promptly. I’m very customer service-oriented.” Her clients appreciate her professionalism, passion and enthusiasm and as a result her repeat and referral rate continues to grow each year. While selling real estate is serious business, Ann Marie knows that at times humor and a moment of levity can be a relief to clients. While she has a laidback and easygoing personality, she can be assertive when needed on her clients’ behalf. She loves being of service to them, and the continually changing nature of the work keeps her engaged and fulfilled. "It’s never boring,” Ann Marie enthuses. "Every day is different. That’s probably what I like most about it. But I also enjoy helping people sell or buy and educating them about the process. I love helping them achieve their goals.” This ethic of service has resulted in well-deserved recognition. Ann Marie has received the Westchester Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Rating four years running, in 2015 and 2016 she was the #1 agent in her office, and she’s a Zillow 5-Star Premier Agent. To keep in touch with former clients, Ann Marie sends cards to mark special occasions or reaches out via email. To market her listings, Ann Marie uses Multiple Listing Services (MLS), as well as Listingbook.com, a service that allows both agents and their clients access to MLS data. She also uses a Facebook business page and ads to boost new listings or promote upcoming open houses. "That drives a tremendous amount of traffic,” Ann Marie says. She also uses the most popular real estate websites such as Zillow and Trulia. A strong believer in giving back, Ann Marie sits on the Board of Trustees of her church and is involved in a variety of social justice projects. She’s affiliated with Furniture Sharehouse, a furniture bank for Westchester County, which collects and distributes gently used furniture free of charge to those in need. "I love it on so many levels because as a realtor, it’s helps my sellers downsize through charitable donations. I like the environmental aspect of it as well. And it helps people who truly need things.” She’s also involved in Impact 100, a women’s philanthropic giving organization. In her free time, Ann Marie enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. For the future, Ann Marie wants to continue expanding her business and developing her brand, and she someday hopes to grow a strong team. But her main goal is to stay in the real estate business, helping her clients to achieve their dreams.