<p>That first sit-down with an interior designer is when your dream home plans actually start to feel real. But it can also be pretty nerve-wrecking, especially if you have no clue what to do. This guide spills what to prep, expect <i>and</i> ask, so you don't walk in completely wide-eyed and clueless.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>What to Prep Before the Meeting</strong></h3><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Know your budget range and timeline</strong></h4><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/24e6fb1a-7252-405d-9137-d40aa932b654-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure><p>One of the very first things you want to do is to work out your finances. Be upfront (with yourself!) about what you can realistically spend. If you're planning major works, like rewiring, re-piping or layout overhauls, and don't have the cash on hand, you may want to research renovation loans early.&nbsp;</p><p>When budgeting for your reno, don't forget to factor in hidden costs like permit and hacking fees, electrical works, debris removal, GST, and a buffer of at least 15 - 20% for unexpected issues that may crop up during the renovation e.g. a wall that looked fine but turns out to be structurally compromised and needs rebuilding.&nbsp;</p><p>As for your timeline, have your key dates ready. When you are getting your keys (an estimate timeline for new builds), when you hope to move in, and any fixed deadlines like your lease ending or a baby on the way. Most renovations take about 8 - 12 weeks, but delays are common, especially around holiday periods like Chinese New Year.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Bring your floor plan (with measurements) and account for existing furnishings</strong></h4><p>Print out a few copies of your floor plan to bring along during that first meeting. They'll be easier to reference than a digital copy during discussions. If your unit isn't a new build and you've already seen it, take note on structural quirks that may not appear on the floor plan. Things like low beams, oddly angled walls, unusually high ceilings etc. These will need to be taken into account when planning your space. Your chosen ID should look out for them during the site visit, but you should pay attention to those too, just in case.&nbsp;</p><p>Also, make a list of large items you plan to keep e.g. fridge, sofa, piano, and note down their dimensions. Photos help too. This saves your ID from designing something that later doesn’t fit because you want to fit in that family heirloom.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Curate a moodboard and consider your lifestyle needs</strong></h4><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/4b18a6a4-42ac-4bd4-b3f9-660b07d11e67-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure><p>Interior style terms like 'wabi-sabi' or 'Japandi' are great starting points during your discussion with the ID, but nothing beats actual photos. Save images that reflect the kind of space you want and highlight what you like about each, whether it’s the tiled mosaic backsplash in the kitchen, that spiffy built-in storage at the living room or the overall vibe of the space.&nbsp;</p><p>Beyond aesthetics, your lifestyle matters too. Because that's where the functional part of your interior design comes in. Be ready to share things like whether you cook daily, what of kind of meals do you prepare, do you like eating on a proper dining table or in front of the TV, do you work from home, what are your getting-ready routines like, do you have pets, kids or elderly parents living with you, do you host often/need space for guests, etc. The more context you give during the meeting, the more tailored your ID’s design can be.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Be clear on your must-haves vs nice-to-haves</strong></h4><p>Before the meeting, talk things through with your partner or other decision-makers in the home. Be clear about some must-haves and some nice-to-haves. That feature wall or kitchen island you've always coveted may not be 100% necessary. This gives your ID a clear picture of your priorities and makes it easier to adjust the scope if the quotation starts ballooning. It also helps reduce decision fatigue later on.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Brush up on renovation regulations</strong></h4><p>While your ID will usually handle approvals and ensure your plans comply, it helps to know the basics, especially if you want to do anything out of the ordinary. For HDBs, read up on HDB’s <a href="https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/living-in-an-hdb-flat/renovation/guidelines">renovation guidelines</a>. Some structural changes may not be allowed or may require PE (Professional Engineer) endorsement, which adds cost and time. For condos, check in with your MCST. Some have strict rules around work hours, material choices or even wet works.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Do a little CSI on the firm</strong></h4><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1383/1269;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/8cdb5f8a-4606-45e2-bf3d-17fe06eee0e4-blob" width="1383" height="1269"></figure><p>If you've scheduled your first appointment with the interior design firm, you've probably already checked out their portfolio. But it might be helpful to dig a little deeper. If you know which designer you'll be working with, take some time to look up their social media. Many designers share their personal portfolios online, and you might also find reviews that mention them specifically. This can give you some insight into their design approach and work style.&nbsp;</p><p>It's also a good idea to do a quick legitimacy check. Make sure the firm is registered with ACRA (just to confirm it's a real business), and if you're renovating an HDB flat, that they're listed on <a href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BN31AWERRCMobile/BN31PListingContractor.jsp">HDB's directory of renovation contractors</a>. Keep an eye out for firms with CaseTrust or CaseTrust-RCMA accreditation too as these often come with stronger consumer protections and standardised contracts. Feel free to ask about what this means for you during the meeting.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><i>&nbsp;Need a hand with ID hunting? You've come to the right place. Just fill out the form </i><a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote"><i>here</i></a><i> and we'll connect you with up to 5 recommended interior design firms that'll fit your needs.&nbsp;</i></p></blockquote><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>What to Expect (and Not Expect) at the Meeting</strong><br>&nbsp;</h3><h4><strong>Expect a getting-to-know-you session</strong></h4><p>This meeting is primarily for the ID to get to know you, your lifestyle, your renovation goals and your dealbreakers. If you’ve prepped the essentials (see previous "What to Prep" section), this will go much smoother.</p><p>Keep an open mind. Some IDs may surprise you with better layouts or solutions than what you originally envisioned. It's okay if your ideas aren't fully fleshed out. Good IDs will guide the conversation and help you shape your vision.</p><p>At the same time, pay attention to how they listen and communicate. Do they ask thoughtful questions? Are they trying to understand your needs, or just pushing their own style?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Don’t expect a full design on the spot</strong></h4><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/fda612b9-948a-46cb-854f-977fdeabb144-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure><p>Many homeowners think they'll get a full design proposal during the first meeting. That's really rarely the case, especially if the ID hasn't even seen your home yet. &nbsp;</p><p>Some designers may sketch rough ideas to demonstrate how they think (e.g. reworking a kitchen layout or adding hidden storage), but this is more to show their thought process, rather than to deliver a final look.&nbsp;</p><p>Detailed space planning, moodboards, and 3D renders also usually come <i>after</i> a site visit and more in-depth discussions. If someone hands you a "ready-made" design without much input from you, it could just be a sales tactic or a cookie-cutter design that isn't going to be a perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Expect a walkthrough of the renovation process</strong></h4><p>A good ID should walk you through the key renovation stages. In general, these include, but are not restricted to, site visits and measurement, quotation and design proposal, 3D drawings and material selection, renovation permits and approvals if necessary, actual renovation, and final handover and post-reno rectifications.&nbsp;</p><p>If you're speaking with a CaseTrust-accredited firm, they may also bring up key contract terms upfront like deposit protection, payment schedules and dispute resolution processes. These are part of the CaseTrust accreditation criteria and exist to protect you as the homeowner.&nbsp;</p><p>If the ID is vague about their renovation process, you might want to be a little wary. Clear communication here signals how they'll manage the project later.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Expect a ballpark estimate on cost and timeline</strong></h4><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1367;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/cc378f42-8f46-46a5-839c-4466ebfb57c8-blob" width="1824" height="1367"></figure><p>You may have already shared what your budget is in the course of the first meeting, but pay attention to how the ID walks you through where the money might go. Don't expect a detailed quote yet though, that only comes after a site visit and a more in-depth design discussion.&nbsp;</p><p>Still, how they explain the ballpark says a lot. A transparent ID will raise potential cost drivers (like extensive carpentry or custom finishes) and explain what's included or not.&nbsp;</p><p>If the ID throws out a suspiciously low figure (based on your comparisons with other IDs) and they don't ask a lot of questions during the meeting, that's probably a red flag. It could be a situation where where the initial quote is kept artificially low just to hook you in.&nbsp;</p><p>Same goes for the timeline. As mentioned, most renos take 8 - 12 weeks, but only after key collection and site visits can the real schedule be confirmed.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Don’t expect any commitment (from either side)</strong></h4><p>There's no pressure to commit to anything at this first meeting. You're not expected to sign a contract or put down a deposit. Most homeowners meet with 3 - 5 IDs before making a decision, and that's completely normal.</p><p>Likewise, some IDs may be selective too. Certain designers (especially the popular or ones from smaller boutique firms) may not take on every project, if your budget or vision doesn't align with their usual scope or their schedule is full.&nbsp;If you don't hear back after the meeting, don't take it personally. It just means they aren't the right fit. It's better to find someone who's genuinely invested in your project anyway.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>What to Ask Your ID During that First Meeting</strong></h3><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With the questions you're asking the IDs, you're looking to understand how they work, communicate, and manage projects. Here are some questions to consider:&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"Can I see past projects done by you? Are there ones similar in size, style or budget to mine?"</strong></h4><p>Even if you've already stalked their online portfolio, ask to see work they've personally handled. Some firms post team-wide projects, so it's good to clarify which ones they were directly involved in, and whether they've worked on homes similar in size/style/budget to yours. This helps you judge whether they can deliver within your constraints. This is particularly useful if your home renovation is a bit trickier to renovate, like an <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/articles/what-you-need-to-know-before-renovating-an-older-resale-hdb">older resale flat</a> or a landed home.</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1732/1154;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/9460ed6d-6f50-477d-b830-2de7dc0474fc-blob" width="1732" height="1154"></figure><p>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ovon-design">Ovon Design</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"Will you personally be managing the project from start to finish?"</strong></h4><p>Some IDs are fully involved from start to finish, while others might hand off project management to a colleague after the initial meeting. Make sure to ask whether they will be your main point of contact during the renovation and if they'll be the ones overseeing the site. After all, you're choosing to engage them because you appreciate their working style, right? You don't want them to be handing your home reno over to someone else who you might not have as good a rapport with. It's also a good idea to find out how often they'll update you and how they prefer to communicate. Will it be through Whatsapp or email? It's always better to clarify these details now than be surprised later.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"What’s your design process like, and what deliverables will I get?"</strong></h4><p>Some firms go through various design stages like moodboards, 2D drawings, 3D renderings, material sampling, while others just provide simple sketches. Ask them to what's included before you sign that renovation quotation, whether extra drawings are chargeable, and what level of detail do you get for each.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/03f31aef-3f7d-4b0b-8d5c-a07482861272-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"What happens if I want to make changes mid-reno?"</strong></h4><p>Renovation plans often evolve. Maybe a laminate looks different in person than online. Maybe you prefer an off-the-rack dining table rather than a built-in one. Maybe you found a hidden pipe in the kitchen wall that you don't anticipate. Find out how flexible the ID is, what kinds of changes are feasible after work starts, what counts as a minor tweak versus a major revision, and whether variation orders (VOs) come with additional admin fees or will small adjustments be absorbed? A transparent and responsive attitude here is a good sign that they'll keep you informed and adapt as needed. Also, knowing where the line is will help you make smarter, timely decisions and avoid unpleasant decisions later.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"Do you work exclusively with certain suppliers or can I source for my own?"</strong></h4><p>Some ID firms stick to preferred vendors for efficiency or bulk deals, which may limit your options. Ask if they’re open to you sourcing items (e.g. from Taobao or JB). This is especially important if you have specific design preferences or budget goals.</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1245;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/54289fdf-7a57-421d-a602-002538a1aad8-blob" width="1920" height="1245"></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"Do you have any accreditations?"</strong></h4><p>For HDB flats renovations, the firm must be found in the HDB directory of renovation contractors. That's non-negotiable. Beyond that, you may want to look out for additional creds like SIDAS membership, BCA registration, and CaseTrust or CaseTrust-RCMA accreditation. These are good signs of a more established and professional firm, although not mandatory.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/789;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/426cc219-95f5-4ece-acad-46570eb3eb85-blob" width="1920" height="789"></figure><p>CaseTrust-accredited firms, in particular, are held to stricter standards. They use a standard renovation contract that clearly defines warranties, responsibilities and a formal dispute resolution process. They also offer a deposit performance bond, which protects your money if the firm goes bust mid-project. Learn more about it <a href="https://www.case.org.sg/casetrust/casetrust-accreditation-for-renovation-businesses/">here</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>If your designer says they're accredited, ask what that actually means for you. Does it affect the contract terms? How are you protected? What happens if something goes wrong after handover?&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"What’s your payment schedule like?"</strong></h4><p>Regardless of accreditations, always ask for clarity on the payment structure. When is the deposit due? Are milestone payments tied to key deliverables like material purchase, carpentry completion and final handover? (Pro tip: Make sure it's at least &nbsp;a four-stage payment structure with <i>clear deliverables</i> at each stage.) This question helps you plan your cash flow, but also how organised and transparent the firm is with their process.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>"What kind of warranty or after-sales support do you offer?"</strong></h4><p>You will want to ensure accountability after the handover. It's good to check whether they offer workmanship warranty (common range is 6 - 12 months), what's covered (e.g. carpentry defects, peeling laminates, paint starts flaking, loose tiles, faulty switches, etc.) and what's not (e.g. natural wear and tear, accidental damage, problems caused by improper use, etc.) and how rectifications are usually handled. Do they have a structured after-sales process or a dedicated team handling warranties?&nbsp;</p>

What to Prep, Expect and Ask in Your First Meeting with an ID

We are here to help!