Questions to Ask a Designer Before Hiring

Planning a new kitchen and trying to make sense of the numbers? You’re not alone. Budgets can feel murky when you don’t know what’s included or how designers charge.

Short answer: In New Zealand, most homeowners invest NZ$800–$1,500 for a simple layout plan, NZ$2,500–$6,000+ for a concept-to-builder-ready design package (plans, elevations, selections), and NZ$6,000–$12,000+ for full service with detailed documentation and coordination. Exact cost depends on scope, complexity, and how much support you want.

Hiring a kitchen, bathroom, or interior designer is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re about to invest time, trust, and money into someone who will shape your home. How do you know if they’re the right fit?

Short answer: Ask clear, practical questions up front. A good designer won’t just share their portfolio — they’ll help you understand process, costs, communication, and how they’ll protect your vision.

Why asking questions matters

Design isn’t just about taste; it’s about collaboration. You’ll be making dozens of decisions together, from layout to lighting. The right questions uncover whether your designer listens, adapts, and communicates in a way that makes you feel supported.

Top 7 questions to ask a designer before you sign

1. What’s your design process from start to finish?
   – Look for clear steps: measure → concept → revisions → documentation → trade handover.

2. What do your fees cover (and not cover)?
   – Do you get layouts, electrical plans, finishes schedules, renders, site visits? Know what’s included.

3. How do you handle revisions or changes?
   – Some include two rounds, others bill hourly beyond the first draft. This avoids surprise invoices.

4. How do you work with builders and joiners?
   – A strong designer will have relationships with local trades and produce builder-ready drawings.

5. What’s your typical timeline for projects like mine?
   – Kitchens often take 2–6 weeks in design, bathrooms 2–4 weeks, depending on scope and client decision speed.

6. Can I see examples of projects like mine?
   – Don’t just look at “pretty photos.” Ask about projects with similar constraints (small spaces, villas, modern homes).

7. How do you manage budget expectations?
   – A good designer will talk ballparks early, flag cost drivers, and help you prioritise what matters.

Local context: Hawke’s Bay

In Hawke’s Bay, many homes are either older villas with tricky walls/services or 70s/80s blocks with limited power points and natural light. Asking how a designer has handled these local challenges before will give you confidence they can do the same for your home.

3 bonus tips when meeting a designer

1. Bring inspiration images or notes — even scribbles help.

2. Be honest about budget limits — it saves everyone time.

3. Notice how you feel in the conversation — calm, rushed, listened to? That’s often more important than the portfolio.