Rehab for Resell - Become an Interior Decorator?

Question

Hi.

I'm doing my research before taking on any Rehab projetcs by going to the Home Depots as well as learning all I can about costs and how things are done. BUT, here is what might seem like a "Mr Obvious" question. Would I be selecting all the items myself? Mainly, style and type of cabinets, rugs, paint, light fixtures (easy for me since I sell those)?

I simply have never thought about it before.

Thanks,

Philip

J Scott · Answer

Yup, she's the designer in the family...

When we first started rehabbing, she spent several days picking out finishes -- everything from light fixtures to plumbing fixtures to cabinets/countertops to paint colors -- and we use all the same finishes in every house we do.

This provides several benefits:

1. Our contractors always know what materials to use;

2. We don't spend a lot of time ordering materials;

3. We can buy extra materials when they're on sale;

4. We never have to wonder if a set of finishes go with other finishes in the house (they've all be pre-selected and matched);

5. I can rehab a house without any input on the design at this point, since all the decisions have been made.

The only thing that changes from house to house is the exterior paint color, as my wife likes getting to try different combinations of colors.

We essentially did the same thing for the staging.  My wife bought several sets of furniture and accessories, each with a different color scheme.  When we stage, she decides which color scheme to use, and then -- in theory, at least -- she doesn't even need to be involved, as the layout is pretty much the same in every house.

I highly recommend doing things this way -- figure out designs that work and then repeat them in every house.  If you aren't good at picking finishes, colors, furniture, etc, find someone who is, and pay that person to help you do it one time.  After that, repeat, repeat, repeat...

Ophelia Nicholson · Answer

If you are married you might want to think about getting a woman's eye, Stuff like kitchen and bathroom sell a home and women purchasing are the one that you need to sell the dream most of the time. I look at rehab pictures and I automatically think GOT TO BE A GUY, who would think that looks good! 
I'm not saying that every woman has a good eye for style or what looks good but the majority of them know what appeals to them as a a great kitchen or great bathroom.
Anson if I'm not mistake J Scott's wife does the decorating.

Anson Young · Answer

You would be selecting them all yourself.

You have a few options:
1. hire an interior designer to consult on a few interior design packages, where they can help you find a coordinating cabinet/counter/paint/hardware/fixtures/tile, etc.  I know a few guys who have 1-3 templates of coordinating items, and choose a template for a project and go with it.  I have 2 templates, one with lighter cabinets/floors, one with darker.  All of the corresponding items match based on that.  Sometimes I deviate with tile/accent choices, but usually stick to my proven formula.
2. hire a designer for each house, I think J Scott does this, I may be wrong.
3. watch alot of HGTV, walk alot of rehabbed flips in your price range, and above (I like to take little details out of $500k plus houses and apply them down at my level), take alot of notes and walk home depot and get to know their inventory very well.

I wouldnt become an interior decorator, when you can just hire one.  Better use of your time.

J Scott · Answer

A friend of mine co-founded that site.  I've been meaning to mention it here on BP but hadn't gotten around to it...

I agree that it's great for helping those who don't have an eye for design (I'm in that group!).

J Scott · Answer

It's probably easier if you just take a look at the "House Pics" section of my blog...you'll notice that for the more recent houses, we've gone to less bulky, more lightweight furniture.  This is important when you're moving it around a lot...

Don Hines · Answer

Ditto the wife is the decorator. I could do the cookie cutter thing if she was not involved. I get in trouble when I venture off into her area of expertise. But, it is perfectly alright for her input on plumbing, electrical, foundation,ETC.
Don

Philip Bourdon · Answer

Jeffrey, that product looks amazing. To think that it has levels for the type of houses is so focused. I may very well use that. I really don't have a good eye for color. I know good and bad when I see it, but am not sure how to get there!

Thanks so much.

Philip Bourdon · Answer

Thanks Ophelia. As I sell lighting for homes, literally everyone who is building has an island and we see 4-5 people a day who now have an island and are trying to light it. I know that even in the under 100K more blue-collar neighborhoods the island will give that kitchen fantastic "pop." The sizzle sells and it's even more than sizzle.

What you said here:

Great advice.

Jeffrey K. · Answer

I think I have good taste so I pick my own finish.  Remember you want to apeal to the market not only to yourself.  I have never tried this product but it might help...

http://www.nelsondesigngroup.com/DPC/designcan.php

Ophelia Nicholson · Answer

I am actually a big fan of islands, the rehab we have now- (pictures coming soon we just put granite in yesterday) when we originally bought it had a wall framed and I thought if we took it down and put in a island would open up the space. Now all the neighbors comment that they wish they had an island.
Granted the place was down to the studs when we purchased so you may need to make sure taking down walls and putting in islands that you have permits if required.

I think when rehabbing that it helps greatly if you aren't doing it alone. What I mean by this is sometimes you cannot see everything, you cannot envision everything. So sometimes you think that looks good and someone comes in and goes HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND! That would look horrible.

You may not need someone forever but starting out I think definately helps.

Rehab for Resell - Become an Interior Decorator?

Most Popular Reply