1 – Do they have experience? This is key as experience prevents many mistakes and hold up’s  to your project. If the home designer is new to the market, are they being overseen by someone more experienced who can talk over their designs with them to point out any flaws?

2 – Are they insistent on detail? A good home designer is. They should have consulted builder and engineers on  their floor-plans to make sure that they work and there are no hidden surprises that will jump out later.

3 – Do they have a good reputation? Ask friends and family. Research the internet to find out if there is any negative press about them.

4 – Are they value for money or will they charge you 500 dollars just for an hours consultation? Check out their after-sales policy, are they able to help with any queries or problems that may arise after you have walked away with the floor-plans?

5 – Do they have an existing portfolio that they can show you? They should do, as well as customer testimonials. They may even let you have the telephone number and names of previous clients so that you can speak to them.