hello communa pals! we met with more than 10 IDs and contractors during our pre-reno process, so we're here sharing bits and pieces of our learnings :) follow along on IG too! @ourdailyhues 
When we first started planning our renovation, I honestly thought going with a contractor made more sense. Here’s why: 1. I’m Thrifty by Nature 💰 Contractors are much cheaper than IDs, and I wanted to save as much as possible for other parts of the house. (We received a 20K cheaper quote from a contractor!) 2. I Already Had Mockups & Requirements 📐 As a designer myself, I had a comprehensive mockup and a detailed requirements document. On paper, I could have worked directly with a contractor. 3. I Binge-Watched So Much Reno Content 🎥 From TikTok hacks to YouTube walkthroughs, I consumed hours of renovation content. I felt equipped with knowledge and inspiration. But here’s why we ultimately went with an Interior Designer: ✨ 1. We don’t know what we don’t know. There are so many invisible details in reno — things you only learn through experience. Having a professional ensures fewer blind spots. ✨ 2. We wanted to let the professional lead. Instead of micro-managing, we focused on where our strengths could complement the designer. That collaboration gave us more confidence. ✨ 3. We needed to free up our bandwidth. Furnishing, appliances, lighting — these decisions pile up quickly. By having an ID manage the heavy lifting, we could focus our energy on other important choices. 
💡 Bonus: The Value of Design For us, design isn’t just about functionality or having a “Pinterest-worthy” home. It’s about carefully curating an experience — a space that feels like us. ➡️ So yes, it cost more to go with an ID. But for our first home, it was the peace of mind, expertise, and design process that made it worthwhile.
15 October
