How I saved $15k in design fees
We were initially set on working with a direct contractor in our renovation journey, so we started looking out for freelance designers early.
💡Tip - Skip Carousell and go straight to the freelance designers on Rednote to save time and money. This will also help you visualize if your ideas and theme that you have in mind works for you
🚨check out this post on things to lookout for if you do end up working with a freelance designer from Rednote!
👀 I shared about my experience with working with my rednote designer here
We found a freelance designer on Carousell, met them in person to discuss our floor plan and our lifestyles. The turnaround time for the 9 pieces of 3D renders was ~3 weeks
💰 Price: $100 per render x 9 = $900
Due to the slow turnaround and responsiveness, we decided to try the freelance designer from Rednote. The turnaround time was 1 day and the 3D virtual tour was completed in 2 days
💰 Price: $120 for unlimited renders + 3D virtual tour
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post are my own
When I started my renovation journey, I quickly realized how design fees could add up and put a strain on my budget. Initially, I engaged a freelance designer from Carousell, paying by individual 3D render, but the process dragged on with a slow turnaround of about three weeks. This not only delayed my project but also limited the number of design options I could explore affordably. Switching to a freelancer from Rednote proved to be a game-changer. For a flat fee of $120, I received unlimited 3D renders and even a comprehensive 3D virtual tour of my space within just two days. The speed and flexibility allowed me to visualize different ideas aligned with my lifestyle and renovation theme efficiently, reducing headaches and guesswork. This experience taught me the importance of researching freelance platforms carefully. Rednote offers a more streamlined approach, connecting you directly to designers who specialize in quick, customizable solutions that can match your budget and preferences. Avoiding platforms like Carousell for design projects might save you significant time and money, especially if you value responsiveness and quality. In my opinion, freelancers providing unlimited 3D renders and virtual tours represent excellent value for homeowners seeking detailed visualization without excessive fees. The savings can be substantial, as demonstrated by how I saved $15k in design fees simply by choosing the right freelancing service early on. For others embarking on renovation projects, I recommend focusing on freelancers’ turnaround times, deliverables (like virtual tours), and pricing models. Personal meetings are helpful but can be supplemented or replaced by efficient digital communication tools to speed things up. Having a clear idea of your floor plan and lifestyle needs before engaging a designer also helps in getting the most accurate and useful renders. Ultimately, smart choices in hiring freelance designers can not only save you money but also make your renovation process more enjoyable and effective. Don't hesitate to explore options like Rednote to find affordable design services that value your time and vision.
Do you find a contractor after the design is finalised?