Choosing the right contractor for home renovations is a crucial first step.
One option is the Hong Kong Interior Design Association (HKIDA), which provides a resource for those wondering who to contact, according to Timothy Cheng, an interior designer and architect, who is also chairman of public relations for the HKIDA, and owner of TiRon Interior Architecture.
The benefit of going through the HKIDA or Hong Kong Designers Association is that their members are licensed, Cheng says. Hiring an unlicensed contractor will leave you with very little recourse should something go wrong.
Once you have found someone, make sure your designer or contractor specialises in the style or type of work you want done. Cheng advises looking through portfolios to ensure their design matches your requirements.
It is also advisable to get references. The contractor will most likely give you recommendations from clients who had positive experiences, so call and ask specific questions about workmanship that is important to you. For instance, whether the contractor cleaned up his work area, kept to his timeline or final invoices matched the quote.
For large projects, you can hire a designer to take charge of the whole job since many companies are set up to handle both design and renovation work.