Hiring the wrong decorator can lead to budget overruns, delays, and disappointing results. Watch for these clear red flags before you sign anything.
1. Vague Pricing or “Ballpark” Quotes Only
- No itemised costs or BOQ
- Avoids discussing inclusions/exclusions
Why it’s risky: Hidden charges appear later.
2. No Written Agreement
- No contract, scope, or timeline in writing
- Payment terms discussed verbally only
Why it’s risky: Disputes become your problem.
3. Pushes Their Style, Not Yours
- Dismisses your needs or lifestyle
- Shows the same look for every project
Why it’s risky: You’ll get a “show home,” not your home.
4. Unrealistic Promises
- “We’ll finish in half the time”
- “This luxury look at a very low budget”
Why it’s risky: Quality and timelines usually suffer.
5. No Clear Deliverables
- Unclear number of 3D views
- No working drawings or material specs
Why it’s risky: Execution won’t match expectations.
6. Unlimited Revisions (Sounds Good, Isn’t)
- Promises endless changes without limits
Why it’s risky: Indicates poor process; causes delays.
7. Won’t Share References or Past Clients
- Avoids client feedback
- Shows only Instagram photos
Why it’s risky: You can’t verify reliability or execution quality.
8. Commission-Driven Recommendations
- Pushes specific brands/vendors aggressively
- Can’t justify material choices
Why it’s risky: Decisions may favour commissions over value.
9. Poor Communication Early On
- Slow replies
- Missed meetings
- Changes details frequently
Why it’s risky: Communication usually gets worse mid-project.
10. No Site Supervision Clarity
- Unclear who visits site and how often
- Blames contractors for everything
Why it’s risky: Design intent gets lost during execution.
11. Full Payment Upfront
- Asks for 100% before starting
Why it’s risky: You lose leverage if problems arise.
12. No After-Handover Support
- No defect liability or post-completion help
Why it’s risky: Small issues become expensive fixes later.
What a Good Decorator Should Do Instead
- Provide clear scope + itemised BOQ
- Offer realistic timelines
- Document deliverables and revision limits
- Communicate clearly and consistently
- Use milestone-based payments
Quick Checklist (Before You Hire)
✔ Written agreement
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ Relevant portfolio
✔ Clear supervision plan
✔ References available
Bottom Line
If something feels unclear, rushed, or too good to be true, it usually is. A reliable decorator is transparent, structured, and realistic from the first meeting.
If you want, tell me:
- Your home size
- Budget range
- Design-only or execution
I can help you screen a decorator’s proposal before you commit.