When you have a job in interior decorating, there is one thing you may not want to skip: the interior design questionnaire for clients. It may seem like a small and unimportant thing, but it can be crucial for a job well done.
The last thing you may want is to go through the entire design process, only to realize that you completely missed the mark. The initial consultation is very important, as it gives you a good idea, but you also need to ask all the right questions.
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Why Would You Need a Client Questionnaire?
There are various reasons why you may need an interior design client questionnaire. Here is how they can help you with your initial call.
It Sets Clear Expectations
When you start questioning your potential clients, you get a better idea of what they expect from the design style. You will get more information about their taste, preferences, budget, and more. With your client questionnaire, you will know exactly what to expect and most certainly you will not miss the mark.
It Can Save Time
Sure, you can ask your potential client these things bit by bit, but it can waste precious time. It's better to get all the essential questions out in the open right away. This way, not only will you know the direction that you have to take, but you will also spare yourself from making any mistakes on the project proposal.
It Fills Missing Gaps
You and your client must be on the same page. Let's say that you completed your initial interior design consultation and you had a good idea of what you wanted to do - but later on, you had new questions to ask. An interior design questionnaire can help fill those missing gaps.
It Allows for a Good Impression
You may feel that questionnaires may bore your clients, but in truth, they show how dedicated you are to your interior design business. The initial consultation will show them that they made a good choice going for your service.
Aspects of an Interior Design Client Questionnaire
Every interior design client questionnaire should meet certain points. Here is what you should address with your prospective clients.
Introductions
During the discovery call, you should address general pleasantries. Get to know the client better, and allow them to know you as well. They must know that you are a successful business, so you should show them all your credentials and design services.
Project Proposal
Make a project proposal with the ideas that they suggested to you, along with technical information. This can include aspects such as how many rooms there are, what the purpose of the room will be, what the preferred style is, and all the information that may matter here. Access our free interior designer proposal template here.
Design
When you are at the first meeting with your clients, you also need to talk about your vision. What style should the room have? Are there any favorable colors or furniture types?
For instance, some may prefer a light minimalist design, whereas others may lean towards a dark Victorian style with lots of black and red. Talk about the specifics of the design so that you can come up with a beautiful space.
Space
In order to get the job done right, you also need to consider the space. Go from one room to another and take everything into notice.
It might be helpful to also take some pictures of the place. Take some measurements, and figure out where the items would fit better for their intended use. For instance, if you have certain decor items that you want to use, then you should make sure they fit perfectly in the available space.
Contact
if you are dealing with new clients, the questionnaire must have general information such as their address, their phone number, and other useful details about the client.
While you are in this stage, you may look up their neighborhood as well. For instance, if their neighborhood has a particular style that the client wants to respect, then you may add this to your design process.
Note: Before you send a questionnaire, make sure you are protected by a proper legal agreement to avoid any future problems. Bonsai has a free interior design contract template you can use to kick start a relationship with a new client. Try our software out today.
Questions to Ask in an Interior Design Questionnaire
There are several questions that you may want to ask upon the initial call. These questions include:
What Is Your Project?
This should be your conversation opener. Your client must see that you are willing to work closely with them - and the best way to do that is to inquire about their needs and expectations. Discuss feedback during the initial consultation and talk about potential solutions to their problems.
What Is Your Budget?
When creating the client questionnaire, interior designers must also inquire about the budget. Some people will answer this question right away, whereas others may feel uncertain and awkward about their budget.
A new client may be potentially unsure, so both you and the person you are interviewing should have an open conversation about this. Otherwise, you may not be able to meet the client's vision while keeping realistic standards. Try Bonsai's free quote template for interior designers.
Where Did You Hear About My Interior Decorating Services?
Every detail matters, so a new client questionnaire should also include how they found out about the project. Did they use the Internet to find you, or did someone else refer them to you? Make a note to thank your previous interior design clients for referring them to you.
What Are Your Contact Details?
You may need to contact your potential clients for other projects, which is why your interior design client questionnaire should also include their home address, email, and phone number. You may also want to ask for payment details while you are at it. For instance, if they prefer to pay with Bonsai's business account, you will want to know about it.
Aside from the ability to contact them, it can also be helpful in other circumstances. For example, if they don't live anywhere near your service area, then you may refer them to other interior designers near them.
Do You Have Some Inspirational Images That Can Represent Your Ideas?
Words are a good way to gather information, but in order to truly get the client's vision, you should also get them to show you some pictures of what they want. If they are using Google forms to complete the online questionnaire, then you may ask them to submit the design ideas there.
Are There Any Potential Challenges to This Interior Design Project?
Perhaps the client lives on a rented property, which means the interior designer may not have much liberty in the aspects that could be modified. Or maybe the interior decorating task has to be done in a short time. Either way, these things must be discussed beforehand.
What Design Styles Do You Like or Dislike?
Your interior design questionnaire should also include styles that they may or may not like. Perhaps they have a potential color palette that they like or may absolutely dislike. This can give you a better visual of the interior design style that they are looking for.
Have You Worked with Other Interior Designers Before?
This question can give you a lot of relevant feedback in regard to your potential client. For instance, let's say that they worked with someone before who didn't succeed in meeting their expectations. Or perhaps they really liked what they did before and are looking for something similar.
You need to know all this beforehand, so that you may meet their expectations properly. The last thing you want is to make the same potential mistakes that other interior designers made.
Is There Anything You'd Like to Keep?
Once more, this is a very important question that you should not skip. For instance, let's say that your client has a tiger-print rug that they really want to keep. In that case, the interior décor must have a similar style.
However, if it doesn't fit the design that they are after, it's your job as an interior designer to come up with alternatives.
Who Will Be Living in The House?
Depending on who will live in the house, you may want to create your project around it. For instance, you may have to design a room for a 30-year-old adult and one for a 6-year-old girl. Needless to say, they will want different things, so you must adapt your design around their preferences.
When Would You Like This Project to be Completed?
Depending on your client's current design, you may require some extra time in order to create your own model. Moreover, if their time is limited, you also need to know the frame so that you may create a feasible project.
Take the client's time in mind as well. For instance, if they need to be at home or at least in the vicinity during that time, it can significantly affect your process. You may not be able to do much work if they are around. If the task must be done faster, you can make the most out of your time by using programs such as Bonsai.
The Bottom Line
Asking the right questions at the right time can ensure that every project of yours is a success. The more thorough you are with your architect client questionnaire, the more business you will attract.
