Working with an established designer or builder may often be the preferred choice. They have experience, a vast portfolio, and a good reputation. They are seasoned in their profession and know exactly what to do to get the job done. You can be confidant that they will have a list of contacts ready to help with various parts of the job, getting the work done quickly and efficiently.

But, there are some drawbacks to using an established builder or designer. In their many years of work they may have grown haughty and proud. They may think you input unnecessary and unhelpful. They are the professional and so they will not need to take suggestions from the clients.

This view is perhaps extreme, but if an established builder or designer has grown complacent, they may care more about the money than getting the job done to your satisfaction. At this point, communication becomes crucial. If you are working with a designer or builder that puts little stock into your comments and requests then you will have more difficulty communicating with him or her. If an impasse is reached then you may have to consider working with someone else, but do your best to improve communication before moving onto someone else.

When trying to communicate with a stubborn or uninterested professional, it is most important that you keep your cool. Yelling seldom does anyone good. If you are displeased with the relationship you have with your builder or designer, try having a meeting to discuss the project. Share your frustrations and if necessary threaten to switch to another designer. Use visual aids to get across what you want done in your home and express that you are willing to work together. The designer or builder is established and so he or she will have good ideas; you live in your home and know what you like so you have good ideas too, all that is necessary is the joining of the ideas and good communication. Once good communication is established, working with a designer or builder, whether new or established, will be easy as pie.