MICHELE VAN DER VEEN
with these capabilities can help cut down on change orders and eliminate running into unfixable design flaws. For example, custom-ordered cabinets that don’t end up fitting or looking right can break a project. Not handled properly, these big-ticket items can cost the project time and money. WHO TO HIRE? Adding an interior designer to your team requires time and effort. Your first conversation with a potential designer should be in person. Every team is made up of different personalities, opinions, and tastes, which means you will need to do due diligence on any designer you consider. Deciding whether the
personalities will work together as they make numerous decisions is the most important thing you must determine. Find a designer with a portfolio you love; their work will define the look of the overall project. You should also be comfortable working with the designer. Building a house from the ground up is exciting, fun, and very lucrative—if the right team is in place. Interior designers are invaluable to any investor wanting to build a spec house from the ground up. All too often cut out of the budget, designers can more times than not make up that cost through their guidance in making good decisions that keep the project on time, within budget, and more profitable. Isn’t that what we’re all striving for?
Michele Van Der Veen is the host of Good Day segments, including Flip It, Decorate Like a Designer, and Stage to Sell. She started her career in real estate investing more than 30 years ago. A published author, Van Der Veen has been recognized and featured in international magazines for her unique approach to interior design. Acquiring a formal education from the Interior Designers Institute of California, her experience stems from building custom homes to flipping more than 100 homes and working in commercial real estate development alongside her father at a young age. Not afraid to push the limit on her designs and investments, Van Der Veen will often be heard reassuring her team about her decisions by saying “Don’t worry, we are the comps!” For more on Van Der Veen’s work or to contact her, visit iHeartHomescorp.com.
70 | think realty magazine :: september - october 2024
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