With the cost of living skyrocketing, but the desire for well-designed surroundings still important, one has to ask, should I tackle a re-do project on my own, or bite the bullet and hire that pricey professional?

That is a question for all those “do it yourselfers” out there. So, to help you decide, here is the inside track on investing in a professional versus going it alone.

Taking on a design project has become easier for the home or business owner, thanks to the internet. Just googling the word “chair” brings up 100 different companies that can offer 100 different styles of chair. Selecting just the right one is actually the easy part, but before you press that order button, make sure the chair will fit! That’s where something called a floor plan comes in. If you are good at math, and can measure a room to lay it out in quarter-inch scale, you will be able to make sure that new chair will work in the room, especially with all your existing pieces.

Actually placing the order can be a bit more challenging. Reputable companies will have a “real” customer service representative to guide you through the ordering process. You will be asked about fabrics, colors and finishes. If you are not particularly sensitive to design details, and any shade of red or green will work, feel free to proceed. Just be aware that the piece covered in rust chenille fabric with the mahogany legs may arrive in a burnt orange microfiber with painted oak feet. And if you check off “plush down fill,” the cushion may arrive wrapped in thick dense foam.

At the end of your ordering process, you may have to decide how the piece will ship. Many companies will not ship directly to a residence, but will ship to a delivery company of your choice. Remember to inquire about insurance, and who is covered in case of damage. Ask about the company’s return policy, because if a piece of furniture is covered in a fabric of your choice, it is considered “custom,” and not returnable. Double check those quarter-inch dimensions, just to make sure the piece will fit through your front door, or up your winding staircase.

Many have become quite savvy in navigating DIY projects, and are prepared for possible pitfalls and unexpected outcomes. But for others, the lack of communication, insufficient details, few options and hidden fees are just a few of the hassles that may want to be avoided. If those are your concerns, it is time to hire a professional.

Architects and professional interior designers are individuals who have degrees in their specific fields. Having someone with experience as a guide can save a lot of worry, and quite a bit of money. Design professionals are adept at the critical elements of design. Understanding scale, proportion, balance and color is key to a fully-thought-out and coordinated project. They are knowledgeable in styles and architectural elements that work together, and those that don’t, and are not concerned with just one room, but how one design directly affects surrounding spaces.

If your project is of a more involved nature, like a new kitchen or bath, a professional can navigate and coordinate the many trades that will be working within the space. Selections of cabinetry, appliances, materials and hardware will all play a major role in the layout, floor plans and elevations. The coordination of all these activities can end up being the critical element in the overall success of the project.

As you begin to consider all that is involved in the architectural and interior design of your space, keep in mind the time element that a well-designed project involves, and determine if you are up to the DIY challenges you are sure to encounter. But if you are the least bit unsure, think about speaking directly to a professional to determine if their guidance will not only put your mind to rest, but make for a much more rewarding and beautiful project in the end.

Patricia Cove is Principal of Architectural Interiors and Design in Chestnut Hill.