FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do you collect payment for a consultation at the time of booking?
A: The initial consultation is only two hours long in which we will talk about everything you need/want your home to become, and there is often so much to cover that we get caught up and forget to deal with that mundane task.
Q: Why do you collect 100% of payment on goods and services?
A: It shows a commitment by both parties to the project
· Suppliers require a 100% payment at the time of ordering.
· It minimizes the time spent on paperwork, so more time is available for planning, designing, and executing your space
· A project requires many tasks and calendar coordination for success, and this ensures orders are placed timely and keeps the project on schedule
Q: Will there be any mistakes if I hire you?
A: Even with the highest standards observed and excellent systems in place, it's not possible to catch every mistake before it's made. Careful preparation and on-site review can help prevent a myriad of errors, and Inviting Interiors is committed to correcting any problem in the most expedient fashion. Our process has been molded to catch damages/deficiencies as early as possible, so our clients don't have to experience the inconvenience. In the case of a billing error (e.g., transposed numbers), the client would not be billed for the time to correct that error. If a trade, sub-trade, manufacturer, or supplier makes an error, then the client is billed for the time it takes to manage the repair of the error.
Q: How do you help with the renovation process?
A: The designer will…
· Offer advice as to how to prepare for a renovation and help set up alternative living spaces
· Assist with interviewing trades and be available to the trades on their start date
· Observe trades/suppliers to answer questions as a spokesperson for the client
· Resolve issues and reconcile any impact on the design while advocating the client's vision and the end result.
· Contribute to trades punch lists to ensure the finishing of all details
· Weekly Renovation update email to the client concerning all aspects of the project
Q: What if a product is received damaged or defective? What about delays due to faulty products?
A: The manufacturer/shipper is the sole responsible party for any merchandise ordered that comes in defective/damaged. Inviting Interiors takes no responsibility for unsuitable items of furniture, fabric, drapery treatments, upholstery, etc. All trade sources and tradespeople are fully responsible for the item(s) they bring to the project. If a product that is order-managed by Inviting Interiors is received damaged or defective, Inviting Interiors will correct the problem in the most efficient manner possible to keep the project on track.
Q: What about surprises uncovered during a renovation?
A: The designer works with the trades to make every effort to anticipate hidden or unknown variables during the renovation process. The designer and trades will create a contingency plan and notify clients of any impact on the project, including delays and costs involved.
Q: How do your services differ from those offered by furniture stores or online decorating services?
A: Complimentary/Ridiculously Low Priced services are mainly shopping assistance, which is not the same as designing a space to maximize functionality and serve the user's specific needs. They may see you need a desk, but that does not mean the selection they offer will accommodate your storage needs, maximize the functionality and utilize the space to its best outcome.
They are not full-service design sources and are often unable to offer advice on essential parts of the design as a whole, like window treatments, finish/surface selection, paint, and a complete lighting plan.
Also, they are limited to choosing from only the merchandise they carry, dramatically restricting potential choices and missed opportunities.
We will look at every option from every reliable manufacturer that best suits your mandates and open new accounts if needed to ensure you get the most for your investment of time and money.
Q: Do you work with all levels of project investments?
A: Yes, We welcome all-size projects and are very sensitive to our client's comfort level of investing in their homes. Our projects typically have a Furnishing Investment Estimate of 35K-50K per space. We offer service levels to suit and will help you develop an investment estimate and break it down into manageable stages if needed. We help you save money by avoiding costly construction changes or incorrect furniture sizing. We can take any investment level and make it look like you spent more than you did to create your dream home.
Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: Personal check - will take a few days to clear once deposited at the bank.
Bank Transfer - will take a couple of days from the date sent.
Credit card - Credit or debit cards can be processed online at the invoice. Inviting Interiors does not keep or see your card information.
Q: I plan on building/remodeling a house but need more time to furnish or accessorize it. Should I still involve an interior designer in the building process?
A: Absolutely. Thousands of decisions will have to be made during the building process that affect your home's functionality, comfort level, and look for many years. Decisions regarding flooring, countertops, cabinetry, lighting, and many other minor details should be well thought out and consistent with your home's intended style and design. These permanent fixtures are a considerable portion of your home's cost. Making the right choices from the start will prevent you from wanting to make expensive changes in the near future.
Q: What's the difference between Order Management and Specify Only?
A: Specify Only is for clients who prefer to do their own shopping for the selected items proposed for their space. Once the design plan is approved, the client receives all the details about the recommended items. They can then shop for items that fit the specs, place the orders themselves and take care of any required follow-through. Some design elements cannot be Specify-Only, such as most custom items, i.e., furniture reupholstery or refinishing, custom window treatments, etc.
Full-Service Order Management is when all items are purchased thru the design firm. The client receives weekly emails with updates regarding the status of orders, i.e., confirmation of order placement, lead times, and expected delivery dates, receiving, unpacking, and inspecting items for quality assurance, ordering replacements for damaged parts or organizing RMA #, repacking, return shipping, and arranging replacement, assembly, confirming receipt of all items, matching pack slips with invoices, arranging delivery and installation and any other tasks associated with orders that require attention. Once everything is at the receiving warehouse, an Install Day is scheduled.
Q: Do you take on Pro Bono Projects?
A: Pro bono work comes from the heart and provides clients in need with the same level of service as those who pay for it. We encourage you to contact us if you have a specific project you would like us to consider.
Q: How should I choose a designer?
A: You…
· like them!
· understand their process, and it's exactly what you're looking for.
· feel they understand your project problems and will provide solutions that suit you
· feel their firm is well-run and organized.
· love their work and are inspired by their portfolio.
· are excited to get started with them, AND they seem excited to get started with you.
· are comfortable with the timeline they have recommended for your project.
· are comfortable with their fees and recommended project investment.
· trust them to talk to and confide in.
· are comfortable being on a waiting list to work with them.
Q: How long will my project take?
A: Full-scale projects can take six months or longer to complete, while our styling service will provide you with instant gratification. Typically more than two-thirds of the overall time is spent planning and preparing. If time is of the essence, we can develop solutions to meet your requirements. The project's duration is not set in stone and hinges on many factors. If you make decisions quickly, the project will be completed sooner. If you need a little more time to mull things over, it could increase the time necessary to complete the project.
It is best to contact us as early as possible to discuss your potential project.
Q: Why do I need an Interior Designer if I already have an Architect/Builder?
A: Architects, Builders, and Interior Designers have very different areas of expertise. Most Architects/Builders work with structure and building design. They don't specialize in aesthetic and functionality details of interiors, such as kitchen and bath design, custom cabinetry and built-ins, color schemes, flooring specifications, and wall and window treatments. Designers brought in at the beginning of a project can create a master plan for the interior of your entire home or office, which can be implemented in stages as your investment level allows. The ideal design team consists of an Architect, Builder, and Interior Designer to cover all aspects of your internal and external spaces so that they have the highest function regarding your specific needs.
