Please reach us at info.creeativedesigns@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
CAN I SHOP ON MY OWN? You have hired me to design and complete a vision for your space and I ask that you do not select or purchase items because that selection may not be a fit for the design, space, or budget. You will receive a detailed Specification for items to be purchased direct.
WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS CAN I EXPECT? I do my best to give you a full cost outlook of each item, but additional costs such as storage, shipping, installation, or unexpected labor do occasionally happen.
Shipping: Shipping is largely calculated by weight & distance. If the vendor is unsure of how much the package will weigh until its packed up and ready to ship to you, shipping will usually be billed later.
Storage: To get that "blown-away-I-can't-believe-how-awesome-my-house-looks-and-you've-even-lit-candles" moment, the install should happen all at once, preferably while you're away so clients can enjoy the impact of what the space looks like finished. To get the "oh-my-god-I-never-expected-my-home-to-look-this-good-ever" moment, your stuff has to spend some time in storage if we are doing a full design service. Tucked away until everything is in and ready to be installed for the big "ta-da". Trust me, it's so worth it.
Insurance: It's important to have insurance and to check with your insurance company and interior designer as to who is responsible at what time for that $25,000 Coromandel screen you're having shipped from the Far East. Just sayin'.
Unexpected labor: Sometimes we as interior designers, can't possibly foresee everything (why is it so hard for me to admit that?). Perhaps something was hidden behind a large family portrait on the walk-thru, or covered up by wallpaper, maybe that Coromandel screen needs a little repair work but it's not clear how much. Things come up and you've got to be flexible (anyone who has ever remodeled knows this all too well, right?).
Expected labor: Vendors don't know how much time and effort it'll take until they see what they have to do. Is that vague? Maybe restoration work does need to be done on an antique, maybe the silk fabric needs knit-backing, perhaps a lantern needs powder-coating, or rewired. Many of these things we can get estimates for, but until the work is completed it may not be possible to get an exact cost.
Minimum Fees: Sure you can order a yard of fabric, but it'll cost you extra with many vendors because of their minimum yardage requirements. It may seem unfair, but it is time-consuming and not as lucrative to cut one yard as opposed to twenty. You'll also see minimum fees if purchasing from a wholesaler and not reaching their minimum order requirements. And unfortunately, I often see vendors providing quotes without this minimum fee, only to have it show up on the invoice when you are ready to purchase.
Rush fees: If you want to be at the front of the line, you'll have to pony up. Disney and the airlines do it so this one isn't too surprising.
DO YOU WORK WITH CONTRACTORS? I work with the contractors hired by the client. I love working with other design professionals to create your custom space. I prefer to use professionals that I have worked with on previous projects and can provide recommendations when necessary. CD does not provide contractor services; so independent architects and contractors hired by the client are an integral part of the process.
HOW LONG DO PROJECTS NORMALLY LAST? This depends on the scope of the project and what is purchased. Occasionally there are delays caused by weather, vendor vacations, factory errors, and other unpredictable influences, that are out of my control. The client as well as all professionals hired to work on the project are expected to not cause unreasonable delays in the project.
HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER? Once you receive a Proposal you have 3 days to either accept or decline the item. For acceptance, a signed copy of the proposal or approval on Studio Projects along with full payment is required to place an order. No item will be ordered by Designer until Designer receives signed proposal and full payment.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER AN ORDER IS PLACED? Most often orders cannot be cancelled or refunded. In the event that a full refund can be attained you may cancel the order and receive a refund for the cost of the item minus the purchasing fee and any other applicable fees. You will be charged hourly for the time spent on cancelled orders. Custom orders are nonrefundable.
WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE? Proposals are due with payment within 3 days. Invoices for time billing and reimbursable expenses are due within 14 days. Invoices more than 30 days past due will accrue a 10% late fee per month and all work will cease until invoice is paid.
WHAT IF I DECIDE MID-PROJECT I WANT TO ADD MORE TO THE SCOPE? Since I work hourly, increasing the scope is not a problem.
WHAT IF I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT AN ITEM? Please bring these to my attention immediately and we will discuss your concerns and if necessary, find a more desirable solution. The decision about what is purchased and installed in your home is ultimately yours.
WHAT ABOUT BUDGET? We can work within your budget, whether you are looking for a completely custom masterpiece or more along the lines of Pottery Barn or a mix of the two. Having a budget is very important for the project running smoothly and for your expectations to be met.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPECIFICATION & PROPOSAL? A Specification is a document that I provide the details for you to purchase an item yourself. You will pay the vendor directly. A Proposal is a document where I am requesting payment for items so that I can purchase the item on your behalf. Proposals are payable to Creeative Designs Interior Design.
HOW ARE ITEMS DELIVERED DURING A FULL SERVICE DESIGN? Our policy is to perform one large installation of all your items. This includes all furniture and accessories purchased. Items purchased by Creeative Designs go into a licensed, bonded, insured and climate-controlled warehouse awaiting installation. It it our policy to not deliver items to client’s homes directly or in multiple trips. Clients are responsible for all shipping, storage, & delivery fees.
FAQS & POLICIES: I have read, understand and agree to the policies outlined in the document FAQs & POLICIES.