How much will it cost?

A lot LESS if you have a budget and MORE than what HGTV depicts.

Budgets

Clients are hesitant to state their budget for fear the designer will use it all. Well, the truth is that may or may not happen. But if it fulfilled your visions with everything your heart desired, would that be of value to you?

Like any project, the scope must be determined first. Financial considerations usually define the framework to achieve the desired result(s). Knowing ahead of time positions us to give you the biggest bang for your buck.

For example:
If you have a limited budget to remodel your kitchen, we’d ask you what the most important elements are. With that information, we can prioritize and work out from there.

TV Shows

Most of what’s involved is on the cutting room floor. For instance, the labor fees for all these fabulously inexpensive room makeovers isn’t included; the cost of products is heavily discounted or donated in exchange for promotional exposure; and the quality of craftsmanship is nicely glossed over with good lighting and camera angles.

How long will it take?

That all depends on the scope of the project. Are we just ordering furniture? Tearing out walls?

The processes involved once a project is defined will range from selection to ordering and space planning to building. With workrooms and/or permits in between. Furniture alone can take up to 10 weeks because it is not a stock-item but customized.

And if there are any changes or additions to the original plans after being permitted, the building process will be slowed down.

What is involved?

The best way we serve our clients is to create a road map, giving us both an agreed-upon direction, a plan of action and a cost-control measure. It starts with a “fact-finding” interview where we extrapolate information on what you’re wanting, then create a design plan and address any specifics you have.

Do you have a complimentary initial visit?

Yes. First hour we meet and greet, understand the scope of the project and see if it’s a good fit for all of us. A healthy, happy “partnership” makes for a happy home.

What is your style?

My style is irrelevant because it’s all about you. Your home is a reflection of you, not me.

Do you travel?

While most of my clients are centered in the greater San Diego area, I have clients as far south as Chula Vista and far north as Orange County.

It basically depends on the type of project.

Interior design requires meeting on a regular basis. So, for farther locations we work out an arrangement that’s mutually beneficial.

Meetings for building design are at greater intervals, so it wouldn’t be much of an issue with sending drawings in pdf format via email. We can all see the same drawings when we discuss the project.

Who takes care of the building permit?

It depends. The client can certainly do so, or I can for a nominal service fee.

Do we sign a contract?

Absolutely. A contract serves as protection for us both, laying out the expectations, responsibilities, payment schedules, contingencies, waivers, disclaimers and so forth.

How much more would it cost to do green design?

As for the design fee, it doesn’t change. However, the price for materials is initially more but the savings is far greater in the long run. In fact, you can start to see a return on investment of at least 30%.