Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Designer

If you’ve spent some time researching your project, you probably know that it can be difficult to find clear information about hiring a designer and what to expect. But we value transparency, integrity, and proven systems as much as we value beautiful spaces. That’s why we’ve created a simple, straightforward design strategy. We’ll take the guesswork out of your project. And with weekly check-ins to keep you updated, you’ll stay informed while we do the heavy lifting.

After an initial consultation at your home, we’ll send you an estimate of design fees for your project. This estimate is based on time spent on past projects with a similar scope of work, multiplied by our hourly rate of $200. Then, we’ll ask for 20% of the estimated fees up front as a project retainer. Once we receive the retainer and signed contract, we’ll jump into our four step process: Information, Design, Presentation, and Implementation.

 

Information

We’ll start by reaching out to schedule a time to take detailed measurements of the rooms we’ll be designing for you. During the measure, we’ll also take photos of each space so that we can refer back to them throughout the process. We might need to set up a few additional dates for tradespeople to come out and measure specific areas of the house, too. That way they can give us accurate bids. Once we get our measurements, we’ll input them into AutoCAD so that we can refer to the existing layout as we work on your design. During this time, we’ll also create an inspiration board based on your style and review it with you over Zoom to make sure we’re all on the same page.

 

Design

Next, we’ll get started on figuring out the best new layout possible for your space, and draw up any required elevation drawings. Then, we’ll start selecting all of the remodel materials (paint, countertops, tile, etc.) and furniture you’ll need for your home. Then, we’ll write up all of the materials in a spec sheet for the contractor. We typically send it to them along with our initial floor plans so that they can provide us with bids.

We’ll also assemble all of the furniture and decor into design boards. They’re essentially Photoshop collages that will illustrate how all of the furniture will come together in your space. Then, we’ll order samples of all of the fabrics and finishes to make sure they look good in real life. Once we’re satisfied, we’ll write it all up in an estimate so you’ll know exactly what the furniture will cost.

 

Presentation

As we work on our design, you most likely won’t see anything from us for about 6-10 weeks. However, we’ll be sending you weekly email updates so that you know exactly where we’re at in the process! You can expect an email every Friday to wrap up the week.

After we have all of our floor plans, design boards, quotes, and samples ready to go, we’ll reach out to you to set up a Design Presentation! On that day, we’ll come to your house for up to 2 hours, and we’ll review every detail of the design with you. By the end, you’ll have a complete design package, and an estimate of all costs related to the project. Then, you can make an informed decision about how you’d like to move forward.

If there were a few areas of the design that needed a little tweaking after our meeting, no worries. We’ll revise those as soon as possible, and email them to you for approval. And if the estimated project total came in above your ideal budget, we can also help you prioritize and break the project into phases.

 

Implementation

Once we’re in agreement about the entire design and you’re ready to move forward, we’ll send you an invoice. We’ll take a deposit on furniture and decor, and/or pass off the final version of your floor plans and specs to the contractors so they can get started on your remodel. Click here to learn about project budgeting.

Construction timelines will be determined by the contractors. In our experience here in Sacramento, most smaller remodels (1-2 rooms) take about 8-12 weeks from the start of construction. Larger remodels often take 4-6 months. And whole-house remodel timelines are usually closer to a year. However, due to COVID, we’re seeing longer timelines than usual, so keep that in mind and avoid setting deadlines with parties and holidays.

As for furniture, during a typical year it would take anywhere from 8 to 15 weeks for your furniture to arrive at our warehouse after the order was placed; 1 week for processing, 6-12 weeks for manufacturing, and 1-2 weeks for shipping. However, with global supply chains issues and shipping delays, it could take 6-8 months or more for custom items and backordered furniture to arrive. But don’t worry, when your new items finally arrive, it’ll all be worth it!

Once everything arrives at our warehouse, we’ll reach out to set up a date to install it all and style your space for the big reveal – just like on HGTV. Let’s do this! And book a discovery call today to set up your consultation!