Q: How long do consultations last?
A: Consultations last 2-5 hours depending on the scope of the work. We have provided a breakdown below:
Solutions that solve your dilemma in any one living room, bedroom or dining room can last 2 hours from the point of arrival. Why? Because there are always questions and ideas a homeowner has that they did not ask over their complimentary call. They ask for ideas on art placement, window covering solutions, furniture placement, colors and what kind of accessories they should use. While the exact pieces are not provided, you have a professional at your side to provide the ideas without a long-term commitment.
A Kitchen and Bath design or remodeling consultation takes 4-5 hours because it requires a deeper understanding of what the space lacks and how it can be improved, therefore the cost is higher. Why? Because we are no longer talking about decorating but construction which requires more explanation and time in regards to detail. These consultations are not at the same level as decorating where you can easily change your mind and simply wanted ideas: kitchens and bathrooms are fixed and permanent.
Q: Do you charge differently for living room consultations versus kitchen or bathroom consultations?
A: Yes, there are different charges. Every consultation begins at $247 for the first two hours of time with you. Any additional time is added to the visit on an hourly rate of $50. We charge more because we are working on-the-spot and while a homeowner considers them ideas, this is where our job begins – with ideas we come up with to provide a space they can be proud of and show to friends as well as a space they can relax in. Coming up with those ideas is an integral part of what we do therefore we charge for the service.
Q: Why does your fee begin at $247?
A: The fee begins at $247 because design is a practice. While it’s common to believe that a design professional is simply getting into their car to visit you, we first have to prepare for the visit by gathering the necessary tools to be of use to you. We are also bringing the service to your door. This takes us away from our office, driving to you, meeting with you for the time you require and returning to our office to put away the tools we had first taken to your home or site. In essence, we have already commuted to the office and when you call, we are now being asked to travel away for a meeting. We are literally on-the-clock before arrival ,therefore, the higher fee covers our prep time, travel, fuel, first two hours there, and the travel back.
Q: Are the consultation fees always credited back?
A: Only when the homeowner has decided to hire the designer for additional work. There are other services that we provide and can credit the fees to.
Q: Why do you credit the fees back?
A: We credit the fees back because while we are there, at the consultation, when a homeowner decides to hire the designer for a different tier of service, we can get started right then and there instead of coming back. It saves everyone time and money. We have documentation the homeowner can sign to jump-start the switch: we provide rates [flat or hourly] to show them what they are paying for and they will see where the design consultation fee is being credited.
Q: What if I don’t want to move on to the next tier of service?
A: If you do not want to move on to the next tier of service, your total fee for the design consultation visit is calculated and due at the end of our visit.
Q: What happens if I change my mind and call you back after you’ve already left?
A: The consultation fee is partially credited because now there is a return visit for measuring the space and presenting documentation that will take place. A return visit is considered another meeting, even if it’s only to measure a space.
Q: So, it’s best to decide if I want to move on to the next tier of service before you leave?
A: Yes, it is. You save time and money on the visits because there is no extra visit to pay for; the designer saves time on the trip and being away from the office which they would have to charge you for – all of these which result in lower fees. It’s a win-win for all parties.
