Working With A Home Designer

72chevy4x4

I've done some work for a couple and they would like for me to bid on their MBR/bedroom/office remodel. They are working with a 'design studio', who wrote up the proposal which looks straight out of MS Word. Not a lot of detail at all-I've already asked for clarification on a few things-such as what kind of shelving will be used in the closet...what size tile/pattern. The writeup makes me think they're new to this kind of work.

Any experience working with 'newbies' trying to run the show? Seems I should profit for teaching these guys the ropes! My concerns include last minute additions, changes or waiting on 'supplied' items.

modterry

Now let the "finger pointing" begin. I would recommend that you do the specs as you see fit. They hired this firm - maybe only for some good design ideas. Go over the top to be polite but, you outline in detail the woods, finishes, etc. Make a list of topics / specs and then go through them.

What do you have to lose by being detailed. If that was their job - the customer will realize you put the time in and you will be happy because the job will be clear to both you and the customer.

If they want to change one of your specs - at least you will be clear ahead of time what was to go in prior to be locked in in price.

Terry

RidgeWalker

Ask the design studio how experianced they are. Just be political about it and don't do it in front of the clients.

Say something like; Guys I've asked a couple of questions for clarification and I'm a little concerned. How long you been in the design business?

If they admit not being in long then say, hey we all start somewhere. My concern is completing this job with no hitches so in an effort to avoid problems lets work a little closer together and I'll offer my suggestions based on my experiance to help make this a smooth process.

You might end up forging a good relationship with them and they'll see you as a goto contractor for clients the pick up in the furture.

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wyoming 1

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Ridgewalker Hit it on the head especially about forging a new relationship. As far as spects go if there are no or incomplete details give them allowances x amt for tile allowance x amt for carpet ect. I have wanted to forge a relationship with an interior desiger for a while and if i ever move back east and start up again there I will hire one in house

VBuilt

I would agree with all above.
But do the job the way you do your jobs- details.
I am continually amazed at the amount non-specifics in contracts/specs.
Allowances are a necessary evil but can be avoided to a great and make you look better, more capable and professional in the end.
I typically approach the issue of specifics and allowances by making it a matter of protecting the client from unforeseen cost and dissatisfaction.
For instance- I could easily use a 25k allowance for the kitchen but I am just concerned that when the time comes to decide on the cabinets you could find that the kitchen you really feel fits the project and meets you desires is going to be 32k- I would much rather we get a better feel for allowances, if not actual decisions and costs to incorporate in the contract up front. I often find that the amount of cost overruns is directly proportional to the amount of up front time put into a contemplated project- due diligence if you will.
I also try to work in something along the lines of- I have found that most contractors and clients are honest hardworking decent people; the difficulties usually arise out of an hoonest misunderstaning about what is actually included in the job- expectations. The only way to avoid that is in the specs.

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VBuilt Custom Homes
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