Tag: interior design

What Can I Skimp On in the Design Process and Where Should I Spend Serious Money?

It is never a good idea to start out by trying to skip anything in the design process because so much is very important in order to figure out what you really want so your design team can best advise you, but there are some short cuts you can do to save money.

For the Client

Depending on the scope of your project, you can save money by doing your homework. If you are only doing furnishings, familiarize yourself with whatever style you like and give your designer photos. If you can determine what pieces you definitely want to use, photograph them and dimension them so your designer won’t have to. If your project is more extensive such as a remodel or construction, again research your plumbing, appliance and cabinet preferences and give your designer some input to get the project moving in the right direction.

Never skimp on planning and discussing your final goal, but if you can do some of the leg work and shop yourself, you can help lessen the costs of your designers’ fees. If you choose to skimp on the details, your result could be problematic. Spending money should be a result of a well prepared budget inclusive of all costs from your designer and your contractor. I would never skimp on the finishes…that said, you usually can find lesser costly alternatives so the overall look won’t suffer. Always try not to give up on your dreams, but maybe you can live with the ceramic floor while keeping the stone countertops. Keeping your electronics simple is a way to save money and less lighting with less complicated switching can also save money. Never skimp on safety but you can possibly live with less costly materials which could be upgraded at a later date if you so choose.

Sometimes while we are shopping with a client, they will see something that is absolutely the most beautiful item they have ever seen and it is fatal to their budget. If this happens to you and you can’t live without it, go ahead and determine what the damage will be to your budget and determine how best to go about incorporating it into your plan. If you have to wait until a later date to do something, maybe that is the solution, or finding less costly items for the balance of the project, but usually that is not the case. Remember, a budget is only that, an estimate of what things could cost…you are in the driver’s seat, so your designer can’t make you over-spend, only embarrass you into doing so! Discuss with your designer what could be done so you can have that wonderful item. Recently we did that with one of our own projects…the client wanted an antique item which was so out of the budget, we determined we could do without a table in the corner of the library and only do a floor lamp instead of a table. We also used some of his existing pieces which helped balance the budget. There are a lot of ways to stay on track, but most likely you will go over the budget, so factor that into your overall cost scenarios and have a contingency plan for just such occasions.

For the Designer

When your client wants to control the spending, let them know this is their option, and let them know you will work with them on this issue…all while attempting to give them the best possible look without overspending. This is really difficult to do because most clients don’t know everything they will encounter while working on this project…you should. Most clients go over their budget, but to start off by doing so will most certainly create negative consequences later. We had a client who told us if they really wanted to purchase something over the budget, they would make that decision…after about eight such decisions, they were complaining about how they were so over budget and that we had to finish their project without any profits…guess how that one came out! Remember to caution your clients about going over the budget and if you are the one suggesting they do, then you need to be prepared for an inevitable argument or have a solution on how to achieve the overall budget with an alternative to bring the budget in line.

For the Designer and Client

Remember, a budget only includes what you have included and if you determine to go over budget, there should be no blame unless you have been deceived, so don’t deceive your client and clients should not try to deceive their designers…it ruins relationships.

How to Manage the Project

The pool and spa are an example of how Cannon Frank managed all the vendors related to a project. I worked with the tile company, stone masons, pool fabricators (I had to talk them into building a two-level pool), landscapers, and also designed the custom railing and fence. Good communication between all parties resulted in this pool winning a national award and a very happy client.
Almost every project is different from all the other experiences a client or designer has been through before, but many of the problems will still occur. Whether or not the project is small and simple, or large and extensive, there needs to be a certain amount of “overlap” to ensure everyone is on the same page and that mistakes don’t happen.

Clients often want to handle all of the various communications with all of their vendors because they think this is what they need to do to ensure they save costs on a designer’s fees. Usually this is a big mistake and will certainly be more expensive in the long run. Most clients don’t know what needs to be done to ensure a flawless project and they don’t let the designer know everything so mistakes are bound to happen. I currently am involved with a long range project and I cannot get information out of the architect or builder without going through the client (who is an extremely busy man) or his assistant (who has never done anything like this before). So when I question the electrical locations or the HVAC vents I am told this is not my expertise and to not get involved with these issues. Then I need to let them know that the lighting in our millwork will not work, the TVs won’t likely fit in the custom cabinets and they won’t have any A/C in their living room if they don’t move the vent from behind the cabinet I am supplying. And please let me know what stone you have bought on a whim and what the pattern is so I know what fabrics to select! Whew, my head is spinning just at the thought of what the implications can be if the communication is not there on either part!

For the Client

It is always best to allow the designer to be a part of all conversations so he/she knows what is happening with all aspects of the project. Everything is important — from how a door swings, to the locations of the electrical, to the windows, to the appliances and the audio/video. Designers choose to govern all aspects of a custom home and keep the client informed so they know what is happening and ask that they participate in the meeting so we all know what is happening on a regular basis. Weekly meetings are a perfect method of getting all parties to communicate well with each other.

For the Designer

As for the designer’s responsibility, you have been hired by the client — not the architect, nor the builder, so remember your loyalties are with the client and you need to be a facilitator to make certain the client knows everything which is being proposed. If a vendor is not up to your standards, you need to make the client aware of your feelings and see what you can do to ensure the vendor will do their very best. Also, only recommend the best vendors you are aware of…if there is a limitation to a certain vendor, explain why and allow your client to make the decision whether or not to use that vendor, but be aware of all that transpires so you can be of service to your client.

I had worked with an audio/video company for years and they were pretty good until they got too big and no longer provided adequate services. At that time, I had several projects they had ruined and I had to find another source for my clients to work with to rectify the faulty work done. We did this at no charge to my clients and saw this through to a successful conclusion.

For the Designer and the Client

Communication is never a waste of time…it can only save costs, so please make certain everyone is aware of all aspects of the project and keep all of your relationships on a friendly, respectful and businesslike level so you can successfully recommend them again.