Below I answer a few of the questions I get asked most often! Feel free to ask me any question you may have about design and I’ll try my best to answer. I could even make this a monthly blog series! Happy designing friends!
Are you seeing prices drop a bit due to COVID-19? No. Actually, in my industry we have remained busy, especially on the residential side. I think with people being stuck at home they are itching to do home projects because that one space that wasn’t “that bad” 3 months ago, now really bothers them.
How are you/your industry able to still work during this time? As mentioned my industry is actually quite busy. What we are struggling with is getting samples and product/furniture in a reasonable time. Luckily I have the ability in most cases to check stock, so if it’s a quick turn around situation we will make sure we ONLY select in stock items. Also, like everyone else technology has played a huge role. Zoom, Facetime, and even just texting…are all very powerful tools!
How do I know if I’m going to like the finished design? I will do everything in my power to paint a picture for you of what the finished space will look like. This will include: floor plans, elevations, samples of everything, cabinet company renderings and if you still aren’t sure we can put things on Sketchup (a 3D rendering program) as well.
How long will it take the contractor to complete my job? My contractors will not start a job until ALL material is here. This is because things could end up being backordered and that throws everything off. Using a guest bathroom as an example, if everything is here than it should not take longer than 7-10 business days (pending the extent of the design and if walls are being added/removed). If there is glass involved (i.e. a door) than that will take about 10 additional business days after the tile has been set. We can’t measure for and order glass until tile has been installed.
Can I get a discount on product? If I have an account with the company I will do my best to make sure my clients pay below retail on product that they purchase thru me. This does not include most big box stores like Home Depot, Lowes, Floor & Decor (these companies don’t provide discounts). That’s a benefit in hiring me. You’ll save money! I have accounts with numerous companies and vendors to provide my clients with options that range in price and style.
Do you have a good referral for…..? I have many trusted vendors, sub-contractors and contractors that I use and have used for quite some time. Tell me what you are looking at doing and I’ll probably have a name of someone you can use!
How do you clean that glass shower with the frame? **See pictures of classic white bathroom** 😊 it’s a secret…. (The frame is on the outside only! You can clean the shower side the same as you would any glass door in a shower)
Will this design stand the test of time or will it be dated in 10 years? There’s really no way of knowing this. Design trends shift just as fashion, cars, etc… I try to design for my clients in hopes that even WHEN trends do shift that it will still be in keeping with the client’s taste. Also, I try to keep the major finish selections pretty neutral and than if we want to play with an accent tile, color, wallcovering, etc in a smaller area than in the future it would be fairly easy and inexpensive to just change that portion.
Why are the prices on my favorite HGTV show so different than the prices I am quoted?Prices for product and labor is based largely on the region in which you live. Prices in Waco, Texas are lower than Tucson, Arizona whereas prices in San Diego, California are much higher than Tucson. Also, the HGTV shows get huge sponsorships and freebies from companies because they are using the product on a TV show. Most of the shows will show you a finished room with furniture and accessories, but the homeowners have to later purchase all this as an add on. More often than not once the show ends most of the furniture and accessories are taken out of the house.
Why didn’t you name your business 360* Designs? Because if it’s a 360 you are back to where you started!
