NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE? WE'LL SHOW YOU HOW IT WORKS.
Choosing to work with an interior designer is an investment into your home and it can be a completely new experience for some homeowners. Understandably clients have different questions about how it works, the processes, the timeline and the detail of what we can deliver. We've tried to answer as many questions as we can but if you need to know something which isn’t covered here then get in touch at info@jillcoombsinteriors.co.uk or use the contact form on the home page.
HOW DO WE START?
Initially we will have an informal telephone chat so you can let us know what you need help with for your home. We'll need to know things like how many rooms it's for, the level of work you are willing to undertake (e.g. structural renovations or just decoration changes), whether you'll be replacing all furniture and would like our help sourcing new furniture and items, and what your overall budget is for the work. At this stage we'll be able to give you a rough estimate for our interior design fees and you can then take some time to consider if you would like to move forward with us. If so, we can then provide a more detailed quote and scope of work based on a detailed questionnaire we will ask you to complete.
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR STYLE AND WILL YOU DESIGN MY HOME IN YOUR STYLE?
As a designer I do have my own style and preferences but I don't work to any one particular style when it comes to creating designs for clients. My overriding aim in interior design is to create a home which suits and delights the client, not me, and that's why we start with a detailed questionnaire so I can get a thorough understanding of you and your family, your property, your aims and your preferences. Of course, if you are finding it difficult to decide on a style we will work together to discover what you like and dislike.
HOW LONG DOES THE DESIGN PROCESS TAKE?
Interpreting the brief, gathering inspiration, researching ideas, ordering samples, visiting suppliers, investigating appropriate furniture, and designing your specific space all take time. I want to ensure the designs I create for you meet all of your needs and as each project is different I will always let you know my timelines before we start to work together. Why not visit our blog to find out more about how we can work with you on the detail and processes involved in our interior design services.
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Depending on our current workload the designs for a room redesign can be provided to you approx. 3-4 weeks after you instruct us to design for you and provide us with a detailed brief. For large renovation/building projects it is best to get in touch at least 3-6 months ahead of when you'd like construction to start.
WHAT ARE YOUR CONTACT HOURS?
My contact hours for clients are 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday unless otherwise agreed. However I may not be immediately available to answer queries or deal with issues as I may be conducting a client appointment or visiting a supplier but I will contact you as soon as I can.
Please be advised that outside of these working hours I may not be contactable. If you need my opinion or advice before making decisions or purchasing items please give me at least 24 hours notice to be available to provide support for you. If you need to contact me outside of these hours please send an email via the website or to info@jillcoombsinteriors.co.uk.
HOW DO I PAY FOR YOUR SERVICES?
Before you decide to move forward with me as your designer I will provide you with a detailed quote for the work and the interior design services this will cover. In some instances projects may change as they progress and you may decide that you need me to be more involved than originally agreed. In this case I will let you know of additional charges so you can decide how you would like to proceed.
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Depending on your project I am able to work with you on an hourly basis (minimum of 3 hours) or a full day rate. If we have arranged a home visit appointment the fee will need to be paid at least 24 hours before I visit your home. Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to re-arrange or cancel a home consultation appointment.
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For interior design services a 50% deposit is normally required before I start work for you. The remaining 50% to be paid when your final design document is ready to be released (this is dependent on the type of design service you require). If you have a large interiors project we will provide you with a detailed quote based on several phases for the project. 50% payment for each phase must be received prior to commencement of that phase. Fee payment schedule to be agreed upon once the scope of work is confirmed but typically all invoices are to be paid upon receipt. Clients who don’t pay on time unfortunately cause delay to their own projects. Please note that I am not able to continue working on projects that have invoices outstanding.
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When ordering fixtures, fittings, furniture, etc the payment terms are set by the suppliers. These terms can vary depending on the supplier but it is common for payment of items to be made in full when ordering.
WILL I GET ACCESS TO DISCOUNTS & TRADE PRICING?
Yes, I am able to organise trade prices at varying % discounts and minimum spend levels from suppliers and retailers. Often the trade discounts I am able to offer means that my clients will recoup a large proportion of the interior design fees I charge which is a great bonus for many clients when they are completing a large scale project. Please note that not all suppliers or retailers offer discounted prices to interior designers.
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If you would like Jill Coombs Interiors to purchase items for you we require full payment for the items at the point of ordering. We will provide you with a separate procurement contract which details the terms and conditions for ordering items on your behalf. We will liaise with the retailer/supplier on your behalf and pass on a specified discount level to you. We provide this service in good faith and cannot be held responsible for issues outside of our control such as service/product quality or stock/delivery issues.
WILL YOU RECOMMEND TRADESPEOPLE FOR THE WORK?
Where requested I can supply you with a list of relevant tradespeople to be vetted and approved by you. This is done in good faith and with the belief that any suggested tradespeople are able to provide a good standard of work at a fair price. Any suggested tradespeople do not work for Jill Coombs Interiors and no responsibility will be taken by us should a problem arise through the work of a tradesperson.
Clients are welcome to find and use their own tradespeople and I always recommend the client sources several quotes to ensure a transparent and competitive price. Any negotiation on trades costs is the responsibility of the client. Please ensure any tradespeople you wish to engage have the required licenses, certificates and necessary insurance to cover the work. The client is responsible for the contract with and hiring the tradesperson, paying the tradesperson, providing access to site, paying subcontractors and meeting timeframe goals.
Please ensure that you ask your tradesperson to confirm the scope of work and timings, quantities, any specialist equipment and materials required, and their charges/costs. It is also important that you check with your tradesperson before purchasing items such as, but not limited to, light fittings, bathroom and kitchen equipment. Please note each property is unique and additional work (e.g. electrical, plumbing, decorative) may be needed for some purchased items or for the suggested interior design scheme.
WILL YOU PROJECT MANAGE MY REDESIGN?
If you have appointed a builder/contractor for your renovation they are responsible for the site and all the trades people.
We undertake design management at this stage, ensuring the design details are executed and advising on any variations. Depending on the project we provide information and specifications for tradespeople to work to and we are happy to liaise with trades and answer queries.
We can attend regular site visits to check progress however the responsibility for the build time frames and execution of the plan sits with your appointed builder. Your builder is the project manager.
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WILL YOU ORDER PURCHASES FOR ME, ORGANISE THEIR DELIVERY OR STORE THEM?
As part of my services I am able to provide you with detailed shopping lists with product images and clickable website links for suggested items (furniture, accessories, decorating finishes), so you are able to order items when you are ready to do so.
If you would like me to co-ordinate the purchasing of items via my trade discounts I will supply you with the trade discount level for each item and will require the full value of all items paid to Jill Coombs Interiors prior to ordering. Separate terms apply.
Unless otherwise agreed all purchases will be delivered direct to the client's property.
WHAT TYPE OF DOCUMENTS WILL YOU PROVIDE?
Each project is different therefore not all projects will require the same documents or level of detail. We will always discuss and agree the level of detail you need from us so that you only pay for what you need.
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We can provide floor plans including furniture placement, kitchen, bathroom and joinery designs, elevation designs and mock-ups. We are also able to provide realistic 3D renders to show how a room will look.
Drawings are to scale but are conceptual in nature.
If you require construction drawings, particularly relating to structural changes, an architect, building designer and/or structural engineer will need to provide these.
We will provide detailed schedules for trades people to refer to, including colour specifications, finishes, fixtures and fittings and the scope of work.
We can provide detailed shopping lists including product dimensions, prices, manufacturing specifications and clickable website links.
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WHAT IF THE WORK NEEDS LOCAL AUTHORITY SUBMISSIONS/PLANNING PERMISSION/APPROVALS/IS SUBJECT TO COUNCIL REGULATIONS ETC?
It is the responsibility of the client to contact the relevant local building and regulations authority and to manage all communications with the relevant department including, but not limited to, plan submissions and drawings, fee payments, local authority visits, any required certificates/licenses, contacts and approvals processes.
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I strongly advise that each client engages an architect/structural engineer/technician/specialist contractors or trades to advise on proposed structural changes or technical changes.
WHAT IF MY PROPERTY IS LEASEHOLD OR RENTED?
I advise that clients check with the owners/other leaseholders whether work to the property needs agreement or written approval. Please check your leasehold/rental contract for consent details and access to communal areas for trades before work commences.
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WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOU?
I prefer to communicate by email, phone calls and scheduled meetings rather than Whatsapp or text messaging. This means that design-related discussions are detailed and documented which is helpful for me and you, the client.
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I hope this answers your questions about how we can work together but do get in touch if you would like to know more: info@jillcoombsinteriors.co.uk.