FAQ
WHAT SHOULD MY BUDGET BE?
My first response is that your budget should be an amount you can afford and that you would be comfortable spending. Many clients are caught off guard by how much it can cost to complete a project, but that’s only because furnishing an entire room is not something people do often. You know when you are getting a good price for milk, but it’s not every day that you buy a new sofa. You can trust that the selections I make for you are what I believe are the best quality for the price.
CAN I SHOP ON MY OWN?
Yes, but I don’t recommend it. It is my goal to deliver you the best, most cohesive design for your space. Items that you find may not be a fit for the design, space, or budget, and for that reason I recommend that you consult with me before you purchase anything independently. I do offer services where the client purchases items I have curated directly from vendors. In that instance the client will receive a detailed Specification or a direct link to the item(s) be purchased.
WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS CAN I EXPECT?
I do my best to give you a full cost outlook of each item, but additional costs such as storage, shipping, installation, or unexpected labor do occasionally happen. For a very detailed explanation of possible hidden costs, I suggest reading this article: https://www.capellakincheloe.com/ blog/the-hidden-costs-of-interior-design.
DO YOU WORK WITH CONTRACTORS?
Yes. I love working with other design professionals to create your custom space. Kate Rossing Design does not provide contractor services; so independent architects and contractors hired by the client are an integral part of the process.
HOW LONG DO PROJECTS NORMALLY LAST?
This depends on the scope of the project and what is purchased. Occasionally there are delays caused by weather, vendor vacations, factory errors, and other unpredictable influences that are out of my control. Everyone involved: designer, client, vendors, and contractors are expected to not cause unreasonable delays in the project.
HOW DO YOU CHARGE?
Design Services are charged at a flat rate starting at $10 per square foot and increasing based on size, scope, and complexity of the project. A 50% deposit is due to begin work, the reaming 50% is due at the design presentation. Additionally, for projects that include purchasing and procurement by Designer, client will be billed 15% of the cost of items to cover the additional work involved in managing these details. If you would like help in manage the installation there will be a flat fee of $1000.
HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?
Once you receive a Proposal you have 3 days to either accept or decline the item. If you accept, a signed copy of the proposal along with full payment is required before I place your order.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER AN ORDER IS PLACED?
Most open orders cannot be canceled or refunded. In the event a full refund can be attained, you may cancel the order and receive a refund for the cost of the item minus the purchasing fee and any other applicable fees. You will be charged hourly for the time spent on canceled orders. Custom orders are not returnable. Requests for returns or cancellations will be billed hourly. Design Fees and reimbursable expenses are non-refundable, even when associated with a return or cancellation.
WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE?
Proposals are due with payment within 7 days. Invoices for time billing and reimbursable expenses are due within 14 days. Invoices more than 30 days past due will be charged a 10% late fee and all work will cease until the invoice is paid.
WHAT IF I DECIDE MID-PROJECT I WANT TO ADD MORE ROOMS?
Of course! Fees are based on square footage so it’s easy to add more rooms.
WHAT IF I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT AN ITEM?
Please bring these to my attention immediately and we will discuss your concerns and if necessary, find a more desirable solution. The decision about what is purchased and/or installed in your home is ultimately yours.
WHAT ABOUT BUDGET?
Having a clear budget is very important for the project running smoothly and for your expectations to be met. We will work inside your budget parameters, but ultimately it is up to the client to keep themselves on budget.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPECIFICATION & PROPOSAL?
A Specification is a document that I provide the details for you to purchase an item yourself. You will pay the vendor directly. A Proposal is a document where I am requesting payment for items so that I can purchase the item on your behalf. Proposals are payable to Kate Rossing Design.
HOW ARE ITEMS DELIVERED?
It is my policy is to perform one large installation of all items purchased by me. This is the case whether I install or you install it yourself. This includes all furniture and accessories purchased. Items purchased by Kate Rossing Design go into a licensed, bonded, insured, and climate-controlled warehouse awaiting installation. It is our policy to not deliver items to client’s homes directly or on multiple trips, this allows for the “big reveal” and helps minimize issues. Clients are responsible for all shipping, storage, & delivery fees. Items purchased by the client are delivered in the matter arranged by the client at the time of purchase.
WHAT IS A RECEIVER?
For full-service projects or projects with furniture purchasing by Kate Rossing Design, we require that a receiver be used. Often items will be shipped from several different vendors with varied delivery timelines. Some items may be in stock and ready to ship at the time of purchase, and others may have a 6-12 week lead time. A receiver is a warehouse where your items will be shipped after purchase, there your items are inspected and stored until all of your items have been delivered. Once everything is at the receiving warehouse, we schedule an Install day at your home to deliver and place all items. It is a way to ensure all items are up to snuff and installed properly, it streamlines the project not to mention that after install you get the grand effect of “The Big Reveal”. I will not do major purchasing for projects that do not use a receiver.
ARE YOU GOING TO JUDGE THE CURRENT STATE OF MY HOME?
Not at all. I am more concerned with you than I am with your home. I am most curious how you feel about your home; what is working for you, what isn’t, and how we can work together to get you what you need. I consider it a great privilege to be invited into your home.