Frequently Asked Questions
Greathouse Studios is committed to providing our clients with exceptional customer service. We have laid out a list of questions that are commonly asked by our clients. However, if there is something that we have missed please feel free to reach out. We would be more than happy to address any of your needs and help you find clarity.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A DESIGNER?
As interior designers, we are trained professionals tailoring a space toward the needs and desires of our clients while simultaneously taking into account multiple factors in order to create a design that is both suited to the client as well as all who use the space. We have the experience, knowledge, and education to help you navigate the vast world of design and ensure that the decisions and selections made result in a harmonious composition.
CAN I SHOP ON MY OWN?
You have hired Greathouse Studios to design and complete a vision for your space so we ask that you do not select items without our approval because items that you select may not be a fit for the design, space, or budget. If there is anything we need you to purchase, you will receive a detailed specification for items to be purchased directly.
DO YOU WORK WITH CONTRACTORS?
We work with the contractors hired by the Client. Our experience working with other design professionals allows us to create your custom space efficiently. We prefer to use professionals that we have worked with on previous projects. Greathouse Studios does not provide contractor services.
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 (e.g., global pandemic), that are out of our control. Everyone involved (designer, client, vendors and contractors) are expected to not cause unreasonable delays in the project. Client participation in giving approvals and feedback for requested changes accounts for 90+% of delays. The more you trust in our professional and creative expertise, the more we can control meeting deadlines and keeping additional costs down.
AS DESIGNERS, ARE YOU ABLE TO OBTAIN INDUSTRY PRICING?
Absolutely. Because we are design professionals, we have developed industry relationships, and sometimes we purchase in large volumes, we are able to negotiate better pricing on the items we specify. The pricing is usually much lower than the list price (MSRP).
HOW DO YOU CHARGE?
Our fee structure is specific to each project and the projected scope of work. Our Full Service is charged at a flat fee for design and an hourly rate for construction administration; the fee varies based on the scope of work. Our Design Day service is billed at a flat fee.
DO YOU MARKUP THE FURNITURE YOU SOURCE?
It’s very hard to put a price tag on creativity, and as designers, we are offering our vision as intellectual property. Then, in order to execute our vision, we give you dozens and dozens (sometimes hundreds if we’re working on an entire home) of hours of our professional time and effort. The procurement phase accounts for at least 50% of the work in any given project. This phase is where all the heavy lifting happens. This is where the countless revisions and hours spent sourcing and negotiating pricing pays off. This is where we check availability and lead times, negotiate prices, place orders, expedite custom items, inspect each piece for damage, request replacements, schedule deliveries, and more! Procurement covers product purchases, implementation, coordinating with trades and fabricators, the logistics of getting products to you, and the installation and placement of all items. All of this takes time, and, although we love what we do, we simply can’t do all of that leg work for free.
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Our flat fee pricing for our full service projects is based on all items being purchased through Greathouse Studios, unless otherwise specified. If you prefer to shop retail for your project and handle the ordering and delivery coordination, please see our Design Day service.
WHAT ABOUT BUDGET?
Having a clear budget is very important for the project to run 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.
WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE?
Proposals are due with payment within 3 days. Invoices for time billing and reimbursable expenses are due within 7 days. Invoices more than 30 days past due will be charged a late fee of prime (at Nevada’s largest bank) plus 2%, and all work will cease until invoice is paid.
WHAT ADDITIONAL COSTS CAN I EXPECT?
We do our 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.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPECIFICATION & PROPOSAL?
A Specification is a document that we provide with the details for you to purchase an item yourself. You will pay the vendor directly and handle all follow up for handling and delivery directly with the vendor. A Proposal is a document used to request payment for items so that we can purchase the items on your behalf. Proposals are payable to Greathouse Studios.
HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?
For our Full Service projects, once you receive a Proposal you'll have 3 days to either accept or decline the item(s). If you accept, a signed copy of the Proposal or approval along with full payment is required to place an order.
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For our Design Day projects, you'll receive a shopping list with retail sources and you can place the orders as your schedule and budget allow.
CAN I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER AN ORDER IS PLACED?
Most often orders cannot be cancelled or refunded. In the event that a full refund can be attained, you may cancel the order and receive a refund for the cost of the item minus the procurement fee and any other applicable fees (taxes, shipping, delivery, installation, storage, etc.). Custom orders are non-returnable. Requests for returns and cancellations will be billed hourly. Design Fees and reimbursable expenses are non-refundable, even when associated with a return or cancellation.
WHAT IF I DECIDE MID-PROJECT I WANT TO ADD MORE ROOMS?
This is not a problem. Depending on what you want to add and our project schedule, we will either modify the original scope and fee, or create a new scope and future start date. We'll discuss the impact of budget and timeline if you decide to increase scope once the project is underway.
WHAT IF I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT AN ITEM?
Please bring these to our attention immediately and we will discuss your concerns and, if necessary, find a more desirable solution. The decision about what is purchased and installed in your home is ultimately yours.
HOW ARE ITEMS DELIVERED?
Our policy is to perform one large installation of all your items. This includes all furniture and accessories purchased. Items purchased by Greathouse Studios go into a licensed, bonded, insured, and climate-controlled warehouse awaiting installation. It is our policy to not deliver individual items to a client’s home. This allows for the “big reveal” and helps minimize issues and costs. Clients are responsible for all shipping, storage, delivery, and installation fees.
WHAT ARE SPECIFICATION APPROVALS?
We ask for signatures from the client to ensure that prices, timelines, and (most importantly) all selections/specifications have been thoroughly reviewed and approved. We will have in-person or virtual meetings to review these items. This will allow us to have both verbal and written approval and answer any questions the client has. Though it might feel uncomfortable, there will likely be times when we will need to reference order details and specifically note client or vendor approval if clients' choices or expectations suddenly change.
HOW MANY REVISIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE DESIGN FEES?
For our Full Service projects, we include a complimentary round of revisions after each presentation. We ask for signatures from the client to ensure that prices, timelines, and (most importantly) all selections/specifications have been thoroughly reviewed and approved. If the client requests additional revisions beyond the complimentary round, this is considered a change order and an hourly rate will apply for the additional work.
CAN GREATHOUSE STUDIOS HELP WITH FURNITURE SHOPPING AS WELL?
As your hired design professional, we are here to bring your vision, wants, and needs to life. The furniture shopping is not typical, as we do not go store to store and look at furniture with our clients. We have long-lasting relationships with over 300 furniture manufacturers that allow us to customize pieces specific to your needs. If our clients prefer to see the furniture in person, they are welcome to travel to available showrooms to do so.
WHAT IS GREATHOUSE STUDIO'S IDEATION AND DESIGN PROCESS LIKE?
Find details about our Full Service Process here and our Design Day process here.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The first step in our process is to complete a Project Inquiry Form. From there, we'll review your project details and schedule a complimentary Discovery Call. For our Full Service projects, we'll then schedule an in-person design consultation so we can get to know each other and see the space in person. Get started here.