Interior designers serving Columbus, OH
“Sally CaJacob is a tremendous resource to have. I have been comfortable recommending her to all of my clients because I know her professionalism, creative talent, and skill as a decorator can be well utilized as they settle into a new home to make it feel like “their own”. She has also been an asset to clients who have needed her assistance in preparing their homes before they are placed on the market for sale. She has a knack for bringing out the best features of a house and making it shine. Her skills as a decorator are matched by her kindness. She is easy to work with and does a wonderful job of listening to her clients needs, while also inserting decorating ideas they may not have thought of on their own. She is a joy to work with and I endorse her services and that of her company whole heartedly!”
- J. B. – Upper Arlington (Columbus, OH)
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Financial Mysteries of Interior Designers
How We Work For You…
When you begin a relationship with an interior designer or decorator all involved parties must understand the financial intricacies of that relationship. There can be no surprises or the partnership will crumble. Contracts are important for both you and the designer.
There are as many systems of charging for design services as there are designers. Most arrangements are vague. Most of us charge hourly fees based on our reputations, training, experience and education. Some designers plainly do not want you to know how they make money. This is unfortunate because making an income from design services is not a crime.
The one most essential issue: both parties involved understand how much things cost and how much money is available for the project. This is more important than the actual design, because money is an emotional issue that can ruin everything. When doubt exists there is no plan. Without a plan there is no project.
We compare our client/decorator relationship to that of a client/realtor. Realtors pre-qualify their new clients. It just makes sense to show home buyers homes that are in their budget. Like realtors we try to pre-qualify our clients in order to build a partnership built on trust and the belief that we won’t take advantage of them, and we won’t show them options that they cannot afford.
The 2000 pound elephant in the room: Suspicious clients think that we will try to spend every dime they own. We don’t do that. We can’t waste our personal savings, and we do not expect our clients to waste theirs. What we do is offer best design choices and explain price ranges, quality options and alternatives to let them decide. Decisions based on realistic estimates put the client in the driver’s seat.
We will make the pie for you, but you decide how many cherries go into that pie. Many people haven’t thought about project budgets so you are not alone if you do not know. When we first meet you we ask a million questions. We make a list of all the rooms, the things you want and sketch a tentative design plan. Then we discuss the costs for your project. We estimate price ranges for every single piece of the project and let you decide what is right for you. Then, we create a contract.
