Hi everyone! Any advice on how to deal with a client who wants me to come in with ideas and "bring the vision" before signing a contract? How much design advice or space planning ideas do you offer ahead of time? I also connected this client to a GC I work with (we both came in and did a free consultation for him), and I'm worried that by giving away too much, I'll get cut out of the project. I want to show the client I know my stuff but I also don't want to work for free. It feels like such a fine line. Second part of the question is: do you create designs first and then have the GC bid the project based on your design? I haven't been hired on to this project yet so I don't want to create a full design for free. Any help is appreciated!!

I’m just now hearing the term “spec book”. What is that?

Hi dear interior designers, I have a question for you! This is my first project where I’m handling furniture delivery to a luxury building apartment, and they have specific rules requiring exact time frames for deliveries. The client is reluctant to pay for white glove delivery, but I wonder if it might be the best option in this case. Have any of you managed to coordinate deliveries yourself under similar conditions? Should I strongly recommend white glove delivery to ensure smoother handling within their requirements? Here’s the feedback from the building management: She just got back to me: Do they need a certificate of insurance? --If there will be a delivery service, yes, we will need a COI and vendor Indemnity Waiver. This is required for any vendor and Contractor that conducts any type of work on-site, including deliveries to the apartments. If the delivery will be handled by the Concierge and held at the desk until the resident signs for it, these documents are not needed. ---Should there ever be an instance where you are handling large deliveries yourself, please note an Owner Indemnity Waiver would need to be signed. Please see this document attached for reference. Can it be delivered on a Saturday? --Deliveries can take place Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-4:30pm. No Sunday deliveries or Contractor work. Do we to reserve an elevator? --Yes, you can either do so via BuildingLink or you can shoot me an email to coordinate. I’d appreciate any advice on how you typically manage these logistics, especially if white glove service isn’t preferred. Thanks!

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I need help in my proposals/contracts figuring out how to word project management hours to ensure I'm getting paid for that time, but not throwing the builder under the bus as that is an important relationship for my business. The scenario - custom home builder refers me to client, they want selections assistance, some drawings etc., I know the builder will call me for plumbing and electric walk thrus and not look at my deliverables prior... so say in 6 months I will doing site walk thrus etc. and need to bill the client for it.......For larger long term projects like ground up custom homes do you charge a retainer then bill against that and then hourly? .... and how do you word it that the client doesn't feel they are paying you to do the builders job? Thank you all!