FAQ’s
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.
DO YOU WORK WITH CONTRACTORS? Absolutely, we will certainly work with the contractors hired by the client. However, since MLID does provide contractor services, and while we do enjoy working with other design professionals to create your custom space and believe that independent contractors hired by the client are an integral part of the process, we do suggest and prefer to use our own contractors and professionals which we have worked with on previous projects which we have vetted and are confident they will execute our design plans as envisioned.
WILL MLID TAKE CARE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT? If we are hired to provide that service, typically our build team will oversee the project managment, budgets, timeline and build process.
Our responsibilities include: site meetings with the general contractor, trades, changes to drawings and specifications as required, the generation of custom furniture drawings, tendering custom work, coordination of the furnishing installation, and management of the furnishing and decorating budget.
We believe that successful design is the result of a well thought out approach. Michelle Levesque Interior Design offers full-service project & construction management for all types and scales of renovation, interior face-lift and styling project. We believe that a successful project is rooted in transparency, communication and collaboration. We work side by side with our clients and the build team to bring your vision to life thought a the simplicity of transparent budgets, a high level of communication and collaboration with all vendors, suppliers and trades. Project management fee’s are applied at 20% of the cost of materials and labour.
We can also provide complete turn‐key service for off‐shore clients. Generally, project management commences after the design package is complete. This process is very time consuming but imperative to the implementation.
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. The client as well as all professionals hired to work on the project are expected to not cause unreasonable delays in the project.
HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER? Once you receive a Proposal you have 3 days to either accept or decline the item. For acceptance, a signed copy of the proposal or approval on Studio Projects along with full payment is required to place an order. No item will be ordered by Designer until Designer receives signed proposal and full payment.
DOES MLID CREATE MATERIAL (MOOD) BOARDS? Most projects can follow along a design package and loose hard samples. With the complexity of different materials placed on different surfaces in different rooms of a large home it might be valuable to place a sample board on site for the trades to refer too. Material boards range from $450.00 - $650.00 per board.
DOES MLID CREATE RENDERINGS FOR ALL PROJECTS? No, on most projects we do not need to create renderings for our design projects. However, if needed, we can create realistic 3D representation renderings for all types of spaces. Renderings range from $550.00 per room to $1,250.00 per room. Exterior rendering package reflecting all sides of a home can range from $2,500.00 - $5,000.00 (or more depending on size and complexity of the design).
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 purchasing fee and any other applicable fees. You will be charged hourly for the time spent on cancelled orders. Custom orders are non refundable.
DOES MLID OFFER FURNITURE & STYLING? Yes, furnishings may include, but are not limited to, furniture, decorative accessories, artwork, window treatments, area rugs and decorative light fixtures.
• The furniture budget will be developed by Designer based on project programming and client direction.
• The furniture budget will be provided to the client for review and approval prior to the commencement of ordering.
• In the event that any items are to be custom built, the Designer will coordinate with the fabricator on all information necessary to convey the design intent.
• Antiques are to be purchased in "as is" condition. Any time necessary to coordinate the restoration of any antique or showroom sample is to be billed in addition to the basic fees under this contract, with prior client approval of fees.
• All materials relevant to the selection of furnishings, such as fabrics, metal or wood, may be recommended by the designer and but will be approved by the client prior to procurement.
• Design, selection of fabric and materials for window treatments and curtains (if any) will include sketches, pictures or site meetings to create the design intent.
• Any additions to approved fabric selections and the additional time required to price and coordinate new selections will be billed hourly in addition to the basic fees under this contract, with prior client approval of fees.
• If purchasing directly from a retailer, the client may only use the Designer's name for discounted trade pricing with the written consent of the Designer.
*** This phase is not included in the design package proposal. All hours will be billed monthly to the client at the noted hourly rates.
HOW DO YOU ESTIMATE | FURNITURE & STYLING? For those who need assistance to furnish & style an interior or outdoor space, this type of service ranges depending on a project budget. Average range per room is $2,500.00 or min. 10 hours of installation and set-up are required.
WHEN ARE PAYMENTS DUE? Proposals are due with payment within 3 days. Invoices for time billing and reimbursable expenses are due within 14 days. Invoices more than 30 days past due will accrue a 10% late fee per month and all work will cease until invoice is paid.
PROCESS OF PURCHASING THROUGH MLID? We believe in full transparency, our costs are a reflection of our supplier and trade relationships. We combine the features of a cost plus and fixed price estimate where you have complete transparency of costs and full breakdown of time estimate for tasks related to complete the project. Discounts range from 10% - 50% depending on supplier, we apply 20% purchase admin fee on all products purchased through our accounts. You have the ability to sign off on every single supplier, trade, and product for your project. All Special order product is paid in full 100% prior to placement of order with a 24 hours cancelation policy.
CAN I SHOP ON MY OWN? Since you have hired us to design and complete a vision for your space we ask that you do not select or purchase any items because that selection may not be a fit for the design, space, or budget. You will receive a detailed Specification for items that may be able to be purchased direct.
WHAT IF I DECIDE MID-PROJECT I WANT TO ADD MORE TO THE SCOPE? Since we normally work on an hourly basis, increasing the scope is not a problem.
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 installed in your home is ultimately yours.
WHAT ABOUT WORKING ON A BUDGET? We can work within your budget, whether you are looking for a completely custom masterpiece or more along the lines of Pottery Barn or a mix of the two. Having a budget is very important for the project running smoothly and for your expectations to be met.
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 MICHELLE LEVESQUE INTERIOR DESIGN.
WHAT ARE REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES? In addition to design fees you agree to reimburse us for all expenses connected to the project, including but not limited to couriers, long-distance telephone calls, and large format printing. These expenses shall not be marked up when billed to you. All out of pocket expenses associated with the execution of the project will be included with the monthly time billing invoices. These expenses may include: storage and warehousing, messenger service, travel expenses, printing, and other such out-of-pocket expenses directly applicable to the project. These expenses will be re-billed to you at net costs. These shall be billed directly to the client on the 1st of each month.
HOW ARE ITEMS DELIVERED OR HANDLED? Our policy is to perform one large installation of all your items. This includes all furniture and accessories purchased. Items purchased by Michelle Levesque Interior Design go into a licensed, bonded, insured and climate-controlled warehouse awaiting installation. It it our policy to not deliver items to client’s homes directly or in multiple trips. Clients are responsible for all shipping, storage, & delivery fees.
WHAT OTHER DESIGN SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
- Project Consultation
- Concept Development
- Custom Home Design
- Interior Design
- Space Planning
- Scope of Work Documents
- Materials Selection
- Equipment + Fixture Selection
- Concept Boards
- Interior Design Drawings for Construction
- Construction + Demolition Plans
- 2D Rendering
- 3D Rendering
- Power + Communication Plans
- Millwork Drawings
- Detailed Kitchen + Bathroom Plans
- Lighting Plans
- Construction Documentation
- Specification Documentation
- Trade Coordination
- Interior Furnishing Specification
- Interior Furniture Selection
- Interior Staging
- White Glove Interior Styling