FAQ’s:
How do we work together? What is your process?
Please go to the menu bar and click on “How We Work” this is a full page of information that details my entire on-boarding process. It’s quite simple. You tell me a bit about yourself and your needs and I tell you about what I do. Then, we see if we fit and how.
Do you have a project minimum?
I want home design to be accessible to everyone and I want most of all for my services to be regarded as “approachable and attainable”. Therefore, I have three options for you.
For those of you who are not in the area, I have created customized Virtual Packages starting at only $750. These custom packages are specifically directed towards the clients who are seeking minimal design help due to several reasons: Maybe you just want to try home design for the first time? Maybe you have a limited budget? Maybe you don’t want to have a big project take over your house right now? Whatever your reason, the best part about these packages is that you can get all the guidance you need through our online meetings or you can choose to tackle those nagging projects you have been putting off doing one at a time without having to do a big renovation. This way, you can do things in chunks, on your schedule, and on your budget and without disrupting your entire life or home! For more information click here:
Similarly, if you are local to MD, or Florida you please search under “Services” and find my “A La Carte package” starting at $750.00 It is a wonderful offering for someone who has a smaller design need or several disjoined projects and they just need a little help. Or they want to consult a designer from time to time on issues that come up. A La Carte allows you to purchase my time in chunks and use that time however and whenever you want. I become your Designer in your pocket. Think of it as your Designer punch card.
However, If you have a project that is larger in scope and requires more time and expertise, you will be best served by my Full-Service Design option. Full-Service Design starts at $2,000 to $4,000 per room depending on your location and project scope. This is a very different experience than a “Virtual Package Design or A La Carte”. By choosing the Full-Service Design option you are investing in my expertise as your dedicated designer. I will provide you with a detailed personalized design plan based on your needs and the best use of your space. I will be your dedicated partner in the process from beginning to end and someone who will end up saving you endless shopping trips, mistakes, guesswork, and costly errors, or worse yet, having to live with unfinished projects! I will use my relationships within the industry to source the best and latest materials for your project to ensure we bring about your vision for the space. I will manage and create a budget for your project and I will provide you with sub-contractors as resources for any necessary work. (Any work performed by outside trades is separate from my design work and you will have to contract with them separately). However, I will work collectively with any other contractors for your project as part of your team to ensure the full completion of your project. It is my sincere goal to bring about your best DesignLife through Full-Service Design.
Isn’t hiring a designer a luxury?
An Interior Designer is just a person that is best suited to give you the best advice possible as an expert in their field. Seeking advice when you need it from a designer is no different than going to any other expert when you truly care about something. Your home and your surroundings are something that, in my opinion, should matter to us all. You have to ask yourself what is your definition of luxury. A designer can also be seen as a smart choice and a facilitator. If you are a person that has a hard time making choices and is easily overwhelmed or has a large decorating or remodeling home project that is just too big, a designer can then become an essential person in your budget. She/he is someone that will ensure fewer mistakes and in the end, cost savings.
Can I return or exchange a purchase?
Once the client has approved a purchase either verbally or electronically (email, text) Cami DesignLife can go ahead and make the purchase in the client’s name for the project. At which point, there are no returns, refunds or exchanges. All orders are deemed “Custom Orders” even if they are not custom at the store of origin. They become custom because this process is a Custom Design Project for the client and returning such pieces would entail additional time and shipping costs on our end which would not be refunded. Therefore all approved orders/purchases are final and most of our vendors do not take back any inventory. Believe me, we have tried!
Pricing:
For my residential projects, I charge a design fee of $150.00 per hour. I have a rendering fee of $350 per hour which is used when I create 3D renderings for projects but, this fee is a minor part of an entire project. ( additional revisions are billed by the revision and are extra).
Discounts: I pass on my discounts 50/50 to my clients unless they are 20% or below. I do not believe in up-charging my clients for furniture or any other pieces. As a designer, I believe that my skill is what you are purchasing and I do not intend to make money by up-selling someone else's product. So, I feel that if I get a discount for being a retailer - it is only fair that I share that with you!
For my remodeling projects, I price my projects by the square foot. Please contact me to discuss if your project fits into what I would consider a “remodel”.
How do you work with contractors?
I am a team player and I work well with General Contractors and subcontractors. If during your project the need arises for a subcontractor I can suggest a subcontractor for the job. My suggestions come from my knowledge of design and from my personal experience in design and remodeling and my relationships with tradespeople. I do not have any licenses nor do I claim to be a General Contractor. These are nearly helpful suggestions to my clients to further the project. The client is free to get their subs at any time during the project and is at no time restricted to using any of the tradespeople I suggest. Furthermore, I strongly suggest they interview all subs and read their estimates thoroughly since the contracts will be between them and not with me. Once the client approves the estimates they can begin the work.
Note: I will not be liable or responsible for any contractor’s work or their schedules as they will have a separate contract with you. If there are issues in these areas the communication will be between you and the contractors directly. Additionally, they should hold their own insurance in case of injury or be covered under the homeowner’s insurance. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to check or ask the contractor for proof of all insurance upon hiring them. I take no responsibility for any subcontractor’s personal injury while working on the project or as part of the team.
Can you oversee the contractors?
If you feel that you require a bit more help on your project for any reason and managing subcontractors is not your thing. I can step in and help you navigate these waters. I am not a General contractor and my suggestions come from my knowledge of design and from my personal experience in design and remodeling. I do not have any licenses nor do I claim to be a General Contractor. But, I do communicate well with contractors and understand the business of building and what is required. I can help you understand what the tradesmen are telling you, how to read their estimates, What is fair and what is not, where it is best to best to spend your money and what is needed to complete your project. This job requires an additional fee and is based on the project scope.
Delivery time frames and managing expectations - MUST READ!!!?
Unfortunately due to the COVID crisis, we are dealing with unprecedented delays in many industry areas. Everything from shipping delays to shortages in wood, foam, and steel affects the furniture industry not to mention manpower. We are now having to wait 8+ months for furniture manufacturing and 4+ months for deliveries. Please be patient with me. I work for YOU. Please remember that I am on your side and that once I place an order it is completely out of my hands. All I want is to deliver a good product and make you happy. I will do all I can to meet your deadlines but, if I tell you I cannot, please don’t be disappointed because it is out of my control. We are in this together. As of Sept 2022, I have deferred receipt and acceptance of all furniture to the client due to the various different delivery appointments. I will, however, be available for one final styling appointment once all the items have arrived.
Termination and returns or refunds:
Cami DesignLife reserves de right to terminate relationships with the client due to failure to pay or comply with any of the contract agreements. All materials provided by Cami DesignLife are purchased in good faith and for the completion of the agreed-upon projects and the client is liable in full for payment to DesignLife for such purchases. Cami DesignLife will in return show receipts for all purchases made in the client’s name for their projects and will deliver all materials to their home as per the Agreement. There will be no refunds or returns of any kind. It is understood by both parties that once the project is signed off by the client is Fixed, agreed upon, and moves on to purchasing and completion. Nonetheless, changes can be made to the project at an additional cost.
The client can terminate the relationship by stating so, verbally or in writing to Cami DesignLife and by ensuring that all outstanding bills have been paid to date. The client also ensures that the reputation of Cami DesignLife and that of Cami Perryman remains intact after their business dealings by promising not to slander via social media or other their business or personal name as per the original contract Agreement.