Describe the work in rooms and deliverables
“Full design” and “personal support” can describe very different jobs. Look for the included rooms and subjects: layout, furniture, lighting, joinery or finishes. For each, establish whether the deliverable is a concept, detailed drawing, selection schedule or supplier coordination.
Illustrative example: “kitchen planning” may mean cabinet and appliance positions, or extend to joinery details, materials and kitchen-supplier coordination. Both proposals may be suitable, but they do not necessarily describe the same work.
- Which rooms, drawings and specifications are included?
- Are surveys, visualizations and selection visits included or priced separately?
- What is the detail level, and what still needs development by a supplier or another professional?
Check the approvals at each stage
A clear process separates briefing, options, development and implementation support. Ask which options are presented, how feedback is given and what counts as approval to proceed. An agreed layout enables detailed development; changing it later may reopen completed work.
Combine household comments before sending feedback. If a decision depends on a consultant, contractor or supplier, mark it as open rather than approving a drawing on an assumption.
Distinguish design, coordination and supervision
Ask who surveys the property, checks alteration feasibility, prepares each drawing and takes responsibility for execution. A designer’s visit may address materials and details; it should not be assumed to include site management, engineering supervision or a defects inspection.
Where visits or selection days are included, establish the number or calculation method, their purpose and how decisions are recorded. Also define how a site question is handled between meetings.
Separate design fees from project spending
The design proposal total is not necessarily the renovation or purchasing cost. Look for a distinction between design fees and surveys, consultants, contractors, suppliers, furniture and other expenses. Clarify which taxes and associated expenses are included, and which items need a separate quote.
Payment milestones should be understandable alongside stages and deliverables. Compare proposals using the same short question list. A price difference may reflect a scope difference; resolve that before choosing.
Agree what happens when the scope changes
Ask about revision rounds, an extra room, changes after approval and extended support. Establish when you receive the additional scope and price, and how you approve them before extra work starts. Also clarify a project pause and which completed deliverables would be available to continue from.
Before signing, test this simple sentence: “At the end of each stage, we know what we receive, what we must approve and who handles the next item.” If any part remains unclear, ask for it in the proposal. This guide helps prepare questions; the agreed document defines the engagement.
