One word to remember as a work out a scheme is : documentation. Yup - unfortunately, like every job interior decoration involves a great element of paperwork!
You must document your scheme, so that everyone involved is literally on the same page. This also makes it easier to get pricing from contractors and suppliers of products, as well as making sure that your client knows exactly what they are going to get for their money.
1. Always write a finished schedule. That is - list up all the areas that you are working on - walls, ceiling, floor etc and what rooms you are working, and then what finish they will receive
2. Ensure your client signs an agreement to ensure they know what they are getting
3. With your list check with all the suppliers that the products are available and that you can get them within your time frame
4. Make sure that you work out a time line and align this time-frame with all your contractors and suppliers taking care to include some 'buffer' time in there as well. Personally we add in an extra day or two at each stage in a process as a safety measure
5. Also important is for you to have all your prices and costs at hand before you start engaging contractors or manufactures to start making things for you. Ensure that you are within your budget before you start. You may want to also add in an estimated 'contingency' fee for price fluctuations or incidentals that may affect your price and cannot be precisely determined at the moment
6. Always engage your contractors and manufacturers in writing
7. As you get the work underway make sure you always keep your eyes on the time and the quality of the work - always be around, this keeps the contractors on their toes!
8. When the job is completed, check all the work has been done to customer satisfaction before you pay the entire account
9. Take out your camera and take some photos for your portfolio !
It all seems detailed at first but like riding a bicycle, the more you do it the easier it gets.
Remember - documentation and planning is key to a good product. It goes beyond the fabrics and colour - management of stakeholders, time, money and customer expectations are also crucial ingredients to a good design and scheme.
Best of all - good planning, means less money wasted !
