Qualified Remodeler helps independent remodeling firms to survive, become more professional and more profitable by providing must-have business information, namely best business practices, new product information and timely design ideas.
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Qualified Remodeler recently posed this topic on its Facebook page: In honor of New York Fashion Week, we're wondering: Where do you go for creative inspiration? Fashion designers often talk about being inspired by art, music and nature. How do you find stimulation before or during projects? Or do you leave the creativity to your clients? Follow and participate on Qualifed Remodeler 's Facebook page: Facebook.com/QualifedRemodeler The Qualified Remodeler DISTRIBUTION REPORT from our January issue received some love from our Twitter followers. Thanks for the support! RiverheadBldgSupply (@rbscorp) tweeted: "We are ofcially an LBM dealer that 'Gets It.' Thanks @QualifedRemod for the feature: ow.ly/ITQCG . Don't forget to share!" Mike Duval (@BigBearUSMCVet) tweeted: "LBM Dealers That Get It @QualifedRemod fw.to/uNbutSP Great article and nice mention for @ZIPsystem R Panel @HuberWood " Follow and participate on Qualifed Remodeler 's Twitter page: Twitter.com/QualifedRemod Member Joel Davis started an exchange on sister publication Residential Design + Build 's LinkedIn group page, asking "What constitutes excessive charges in design?" He continues, "When designing a new home, revisions are expected, but at what point does one decide that charges should be incurred? I'm conflicted on the subject. I want to ensure clients have options, but my time is valuable as well. Can a clearly defined line be drawn?" Group members shared their opinions: "I DEFINE charges as minor, part of the process. I generally meet with clients before each new design phase and ex- plain how changes will be handled go- ing forward. I am not going to change a foor plan in a construction document phase without an approved additional service charge to the basic fee." — Richard Clark, AIA "BECAUSE OF revisions, I have gone to a straight hourly business model. I give estimates for each phase of work but bill hourly. I give clients periodic updates for time and bill biweekly. This has been working great." — Melissa Nunes Alvarez "IN RESIDENTIAL design, I have a two- part design fee. First, an 'open ended' hourly fee starting with the intense interview session through the Final Preliminary Design phase. Once that phase is completed, we initiate a 'per- square-foot' fee to fnalize the drawings through the CD phase. I have had to do this as some clients want to see a design 10 diferent ways, and others are easier to work with. I do give them a very rough estimate of time based on my history with similar homes, but always inform them that we haven't worked together and some homes take more time than others due to the complexity." — Larry McRae "I THINK revisions are a 'necessary evil' partly because homeowners have trouble envisioning design, and sometimes partly because architects and designers don't pay attention to the budget and desires of owners. It is not uncommon to re-price windows and doors over four times on many projects." — Paul LaFond "I CHARGE a fat, per-square-foot fee for preliminary design and con- struction drawings. Once in a while, I must deal with a persnickety and/or indecisive client but, for the most part, the gamble is in my favor. Besides if it takes me fve hours to sketch out one house and 12 hours to sketch another, who should pay for that diference? Ninety-fve percent of my work involves high-end, custom homes. It is import- ant to me to give clients the very best use of space and money, in the most pleasing, attractive design as possible. Sometimes my artistic side clashes with my business side but I am very proud of my work." — Karen Hamilton Read more comments on Residential Design + Build 's LinkedIn group page. http://tinyurl.com/l4fb8jo Find inspiration as you look back at the projects featured within the pages of Qualified Remodeler and Kitchen & Bath Design News . Visit Pinterest.com/4respros Read the complete Distribution Report in our January digital edition: http://bit.ly/1ASAdO3 Leading conversations from QR 's social media pages 54 February 2015 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com | ForResidentialPros.com ONLINE BUZZ