Module 2 – 2.3 Contractors Copy

When you decide to start your own interior design business, you will need to find companies that you can rely on and hopefully use them for every project.

If you always work with different companies, it will make the process much more difficult. But if you create a team with whom you can work, then after a few projects, you will learn about each other’s abilities and the process will go smoothly. Most trade people want to visit to provide a quote. They want to know what condition the walls and skirting boards are in, before they price for decorating for instance. A good trade person will then advise on remedial work or preparation work to ensure the best results. It is useful to have a working knowledge of realistic charges and details of the best trades and services in your locality.

You might estimate the costs to the client but always ask the tradesperson to visit and make a quote directly to the customer and to pass this information on to you. The trades person should invoice the customer directly and take payment directly. Refer to the trades contractor work and costs in your quotation in a section making it clear that the work is contracted directly between the tradesperson and client and paid directly by the client to the contractor. If you have their prices included in your invoice, it means you are taking responsibility for their job as well which can cause you a huge headache sometimes.

Most trades can be found through a Trades Association who check their credentials and some also provide training to ensure that members deliver quality services. If you cannot find locally recommended Trades people then these Associations are the best places to start your search. They usually have a directory of members searchable by location.

Trades Associations include:

• Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors
• Association of Professional Landscapers
• Dulux Select Decorators
• Domestic Cleaning Alliance
• Federation of Master Builders
• National Institute of Carpet Fitters
• National Federation of Roofing Contractors
• Painting and Decorating Association
• Association of Certified Handyman Professionals
• British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation
• National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting
• The Tile Association

You will have to have contacts of:

• Joiners
• Painters & Decorators
• Delivery drivers
• Gardening Services
• Fabric supplies
• Throws and cushions
• Lighting
• Roofers
• Tilers
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Builders
• Handyman/person
• Rubbish removals
• Paint and decoration supplies
• Bedding and curtains
• Curtain make up services
• Accessory supplies
• Domestic Cleaning Services
• Deep Cleaning Services
• Upholstery and carpets
• Self-storage
• Bathroom/Kitchens
• Recycling services
• Photographer

If you get really busy or you don’t feel confident with some of the works that you have been asked to do, instead of losing the business, you may want to think about finding extra help in your business.

The type of consultants that you may want are:
Accountant, Art Consultant, Colour Specialist, Furniture Consultant, Kitchen designer, Landscape Architect, Lighting Consultant, Signage Consultant, Bathroom designer, Garden designer, Structural Engineer.