Frequently Asked Questions
“Excuse me, I have a question.”
HOW DOES A CUSTOM CONSULT WORK?
After connecting through the COLOR BLOCK STUDIO website, Lead Designer Tiffany MacKay will reach out to set up a time to have a conversation online or, preferably, in your home. This usually takes an hour, depending on the size of your space and scope of design needs.
If there’s a fit, the job is booked, and a preliminary contract is signed. Then begins the conceptual phase of your design project. Your space in the context of the rest of your home and gets a feel for your current design aesthetic. She guides you through a series of questions, mood boards and samples to get a sense of what your dream space could look and feel like. She’ll also take some measurements right away so she can start creating renderings to capture ideas and show potential looks.
Once an agreement on design is reached, it’s time to cost it out. Tiffany connects with her trusted team of trades and contractors, and works to get the best pricing. This is also where her trusted crew may give feedback that may alter the design. A final anticipated budget and timeline is produced for client sign-off.
Sourcing materials and scheduling of contractors is next. This is the final stage where changes can be made by the client. CBS ensures that all materials are onsite before demo begins to minimize the impact to you and your home. CBS stays on site to supervise all the work – from demo day to final touches.
As the project progresses, there may be unexpected bumps in the road such as bringing kitchen wiring up to code when doing a complete renovation down to the studs. While these costs can’t always be anticipated ahead of time, you can be assured that CBS will be in constant contact to let you know if any issues should arise. Most importantly, you will never be left in the dark about where you’re at in terms of budget or completion time. This cost transparency is a hallmark of COLOR BLOCK STUDIO’S customer service.
2. HOW MUCH DOES A RENOVATION COST?
Every design job COLOR BLOCK STUDIO takes on is unique, so it’s not possible to give ballpark figures. However, all clients get to choose their budget and sign-off on the materials used to complete the budget. Cost transparency is a core value of COLOR BLOCK STUDIO.
3. HOW DO WE STAY ON BUDGET? WHAT IF WE GO OVER BUDGET?
Every renovation project can have unanticipated costs depending on the type and scope of the job. You can be assured that you will never be left in the dark about where you’re at in terms of budget or completion time. Most importantly, you will always be in the driver’s seat when it comes to making decisions related to your budget and your project.
4. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE RENOVATION IS RUNNING BEHIND OR TAKES LONGER?
As with any design project, unanticipated delays can occur. When something occurs that may threaten the anticipated work schedule and job completion date, you are immediately informed. As with budget, you are given final decision-making around any changes to the schedule.
Additionally, the COLOR BLOCK STUDIO process creates the most efficient schedule possible by working with trades while sourcing design materials. Work only begins once all the materials have arrived on site. Lead Designer Tiffany MacKay also supervises all work done in your space so that if any issues arise, she can immediately inform you and help troubleshoot them.
*Please note, due to Covid-19, design jobs are scheduled to allow for social distancing and safety. This can create a longer timeline for completion of design projects.
5. WHAT IF I’M NOT HAPPY WITH THE FINAL PRODUCT?
COLOR BLOCK STUDIO prides itself in only being paid in full once the client is happy with the job. Plus, because Lead Designer Tiffany MacKay is in constant contact with you about the budget and the progress on the job, it is highly unlikely that you will be unhappy with the final product. We strive to leave you happy with end result but only proceed from the conceptual stage to renovation when you have signed off on the design/drawings to avoid any dissatisfaction. You chose the look and we will execute it. We show you the advantages and disadvantage of each choice so that you are confident that you understand how final product will look and feel.
6. HOW DOES BILLING WORK FOR CUSTOM RENOVATION?
Once the job is booked and the preliminary contract is signed, a 50% deposit based on the budget is required. When the job is complete, and the client is happy, a final invoice is issued for the remaining costs. Clients are asked to pay final invoices within 30 days.
7. WHAT DO YOU DO TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF COVID-19?
To ensure social distancing and minimize the risk of spreading Covid-19, design jobs are scheduled to allow for social distancing. All trades and sub-contractors are required to wear masks while working in the home and are not allowed to complete work if they are experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms. This can create a longer timeline for completion of design projects.
8. HOW DO MINI CONSULTS WORK?
While each mini consult is slightly different, Lead Designer Tiffany MacKay approaches them the same way. Once the order is placed on the COLOR BLOCK STUDIO website, our team will reach out to get the necessary details to complete your consult – whether it’s helping you pick a colour or rendering a room to see its potential. The consults are a great option for clients who want to transform their space without incurring a large cost.