Hi Kayla, the new versions of the steps are launching on Oct. 6th. They are much better. More clear. More detail. Better collaterals to support you. We’ve been fine-tuning the process for 15 years so…I’m excited for you to watch the new versions. I think lots of your questions will be answered in a more straightforward way! Thank you for being here. Stay well. KS

Take the course Markups and Discounts. It provides the answers you are looking for! I work the same way you do, with my A team and they mark up and I have a project management fees also. Re. Q2. you won’t move forward until the client approves the budget, with a check. I have not had a client push back on our process. Once they sign up for the consultation, they move forward because it all makes sense, it’s logical. Thanks.

Hello Kayla, you are asking a question that has to do with how to use a flat fee contract. That’s a different course within the site and can’t be answered in a forum setting like this. We will launch more flat fee programming in the month’s ahead! Thank you. Stay well. KS

Hello Madeleine, you are correct. I price the client’s wish list. Then, present that price. After that, the client can decide what to buy. I base the design and choices on the client’s preferences (she might mention a wolf range) and her lifestyle (is there a Toyota in the driveway or a Range Rover) and on what she already owns in the home. Plus, with my hourly rate established, I’m already attracting people who are shopping in a fairly high price point. Make sense?? Good question. Stay well.

Two questions for you:

1. You mention getting preferred rates from contractors so you an still make money, aka, a markup. This is something I have not ever done (mark up contractor invoices). I often work with my “A Team” Construction company so that eliminates me having to find a ton of sub trades (I struggled with being dissapointed with contractors or issues with work quality/values). When I found my contractor company, I stuck with them. They make my job EASY, I TRUST them, and the experience we provide the client with together is exceptional. However, he charges project management obviously, yet so do I. Even though I am not subbing each trade in, there is a lot of PM aspects even still. So, my question is, what percentage do you mark up your trades? I am always so sceptical to do this.

2. Secondly, how do we move forward with all this work before the client even knows expected budget? Some clients don’t want to move forward until they have an estimated budget. It seems there is so many hours going into just getting to that point. Have any clients ever questioned paying upwards of a few thousand dollars in preliminary work just to get them to an estimated budget?

Thank you !!

Two questions for you:

1. You mention getting preferred rates from contractors so you an still make money, aka, a markup. This is something I have not ever done (mark up contractor invoices). I often work with my “A Team” Construction company so that eliminates me having to find a ton of sub trades (I struggled with being dissapointed with contractors or issues with work quality/values). When I found my contractor company, I stuck with them. They make my job EASY, I TRUST them, and the experience we provide the client with together is exceptional. However, he charges project management obviously, yet so do I. Even though I am not subbing each trade in, there is a lot of PM aspects even still. So, my question is, what percentage do you mark up your trades? I am always so sceptical to do this.

2. Secondly, how do we move forward with all this work before the client even knows expected budget? Some clients don’t want to move forward until they have an estimated budget. It seems there is so many hours going into just getting to that point. Have any clients ever questioned paying upwards of a few thousand dollars in preliminary work just to get them to an estimated budget? What if they say “Well we don’t really want to go ahead with services till we know what it’ll cost?”

Thank you !!

One question I have regarding getting the client to sign the contract at the consultation, is how can they sign a contract when fees have not yet been determined? My contract that clients signs involves them signing off on the fees proposed for their project. How do you quickly determine your fees, or do you not even have fees involved in your contract? I imagine for this instance, it is the hourly fee contract, not flat fee?

I am happy to know that I already follow 95% of this, I will just incorporate the checklist and trying to close in on initiating projects at the consult. Many clients want to know what the project will cost on all levels, mostly construction/finishes before they even know they want to go ahead. This can end up in a “going in circles” situation, as they do not want to sign anything until they know an estimated budget. So many questions I could send your way, I will see what the rest of the courses entail 🙂

Kayla

Hello there. I’m sure we talk about this in the course…but, if there isn’t one, you need to figure out what makes sense. Thanks!

Hello there. I am not sure I understand the dilemma. If it’s truly only the basement, then, it’s only the basement. But lucky they hired you and not someone who didn’t understand what was actually required! It may have only taken 45 minutes to size up the situation, but that’s because you have expertise and experience. It might take someone less qualified two full hours. But, what are client’s paying for with the consult? Not our time.

I think it sounds like you felt uncomfortable not being able to fill the time (which I totally understand) but the clients went forward with your expertise anyway, which means they were fine with the arrangement. Bottom line, we have to be comfortable knowing that it’s not worthwhile to do anything less than the two hours to launch the project.

Good luck with the project! It will probably get bigger when they get to know you more. KS