FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a decorator and an interior designer, and which service does BJOID offer?
A decorator will help with paint/colour consultation, furnishing, accessorizing and creating a beautiful space with the walls as they are. An interior designer is trained in architectural renovation; construction documents, plumbing & electrical plans as well as material selection and direction of theme. Both interior design and decorating services are incredibly interwoven and are required for any renovation project. While BJOID offers both renovation design and interior decorating services, I specialize in renovation and offer decoration services for BJOID renovated projects.
When should I start speaking to a designer
It’s best to start with BJOID as early as possible in the design process, as I will work to understand your individual needs, your lifestyle and work from the inside out; creating a space that impacts and improves the way you and your family live - and that takes time. Once the overall design direction is achieved, we can involve a contractor to quote the project and get into their queue.
Do you recommend good tradespeople?
I work with a number of high quality tradespeople and contractors, who share similar professional values and take excellent care of my clients. After we are through the design development phase, I can recommend a contractor and/or specific tradespeople who will best match with you and your project.
What if we already have a contractor? Can we use them?
Yes, absolutely.
I have architectural plans for my renovation but I’m just not sure we’re 100% happy yet.
This is a perfect time to get involved with BJOID. I will work to understand what you really need from your space, and implement changes to the architectural plans that better suit your family. From there we can bring the space to life with materials and fixtures that make sense for your family now and in the future.
Do you work on custom new builds, or just renovations?
Yes, in addition to renovation projects I frequently work with clients who are building new custom homes. It’s best to work together once the preliminary plans are completed, so we can take a discerning look at the layout and fine tune before the ground is broken.
What does a typical initial consultation look like?
At the initial consultation, I will get to know you and your family’s needs by having a conversation. At this point if you have any inspiration pictures, let’s look at them and discuss what specifically draws you to them. I ask you to be open about your goals and spend some time beforehand considering your family’s needs. As a trained interior designer, I’m likely to see the space differently and will offer ways to make it more suitable to your aspirations and goals.
How much does an average project cost for design services?
Each project starts with an in-person consultation with a fixed fee of $398.23 + HST and includes up to 2 hours of meeting time. After the consultation I will send over a design contract that will define the three phases (Preliminary Design, Design Development, and Final Documents) and their associated costs. While each project is unique, an average main floor renovation design package can cost between $3,750 and $5,100. Any site visits or management beyond the package pricing are charged at an hourly rate.
Do you do projects outside the KW area?
Yes. I have worked on projects all over Ontario, and even in remote locations like Aruba. Travel time is charged for any project outside of the KW area, but we can use virtual tools to help make the process easier and budget-friendly.
A decorator will help with paint/colour consultation, furnishing, accessorizing and creating a beautiful space with the walls as they are. An interior designer is trained in architectural renovation; construction documents, plumbing & electrical plans as well as material selection and direction of theme. Both interior design and decorating services are incredibly interwoven and are required for any renovation project. While BJOID offers both renovation design and interior decorating services, I specialize in renovation and offer decoration services for BJOID renovated projects.
When should I start speaking to a designer
It’s best to start with BJOID as early as possible in the design process, as I will work to understand your individual needs, your lifestyle and work from the inside out; creating a space that impacts and improves the way you and your family live - and that takes time. Once the overall design direction is achieved, we can involve a contractor to quote the project and get into their queue.
Do you recommend good tradespeople?
I work with a number of high quality tradespeople and contractors, who share similar professional values and take excellent care of my clients. After we are through the design development phase, I can recommend a contractor and/or specific tradespeople who will best match with you and your project.
What if we already have a contractor? Can we use them?
Yes, absolutely.
I have architectural plans for my renovation but I’m just not sure we’re 100% happy yet.
This is a perfect time to get involved with BJOID. I will work to understand what you really need from your space, and implement changes to the architectural plans that better suit your family. From there we can bring the space to life with materials and fixtures that make sense for your family now and in the future.
Do you work on custom new builds, or just renovations?
Yes, in addition to renovation projects I frequently work with clients who are building new custom homes. It’s best to work together once the preliminary plans are completed, so we can take a discerning look at the layout and fine tune before the ground is broken.
What does a typical initial consultation look like?
At the initial consultation, I will get to know you and your family’s needs by having a conversation. At this point if you have any inspiration pictures, let’s look at them and discuss what specifically draws you to them. I ask you to be open about your goals and spend some time beforehand considering your family’s needs. As a trained interior designer, I’m likely to see the space differently and will offer ways to make it more suitable to your aspirations and goals.
How much does an average project cost for design services?
Each project starts with an in-person consultation with a fixed fee of $398.23 + HST and includes up to 2 hours of meeting time. After the consultation I will send over a design contract that will define the three phases (Preliminary Design, Design Development, and Final Documents) and their associated costs. While each project is unique, an average main floor renovation design package can cost between $3,750 and $5,100. Any site visits or management beyond the package pricing are charged at an hourly rate.
Do you do projects outside the KW area?
Yes. I have worked on projects all over Ontario, and even in remote locations like Aruba. Travel time is charged for any project outside of the KW area, but we can use virtual tools to help make the process easier and budget-friendly.