Residential

Design

1)    We’ll conduct an introductory meeting to get to know one another and discuss your project and go over the scope of work that you would like done. We will ask questions to help us understand your primary goals and determine your desired aesthetic. Please provide inspirational images and your own input to help us ensure that we can turn your vision into reality. After our meeting, we will share our project notes for you to amend or add your own comments. At this time, we will provide you with a copy of our contract for you to look over.

2)      We will provide an approximate cost projection. This estimate will normally cover our design time only, as the cost for materials and furniture can vary widely depending on your taste and budget. If you decide to work with us, we will send you an electronic contract for you to sign. We require a retainer to be paid before we begin work. The size of the retainer varies with the size of the project, but is usually in the range of $1,500 to $3,000. We charge $195/hr for our lead designer, Janice Hanks, and $145/hr for our Project Manager's time. We have an in-house CAD drafter who charges $145/hr for all drawing needs, such as cabinets, tile layouts, and furniture layouts.

Janice oversees the overall project and all selections, while the Project Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the project. To save you money, we try to limit instances where both Janice and the Project Manager are present. Please note that the retainer will stay in your project and can only be applied to your final bill with Next Level.

3)     Our work begins. If you are using a builder and/or architect, we will share our notes with them. If you need an architect or builder, we have several that we work with regularly whom we would be glad to recommend. Using your notes and preferences, we will begin making selections. This is a back-and-forth process, ensuring that you love our choices as we proceed with the project. We receive trade discounts on many different materials and pieces of furniture, which we share with you.

4)      We coordinate the project: purchases, shipments, appointments, returns, storage of materials and selections, elevations, CAD drawings, tile layouts, lighting, electrical, art, furniture, window treatments, hardware, and whatever else your project may require. If you have one, we will coordinate with your builder every step of the way. Our team will work with you as your project proceeds to ensure that you are completely satisfied

5) Installation: Once your items are received at our affiliate warehouse, we will manage their installation using our preferred professionals. Our team oversees all the details to ensure that everything is installed perfectly, and if any issues arise, we will correct them quickly and competently.

6) Once a month, you will receive our Designer bill through IVY, a website we utilize for all proposals and invoicing related to Next Level Austin. IVY allows us to efficiently manage your budget and handle all orders for materials, furniture, and accessories. This streamlined process ensures transparency and accuracy in our billing and project management.

This version clarifies the role of IVY in managing proposals, invoicing, budgeting, and ordering, while emphasizing transparency and efficiency in the billing process.