STEP THREE: THE CONTRACT
Years ago we didn't really bother with contracts, it was more of a gentleman's agreement between client and designer or builder. It has changed as our society has become more litigious and there are more clients seeking interior design help and more designers providing help.
The contract is to safeguard both the client and designer. BIID (British Institute of Interior Designers) produce a standard contract, CID/14, which your designer may use, or they might use this in part or a version of it. Alternatively, a Letter of Appointment incorporating a set of simple conditions of terms can be provided. Please read it carefully and make sure you are happy with it.
Your contract with your designer should outline the following:
1. The designer's fees and how much you will pay along with the payment terms.
2. What you should expect for the fees.
3. Timescale.
4. Procurement and liabilities
5. Amendments and addendums
As set out in the CDM 15 (Construction, Design, and Management Regulations) Your designer should act as the Principal Designer appointed by you to take control of the pre-construction phase of any project involving more than one contractor. ... plan, manage, monitor and coordinate health and safety in the pre-construction phase and will be responsible for all communications between contractors and you. Unless you have an architect or quality surveyor involved.
An example of a simple Letter of appointment.
Contracts with builders will be mentioned in Step Ten.
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