When you and a client set a budget for a design and in the midst you discover major structural issues- how do you handle the situation? I can't imagine how these keep being a surprise to Hilary.This message has been edited. Last edited by: professorc,
Posts: 340 | Location: Nebraska | Registered: Dec 17, 2006
I have been an interior designer in N.J. for 22 years. I have never, ever been a project manager for an extensive renovation. This is the job of a G.C. who bids on the renovation based on a specified list of pre agreed upon projects. Any unforseen anomolies like unsound stuctural changes made previously to a space that is not visible, and specified, is not the responsibility of the G.C. Faulty construction, HVAC, or old nob and tube wiring is what a home inspection is for, although many GC's won't even touch older homes because of the possible litigations.
The issue illustrated on Love It or List It would never happen in N.J. or Florida where designers are not authorized to move walls, etc. at all.This type of work requires permits submitted by a contractor or an architect.
It is possible that what Hillary goes through may happen in some state, but it is my opinion that the entire show is faked. For me it is one more example of HGTV giving the public a false impression of what designers do. I am not sure why they do this, but they do.This message has been edited. Last edited by: Charles D,
Posts: 1497 | Location: Morristown | Registered: Jun 12, 2010
By the way, I never go over budget, that's the clients perogative. Sometimes people are disappointed by what they can get for their budget, like on Property Bros. but if someone gives me a $30,000 budget to redo their family room, when they come in for their presentation they are shown a $30,000 room.
Hillary would have been fired from my firm after her third angry client.
Posts: 1497 | Location: Morristown | Registered: Jun 12, 2010
Even tho I don't do structural changes on my own - I make sure a qualified GC is onboard for anything like that I want to do - I will never ever go over budget for a client UNLESS they change their mind and decide they want "more". Communication (open and honest) is important. On LIOLI, there seems to be precious little communication.
