Frequently Asked Questions

+ Tell me about Savvy Interiors and what it’s like to work with a design firm that is also a licensed general contractor.

As a premier interior design company in San Diego, Savvy Interiors takes pride in its luxury offerings and unique position as a licensed general contractor. Unlike the majority of California-based design firms, our licensure allows us to lawfully manage and compensate our exceptional team of subcontractors directly. Each of these subcontractors possesses their own specialized contractor licenses, and many have been collaborating with us for over ten years. For you, this means one point of contact for your project. And you can leave the management of the trades to us. We will not only oversee their work on the project, we will also handle payments and billing too. This means only one contract to sign, and one contractor to pay … Savvy Interiors.

+ Are there other benefits to working with Savvy Interiors as a licensed general contractor?

There are a couple of additional benefits. Our strong relationships with our subcontractors enables us to oversee every aspect of your project, including electrical work, plumbing, and final installations. With hundreds of successful installations under our belt, we approach the design process equipped with an extensive understanding of what it takes to bring a project to completion. Our experience allows us to foresee the necessary steps for implementing designs from the very outset.

+ We already have a general contractor. Can we still work with you?

Certainly! We enjoy collaborating with different builders, as they appreciate partnering with us as well. This is due to our expertise and ability to simplify the process for them. Our experience as a general contractor means we know what they need to do their job and we provide all the necessary details. In short, we understand how to design in a value engineered way. We provide detailed plans that can easily be handed over to a subcontractor for a turnkey design AND construction process that feels easy for the contractor and the client. And … easy is definitely the goal!

We work with builders and contractors in and around San Diego - from Point Loma to Laguna and Carlsbad - and value these relationships because they let us focus on the design.

+ What types of clients do you work with?

We collaborate with clients who lead dynamic, active lives and desire a home that complements their way of living, rather than constraining it. They require a designer and contractor who understands their needs and can materialize their vision, even when the clients themselves may not have a clear concept of what they want. This is what we do - our design-build-furnish process is a done-for-you approach to transform your space so you can get back to the priorities of everyday living.

+I'm all set! What's the first step?

Begin by booking a Discovery Call. This call will last approximately 15-20 minutes and comes with no obligations. During the call, we'll discuss your project's details, timeline, and budget while also explaining our work process. After confirming our compatibility, we'll move on to a consultation to initiate your project.

+ What's next? Tell me about the consultation.

During the consultation, we explore your space to gain insight into the project and fully grasp its extent. We're interested in learning about your design preferences, challenges, desires, and requirements – we're looking for all the specifics. Afterward, we will develop a design fee proposal tailored to your project. This proposal typically involves a flat fee per area, contingent on the design's complexity and the number of choices suitable for your project. For spec homes and new builds without furniture selections, our design fee proposal remains a flat fee but might be calculated based on square footage.

+ What does the design fee include?

The design fee (in phases) encompasses all aspects required to achieve the final design of your dream space. This includes taking measurements, creating scale drawings, making selections, and providing renderings and 3D drawings when necessary. We'll present our design vision to you for an enjoyable experience.

Included in the fees are conceptual construction drawings for both construction and design. These documents contain vital details to turn the vision into reality, such as site plans, floor plans, section drawings, interior elevations, mechanical, decorative electrical and plumbing drawings, among others.

For those employing their own contractor, we'll prepare coordinating material spreadsheets and include one on-site pre-construction walkthrough with your contractor for local projects.

+ Are you uncertain about your style and seeking assistance?

Upon joining inSIDE, our insightful design questionnaire will delve into your design tastes and practical requirements, ensuring that both elegance and functionality are maintained in your home (yes, it is possible to have kids and stylish objects). The questionnaire aims to gather comprehensive information, such as the usage of crucial areas in the house, any allergy concerns, storage needs, and whether you're interested in incorporating bold colors but need guidance or find it intimidating.

We request inspirational images from you and also provide our own for mutual understanding on the desired direction for your space. Once we have a clear grasp of your vision, pain points, and preferences, we will commence the behind-the-scenes design process!

+ What does the design presentation encompass?

In the design presentation, our team will present a comprehensive design, including tangible samples for your examination. This assists in making choices and enables you to envisage your space. We'll demonstrate specific choices, scaled floor plans, furniture arrangements, and renderings when suitable. This stage is enjoyable!

The presentation covers every aspect as we aim to avoid surprises. We'll discuss cabinet designs, tile arrangements, and necessary preparations. This clear vision allows you to make decisions and begin imagining your ideal space. After all, the final outcome is our priority, making the entire process worthwhile!

+ Who is responsible for choosing furniture and accessories?

Our design team handpicks all furnishings by considering your preferences shared through the design questionnaire and inspiration images. We collaborate with exclusive, wholesale vendors and utilize our comprehensive knowledge of furniture to help you visualize how each piece will fit within your space. Although you won't preview selections beforehand, we can create custom furniture based on inspiration found during the design process. Our designers attend various furniture markets across the nation to ensure that we provide you with the highest quality and most comfortable furniture options.

+ Who is responsible for the procurement of project materials?

Our team is in charge of handling and supervising all aspects of a project's needs, encompassing construction materials, furnishings, lighting, hardware, and any other required items. We collaborate with a reliable group of suppliers to simplify the process of ordering, monitoring, and setting up.

+ Will your presence be consistent throughout the project?

Yes, when we serve as both the designer and general contractor in a project, our team, including a project manager, will routinely visit the site to supervise progress, identify risks, address concerns, expedite decision-making, and resolve any potential issues. This is included in the overall design fee.

However, if Savvy Interiors is only providing design services while collaborating with other builders, site visits will be conducted as needed and billed hourly. As we start the construction phase, a project management retainer will be collected based on your project's requirements. Each project varies in scope and management, so the retainer amount differs but includes aspects such as contractor communication, site visits, and construction meetings.

+ Can you explain the method of managing payments and invoices?

We utilize a web-based platform to monitor all aspects – proposals, invoices, and payments. You can access your financial data anytime. Design charges are settled completely during the contract's signing. For general contracting, installment payments adhere to the guidelines of the California General Contractors license agreement.

+ What methods will be used to maintain communication during the project?

To ensure consistent communication and organization for the project, we utilize an online project management system known as Basecamp. This platform includes features such as updates, images, and crucial information about the project. Instead of using email, Basecamp will serve as our primary means of regular communication.