An interior design agreement should explain what the designer will do, what the client must provide, how the project will be billed, and what happens when plans change. Before signing, read every section for specific responsibilities, costs, decision points, and limits. Verbal expectations should appear in writing, especially when they affect the budget, schedule, purchasing, or ownership of design work.
Confirm the Scope and Deliverables
Start with the services included and excluded. The agreement should identify project areas, design phases, drawings, selections, meetings, site visits, installation support, and any coordination with contractors or consultants. Check how many revisions are included and what counts as an additional service. Vague phrases such as “design support” can lead to different expectations, so deliverables should be described clearly enough that both parties can recognize when a phase is complete.
Understand Fees and Purchasing Costs
Review the fee structure, payment schedule, retainers, deposits, hourly rates, and charges for work outside the scope. If the designer purchases furnishings or materials, confirm how markups, shipping, storage, receiving, delivery, taxes, damage claims, and returns are handled. Note which payments are refundable and when invoices are due. The agreement should also explain whether estimates may change and who must approve spending before an order is placed.
Check the Schedule and Client Responsibilities
Look for estimated start dates, phase durations, decision deadlines, and conditions that can extend the timeline. Product lead times and construction changes may be outside the designer’s control, but the agreement should explain how delays are communicated. Client duties may include providing measurements, access, approvals, or timely payment. Confirm who coordinates contractors, verifies site conditions, and signs off on selections before purchases become final.
Review Changes, Cancellations, and Risk
Find the process for revising the scope, pausing the project, canceling services, or terminating the agreement. Review notice periods, cancellation fees, ownership of drawings, use of project images, warranty limits, insurance expectations, and responsibility for contractor or vendor performance. Dispute-resolution and governing-law clauses also matter. If any liability, indemnity, or termination language is unclear, consider having a qualified attorney review it before signing.
Make Sure the Agreement Matches the Conversation
Read the final document against proposals, emails, estimates, and meeting notes. Ask for corrections or written addenda when important promises are missing or contradictory. Do not rely on verbal assurances to repair unclear language. A useful agreement does more than authorize work: it gives both sides a shared reference for scope, money, timing, decisions, and changes. Sign only when the terms are understandable, complete, and consistent with the project discussed.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, tax, or investment advice. JL Coates is not a financial advisor, tax consultant, or investment specialist. We recommend consulting with a professional financial advisor, tax specialist, or investment advisor to discuss your specific circumstances before making any financial, tax, or investment decisions based on this information. JL Coates assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.
