terms and conditions

 1. Scope of Services

• Clearly define what is included (e.g., mood boards, 3D renderings, floor plans, shopping lists, product sourcing).
• Specify what is not included to prevent scope creep (e.g., structural modifications, architectural drawings, or contractor management).
• Detail the number of revisions included in the design fee and the hourly rate for additional changes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Fees and Payment Terms

• Outline your pricing structure (e.g., flat design fee, hourly rate, or percentage of total project cost).
• Provide a clear payment schedule (e.g., a 50% deposit before work begins, and the remaining balance upon final presentation).
• State penalties for late payments and your right to withhold design files if invoices go unpaid. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

3. Intellectual Property (IP)

• Specify that you retain all copyrights and IP rights for your designs, concepts, and website content.
• Clarify that clients are granted a limited, non-exclusive license to use the final design strictly for their specific project.
• Include a clause allowing you to take photographs of the completed project for your portfolio and marketing (unless the client specifically opts out). [1, 2]

4. Third-Party Suppliers and Purchasing

• State whether you act as a purchasing agent or if clients are responsible for buying directly from suppliers.
• Include a disclaimer of liability stating that you are not responsible for delays, defects, or pricing errors made by third-party furniture vendors, manufacturers, or contractors. [1, 2]

5. Website Usage & E-Design

• If you offer virtual interior design (E-Design), state that floor plan measurements provided by the client are their responsibility and that conceptual items are considered an "approximate match". [1]
• Include a website disclaimer protecting you from damages resulting from broken links, third-party content, or general use of the website. [1]

6. Client Responsibilities and Communication

• Outline how you prefer to communicate (e.g., email only, scheduled calls) to avoid round-the-clock client contact.
• Specify that clients must notify you within a certain timeframe (e.g., 48 hours) if they need to cancel or reschedule in-person consultations. [1, 2]

7. Termination and Exit Clause

• Detail the exact process for terminating the contract by either party, including how to handle refunds or work-in-progress if the project is canceled mid-way. [1, 2, 3]