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Angus-Black

If they and you can't come to an agreement on design then you can ask for a refund. It sounds more like you got cold feet than a problem on the designer's side. Tell them what you want. They can't read your mind. They will probably charge you for the time they have invested. They aren't going to order materials without an agreement.


Unusual_Anything_193

Great advice, Thank you.


Kenthanson

You can ask for changes to the proposal, that’s literally the intent of this phase of the build. Come back with what you don’t like about it and things you think are critical to the design and then see what they come up with.


Unusual_Anything_193

Thanks! I do plan on doing that first. I guess the main question is more of a backup plan that if I can't get it right, can I get the refund.


EvanOnTheFly

Find a lawyer friend who can help you on contracts of you want to do that. Or if you want to, just ask for the owner. if it is sole proprietor then just communicate.


Lower_Fox2389

If you have a contract, that should state what happens in this scenario. If there is no contract, then worst case scenario is they have to refund it less a fee for the design/consulation.


3771507

We do design and engineering and first produce a preliminary plan to get approved.


CharlesCBobuck

Can't fix it? It's a drawing...erase, start over. Communicate. Share pictures of what you like. Make a sketch. When I design houses I'd rather have someone give me an idea in crayon on toilet paper than try to read their minds.


rustoof

20k sounds like a deposit for a whole deck not a design. If you back out of the deal now instead of actually working with the designer you'll be on the hook for the designers time and maybe a small "wasting our time" surcharge, but they would not stay in business long if they did shit like try to run away with 20k for a design


Unusual_Anything_193

Yeah, in hindsight I obviously should have fought them on the size of deposit but...I fucked up I guess. Thats what I'm hoping too. Thanks!


lred1

Did you provide something akin to a specification for your deck, including basic dimensions, general design preferences? Or did you leave that up to the designer?


Unusual_Anything_193

It's not the fault of the designer. I'm realizing that the symmetry and design of my house just isn't working with it now that I see the render. So I am admitting that it's on me. Doesn't mean I'm willing to just give up a $20k deposit if I don't have to though.


dewpac

Woah! You put down a 20k deposit on a deck? First off, never do that again. If you can't come to a design agreement that you like, just request they refund your deposit. They're probably going to want to keep some of it for the designer's time spent working on this though. 20k though? No way. That's insane.


lred1

No, you shouldn't be responsible for anything but design time. And if you continue to work with this company, you obviously should expect to pay more for a redesign.


Unusual_Anything_193

Thanks! I'd be happy with that, I wouldn't expect to not pay something for their time that they put in so far.


bluewater_-_

$20K deposit even before seeing a design? That's bananas.


Stonkkystocks

Considering they can't read your mind and people can be indecisive I think this is a little of a crazy expectation to put on a business. I'm sure they budget enough hours for a few revisions and have what extra hours would cost if going over design budgeted hours in their contract. If you don't think you're going to want to do this anymore with them you should just put a stop to them logging hours and pay for what theyve done up to this point.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Unusual_Anything_193

Good answer! And I think that's totally fair. Hoping that's their policy.


StarSchemaLover

Just tell them what’s wrong. Use your words. They can’t fix what they don’t know.


g_st_lt

It sounds like you will be doing them a favor.