Stage 2 of 12. See the full curriculum and choose your starting stage
The decision to make
Prepare one responsibility matrix before comparing designers. Include measurements, room planning, selections, ordering, delivery appointments, receiving, inspection, claims, storage, assembly, mounting, styling, cleaning and photography. Mark each task as included, excluded or unresolved for each proposal. A lower service fee may simply leave more coordination with the owner; a comprehensive package may still exclude specialized trades or a second site visit.
How to carry it out
Use the researched company directory to build a relevant shortlist. Read the official source and confirm the chosen package rather than treating an entire company as one standardized product. Ask who signs off on dimensions, changes and completion. Request the deliverable format and revision allowance. For a remote project, identify the local receiver and installer before selecting a plan-only engagement. For a manager offering design, separate the design contract from recurring management terms.
Worked planning example
Illustrative scenario; not a client case or performance result.
A hypothetical owner compares a virtual design plan with a turnkey proposal. The local handyman can assemble furniture but cannot receive weekday freight. The owner adds a receiver and storage quote to the virtual option before comparing total scope. Either provider could still be the better fit, but the missing responsibility is now visible.
Decision gate: evidence before moving on
Proceed when the written agreement names responsibilities, exclusions, approvals and the completion process. Keep unresolved fees visible; do not silently enter zero for an unquoted task.
Build the working record
Use one record per property and decision. Replace the prompts with verified information, retain the source documents and mark anything that still requires confirmation. Assign a person and a date to open questions instead of leaving them buried in conversation.
| Field | Your property evidence | Owner / next action |
|---|---|---|
| Provider and package name | [Record verified facts or mark unresolved] | [Name and date] |
| Official source and proposal date | [Record verified facts or mark unresolved] | [Name and date] |
| Deliverables and revision allowance | [Record verified facts or mark unresolved] | [Name and date] |
| Owner and provider responsibilities | [Record verified facts or mark unresolved] | [Name and date] |
| Local receiver and installer | [Record verified facts or mark unresolved] | [Name and date] |
| Exclusions and unresolved costs | [Record verified facts or mark unresolved] | [Name and date] |
| Approval and change procedure | [Record verified facts or mark unresolved] | [Name and date] |
Download the blank CSV worksheet
Use the record with your project team
Start with the current approved revision. Send the same document to the owner, designer and local coordinator so each person can see which decisions are settled. Keep quotes and manufacturer information attached to the relevant line. When a decision changes, record what changed, why it changed and which downstream documents must be updated.
At the next review, compare the installed or contracted result with the recorded requirement. Close an item only when the required evidence exists. If the record describes a planned purchase, do not relabel it as installed inventory until receiving and site checks confirm it. If the property is already operating, schedule work around the actual calendar and communicate the affected rooms and amenities to the person responsible for listing accuracy.
Go deeper
Explore the related detailed design library · Use the free host planning tools · Compare design and furnishing providers
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