For an interior designer, a “design installation” is the day that it all goes down. One thing that I learned quickly in this career is that your installation day can only go as smoothly as you prepare it to go. Yes, there will be unforeseeable circumstances that will always have to be dealt with (delivery guy drops vase, neighbor’s dog sneaks in and tracks dirt on a custom area rug, electrician shorts the house) . But for the most part, solid preparation and planned trouble shooting will ensure a successful day.
Here are my top installation tips that have been helpful to me:
1. Measure Up. Never deliver furniture unless they have been measured for entry. Make sure that sectional sofa and extra wide dining table will fit through your entrance, that narrow hallway, or service elevator. If you’re unsure, ask your movers to scope out the space beforehand.
2. Have Backup. Bring backup accessory options because sometimes you just don’t know what’s going to work (or accidentally break) until you see it in the space. Take a photo of the space before you leave to log what was left and I find it helpful to leave a price list with your client so they can easier decide what they’d like to keep.
3. Go-to Bag. Here’s a list of lifesavers that our entire design staff brings in an installation bag on every project: velvet pads, screw driver, feather duster, lint remover, touch up finish, stain remover, plastic wrap, booties, white gloves, scissors, protein bars, camera, light bulbs, art installation kit, phone charger, cash for tips, Endust, soft rags, tape, trash bags, measuring tape, extension cords, water spritzer, steamer.
4. Do not Disturb. Don’t let your clients watch the process – do the installation when they are out of town or send them to a spa for the day. It’s always best anyway to let your client see the final and completed job. Give them their Tada moment they deserve.
5. White Glove. Hire a top notch delivery crew. Sometimes saving money on delivery can really cause you more headaches down the line. An experienced white glove crew that knows the drill is invaluable.
6. Plan It. Schedule your day out strategically so the electrician doesn’t arrive before the lighting does. Carefully plan out the appointments of your day and allow yourself extra time at the end before your clients get home….you’ll need it.
7. Separate It. Separate your accessory bags by vendors to make any return memos easier for yourself the next day.
8. Must Eat. Figure out the lunch situation for you and your staff before everyone’s blood sugar drops to unhealthy levels.
9. This should be #1. Leave your heels at home.
