Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the e-design process take?

That depends on the project itself. Floor plans, color consults, or single furniture sourcing can be completed within 5 days or less. Larger projects like full e design plans for one room or multiple rooms will take up to 2 weeks to complete. The duration of any service I offer is completely dependent upon my client completing in home measurements, room photographs and my detailed questionnaire or a web meeting. Any delay in these requirements will delay the process.

What are your service hours?

I work virtually during the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM, EST, Monday through Friday. I am also available by appointment outside of those times if necessary.

How can you design a room that you have never physically been in?

I am able to design from a distance due to technology that allows us to meet “in person” via zoom web chat program and email. My clients play a big part in getting information to me like room measurements and pictures. They can be uploaded on my contact page and through links I provide after purchasing one of my e design plans.

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept all major credit cards through Stipe and PayPal.

When is payment due?

Payment is due in full before I begin working on client projects.

Can I contact you before purchasing a service?

Yes, you can email me any time. I will respond within one business day and many times sooner than that. You can also schedule a complimentary web call where we can talk for 30 minutes about your project. You may ask me anything you like either way.

What kind of things can I upload to you?

You can upload room pictures, measurements measurements, and other documents like pdf’s to the upload portal on my contact page.

How Do I Share Inspiration Pictures of Rooms, Furniture and Decor That I Like?

You can share any inspiration with me that you would like to through a private Pinterest board that I will set up when you purchase my Enhanced or Complete Design Plans. The board will be available permanently and you can add pins or pictures as often as you like throughout the design process. If you choose to purchase another plan from me in the future, you can add to this board and all of your inspiration for multiple rooms will be in the same location. We can also share private messaging about your project(s) on this board as well.

Can I keep some of my existing furniture in my e-design?

Yes. I will show you how to measure and photograph the furniture that you are keeping as a part of your welcome packet. It will be important for me to know sizes and what your favorite pieces look like so I can help you to incorporate them into the new design.

Will you respect my budget for this new design?

I will always respect your budget and investment range for your project. I ask very specific budgetary questions when you fill out my Style Finder Questionnaire and I will further seek clarification when we have our web meeting(s). My intention is to provide you with the very best design I can offer for the amount that you would like to invest. I am your partner in this process. There is a wide variety of furniture on the market today in all price ranges and I will offer the most appropriate options to successfully complete your design.  One of the best aspects of e design is that you can install your plan on your own time and as your budget allows..  

Will I be able to purchase my items right from my plan?

Yes. I will have clickable links that will take you directly to the items that I have sourced for you and you will have the opportunity to purchase directly from your plan. Please note that I may be paid a commission on furniture that you purchase through the links I provide in your plan. If that is the case, I have usually negotiated a better price from the vendor and I will gladly pass that savings on to you through the purchasing link. I may also instruct you to visit furniture stores where you can see, feel, and touch the pieces that I recommend. You are welcome to purchase directly from their in-store representatives if you prefer.

Will you change things if I don’t like them?

Yes. Your plan includes one complimentary revision. I will adjust the floor plan, furniture selections, accessories and/or any part of the design outlined in the parameters one time. As your partner in this process, I strive to completely understand the look and scope of what you would like to achieve. To further achieve success,  I will post concepts, updates, and preliminary product proposals our shared Pinterest board throughout the design process. As you see these updates, you can communicate with me, or upload your own ideas so we can share an open dialogue about the direction of the design.  

Will I be able to ask you questions about my e-design after I receive my completed plan?

Yes. I offer 1 year of post design support. You may message me through email or Facebook Messenger if you follow Michael Helwig Interiors on Facebook. You may also schedule a web meeting with me if you have many questions you’d like answered ‘in person’. Your plan will have complete step by step instructions for how to successfully install it and a video that also explains the process and provides further insights.

What is your refund policy?

All services are non-refundable. The services at Michael Helwig Interiors are custom and specific to each individual client. I strive to create the very best design for every client and I encourage you to submit as many pictures that reflect your personal style as possible. For my Enhanced and Complete Plan clients, if you are not satisfied with how your e-design turns out, I will gladly revise your design, at no additional charge, one time, and after further clarification is established, documented, and agreed upon by both parties.

What if a product that you source for my project is no longer available.

From time to time, some of the products I source may become discontinued or unavailable. Many online and brick and mortar stores frequently change their inventory to keep up with market trends. I cannot control if an item I have sourced becomes unavailable. I recommend purchasing the items I source for you as soon as possible to avoid delays or disappointments.  Having said that, I will revise your plan, at no additional charge, within 1 year of delivery if what I have selected is no longer available for purchase.

Do you work with contractors?

On occasion, there may be a need for a contractor to provide electric services, plumbing, structural support, painting, etc. I will be happy to recommend top rated professionals in your area, but clients enter into contractual agreements with ALL outside contractors on their own accord. I do not provide contract services for structural purposes and I can not be held liable for any work provided or promised by any outside contractor.

Can I purchase your e-design as a gift?

Yes. Purchase any of my services and let me know via email the name and email of the person you wish to gift the plan to and I will send them a welcome packet with all they need to proceed. What a great new house warming gift or wedding present. Heck, you can even buy my plans as a birthday gift!

Where do I have to live in order to use your services?

I can currently provide my services to customers in the US and Canada. Please feel free to message me if you live outside of those areas as I may still be able to help.

What are your qualifications?

I became a Certified Interior Decorator in 2009. Soon after that I began working for a company doing space planning and interior landscapes with live plants. I mostly designed indoor plant displays for hotels, shopping centers, and office buildings. In 2011, I earned a custom furniture certification and began working in residential interiors. I discovered an affinity for designing functional and beautiful small spaces and that has been my focus ever since. Later in 2012, I obtained certification in Interior Environment Coaching. This certification enables me to coach homeowners who need attention and help living within the parameters of small spaces.

Is there really a difference between designing large interiors vs. small interiors?

Yes indeed! That’s why I repeat my mantra so often: I can save you time, money and headaches. Simply put, small spaces need special attention in terms of furniture placement, scale of furnishings, color, style and more. If you’ve been trying to layout your space and felt stuck or frustrated, I can help by recommending pieces that will work for your space BEFORE buying pieces that won’t work or can’t fit. These mistakes can be costly and inconvenient at best.

Are there any services you don’t provide?

●       Architectural, engineering or construction services.

●       Furniture assembly.

●       Re-upholstery of furniture.

●       Custom window treatments.

●       Electrical work/installation.

●       Accepting deliveries.

●       Returns.

●       Painting.

●       Cleaning.

●       Moving of very heavy furniture.

●       Packing, removing or selling furniture.