Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a budget and a proposal?
A budget is intended to be a relatively simple way to tell a client how much their project will cost. For example, the designer might know that the dining room will require a table and eight chairs. She won't be interested in the specifics of the furniture pieces, but she does want to set a budget amount that the client will agree to, so a contract can be signed and/or the furniture selections can begin.
Typically, once a client agrees to a budget amount, the design firm will start creating proposals that contain specific details about each item.
For example, in the budget, there might be an item called “Chair” with a budgeted price of $1,500. If the budget for this item is approved, the design firm will change the item name from ,“Chair” to something like “Leather Wingback Chaise” and enter the actual cost and price.
What about components in budgets?
We anticipate that most design firms will include in the budget price the pricing for the components. So if the budget for a chair is $1,500, that would include the chair and any relevant components.
When the budget for the $1,500 chair is approved, the designer will find a chair and a fabric whose combined price is (hopefully!) $1,500.
That said, you can enter components in the budget if that will benefit your workflow. Components can be shown or “included” in the budget, just as they are in proposals.
Can we track the budget?
Once a budget is approved, and your firm starts submitting proposals, you can track the budgeted amounts versus the actual amounts. For more information, see Tracking Budgets.
If we turn budgets on, can we turn them off later?
Yes.
Can I delete or exclude an item on an approved budget?
No. Once an item is on an approved budget, it cannot be deleted or excluded. It can be renamed and the amounts changed, but the budget amount for that item has to remain intact for the budget system to work.
How do subcharges work in the budgets module?
When you are previewing a budget, you'll have the chance to add a percentage or an amount for your firm's subcharges. These amounts will be used to track against the actual subcharge amounts.