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Design Services Retainer: There are many issues that must be satisfactorily addressed when designing a large custom aquarium system, especially if it is part of a new building construction or build-out of an existing structure. All issues and potential problems must be examined and discussed with all trades involved and solutions found before initial blueprints are created. This process is typically called the
"design phase" of the project. Depending on the size, application and complexity of the system, the design phase may require a few hours or many hours of planning. In addition to construction document preparation and meetings, our role almost always also involves time spent educating architects, contractors and tradesmen who have never been involved with a large aquarium project. Formal design phase work is a billable service. With some large complex
projects, many hours of work are required. Our company may also incur expenses during the design process. If your project requires design work involving a building contractor, architect, various trades, more than one or two meetings, travel, lodging, document/drawing preparation & review, etc., we will invoice you in advance for a non-refundable retainer for this service. We must receive payment of this retainer in full before we perform any major design work, prepare
construction documents and drawings, or if needed, bring in expensive engineering consultants or subcontractors for meetings. Design Services Retainer Cost, Terms and Payment:
If we are only providing design and/or consulting work, our hourly charge for large aquarium design services is
$150.00 per hour and we require a pre-paid retainer before we begin work. If you
purchase an aquarium from us, we will provide a flat rate for design and
installation and will request a retainer. We estimate an initial retainer based
on the size and location of the project. If there is an escarole account held in trust by a bank or title company for the project, payment of our retainer may be by check drawn on secured funds. If no secured account exists for the project, payment of our
retainer must be paid by certified check or money order. Please note that if considerable design work is required to accurately determine project costs, the initial quotation we will send you will be marked tentative with prices shown not guaranteed as "firm" until the design phase is complete. Depending on project requirements, all of the following may be required as a minimum before we revise the quotation and submit a formal bid:
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If design work is required, you will need to sign and return the retainer form (included with your quotation) with payment as described.
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We must have a clear, complete understanding of all necessary details regarding the project.
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If required for this project, we will visit the job site in-person and attend meetings as needed.
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If required for this project, we will need to be supplied with and
must review all blueprints, drawings and documents we request, and interview all
persons or company representatives involved in the design phase for this project.
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If required for this project, we will have prepared all necessary engineer-certified drawings.
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If required for this project, all drawings by all parties
must be signed off by a licensed contractor or architect or any and all responsible parties.
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Any and all design issues and potential problems have been addressed and solutions agreed upon in writing with a licensed contractor or architect.
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Please note that it may take some time to finalize all considerations and issues before we agree to a final "bid."
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Once design phase is complete, we will either sign off or revise the quotation for your approval. Once approved, signed by all parties and materials deposit paid, the quotation becomes a legal project bid (excluding no-fault cost overruns and owner-requested extras).
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