Standard Form of Agreement for Design and Consultation Services - NKBA 2008 - Service Agreement Format

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Blitz

Standard agreement framework for design and consultation services in kitchen and bath projects, outlining the typical contract development phases and how deliverables are reviewed, revised, and finalized. The document structures fee decisions (measure, retainer, hourly), defines project descriptions and planning scope, and clarifies what is excluded, including electrical planning and surface selection responsibilities. It also covers change management, final plan approval signatures, allowances versus product selections, and the need to address copyright ownership and related liabilities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time2 min

AccessFree to download

Design Process

Phase 1: Jobsite visit and review

Phase 2: Revisions and working drawings

Phase 3: Final drawings and client signature

Phase 4: Post-signature product and allowance comparison

Agreement Format and Key Sections

Section No. 1: Fee type

Section No. 2: Describe the project

Section No. 3: Planning process inclusions

Section No. 4: Exclusions from plans

Section No. 5: Changes in plans and billing

Section 6: Design copyright ownership and liabilities

STANDARD FORM OF AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN AND CONSULTATION SERVICES When Developing a Standard Form of Agreement for Design and Consultation Services The dealership first identifies the phases a normal kitchen and bath project goes through when developing the contractual document. The Design Process • Phase 1: A jobsite visit for plan review takes place. Design solution and/or budget parameters may be selected/determined at this meeting. Alternatively, simple schematic drawings are developed to described proposed solutions, and a general cost estimate is created. The concept drawings and budget are presented at a meeting for review and discussion. • Phase 2: Revisions/changes from Phase 1 are incorporated into the drawings. The floor plan is developed into a detailed set of working drawings, including elevation/interpretive drawings. Specific products are identified or allowance ranges are established. Second meeting is conducted to discuss the revised drawings and the overall project budget. • Phase 3: If required, a third meeting is conducted where final project drawings and the contractual documents with product specifications are presented to the client for signature. The contract may include all equipment and materials clearly specified, or may include specific dollar amount allowances. • Phase 4: Specific decorative surfaces or equipment is selected for the project after the contract is signed. The actual costs of these products are compared to the contract allowances, and a revised contract or change order is prepared. ©2008 NKBA BMF15 Page 1 of 4 Copyright 2008 by National Kitchen & Bath Association. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in any form by Photostat, microfilm, xerography, or any other means, or incorporated into any informational retrieval system, electronic or mechanical, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior consent of the copyright owner. STANDARD FORM OF AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN AND CONSULTATION SERVICES 1. DEVELOP THE AGREEMENT FORMAT. For example, “We agree to retain to render professional design service for the Describe the Project .” 2. IDENTIFY KEY DECISIONS TO BE MADE • Section No. 1: Establish the type of fee. 1. Measure Fee: Normally a flat fee charged to visit the house. 2. Retainer Fee: Normally a percentage of the budget, a flat fee, or a combination of the two. 3. Hourly Fee: Establish the hourly fee, often charged by the designer when asked to assist in the surface selections. • Section No. 2: Describe the project. For example: “We agree to retain [Name of Firm] to render professional design service for the following Describe the Project .” • Section No. 3: Describe in detail what is included in the planning process. 1. Jobsite Visit: For example: “[Name of Firm or Designer] will visit the jobsite to obtain field measurements, study traffic patterns, survey structural considerations and consult with you regarding the project. In the case of a new residence, this information will be obtained from your house plan under the assumption the dimensions listed will be followed by the builder.” 2. Interview: For example: “An interview will be conducted regarding the scope and goals of the project which assists us in personalizing the planning process for your family.” 3. Preliminary Plans: For example,“A preliminary floor plan will be prepared to outline the design solution possibilities: presenting conceptual ideas which form the basis for our discussion and plan revision.”During this stage, the budget analysis will be completed. 4. Final Plans: For example,“Client to receive two sets of final plans which will include one floor plan and elevations/interpretative drawings prepared with adherence to the guidelines prescribed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association will be presented. Additional copies are available at [Cost] . [Name of Firm] will also provide a firm proposal for all products and surfac

FAQs

What are the main phases in the design and consultation process?

The framework describes a sequence starting with a jobsite visit for plan review, followed by revisions into working drawings, a third meeting for final drawings and contractual document signature, and a final step where decorative surfaces or equipment are selected and compared to allowances.

How does the agreement define the fee structure?

It identifies key fee decisions through Measure Fee, Retainer Fee (percentage/flat/combo), and Hourly Fee, including when hourly assistance may be used for surface selections.

What does the document say about what is not included in the plans?

It specifically prompts clarification for electrical plans and for color coordination and surface selections, including whether the designer provides showroom access or refers clients to partnering firms for their own selections.

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Blitz