Terms and Conditions

Refunds and Returns Policy

Last Updated: March 2025

At Nicole Chaco International | Collaborative Design (NCI), we take great care to provide clear project proposals, contracts, and purchasing agreements to ensure a seamless design process. Due to the custom nature of our services and the industry standards for interior design, all fees, purchases, and transactions are subject to the following Refunds and Returns Policy.

1. Design Fees and Project Phases

NCI follows a structured, phased approach to design, as outlined in our contract and proposal. By engaging our services, clients acknowledge and agree that:

• Approval of Design Phases is Final: Once a client approves a phase and the project moves forward, any request for redesigns or modifications to completed phases will require a new contract and additional fees. No refunds or credits will be issued for previously approved work.

• No Refunds for Services Rendered: All design fees, consultation fees, and project retainers are non-refundable, even if the client chooses to terminate the project before completion. This aligns with California Civil Code § 1614, which states that a valid contract, once agreed upon, is legally binding.

2. Furniture, Fixtures, Art, and Accessories (FF&E) Purchases

NCI acts as a purchasing agent on behalf of the client for furniture, fixtures, artwork, and accessories (FF&E). The following terms apply to all product purchases:

• All Sales Are Final Upon Ordering: Once an order is placed and paid for, it cannot be canceled, refunded, or exchanged, as all sales are subject to vendor-specific policies.

• Inspection Upon Installation: NCI takes pride in inspecting goods prior to and upon installation to ensure they meet quality standards. If an item is documented as received in good condition, it cannot be returned or refunded for reasons including but not limited to:

• A change of mind after installation.

• Minor variations in color, finish, or texture due to natural materials.

• Manufacturer Warranty Applies to Defects: If an item is later found to have a defect that falls under the manufacturer’s warranty, NCI will assist in filing a claim with the vendor.

3. Installed Items and Liability

• Installed Items Are Non-Returnable: Once an item is installed, mounted, or otherwise integrated into the space, it is deemed accepted as-is and cannot be returned unless it is covered under a manufacturer’s defect warranty.

• Damages Post-Delivery: NCI is not liable for damages that occur after a client has signed off on the condition of an item, including damages caused by contractors, movers, or general wear and tear. This aligns with California Commercial Code § 2606, which establishes that acceptance of goods occurs when the buyer signifies that the goods conform to the contract.

4. Custom and Specialty Orders

• No Returns or Refunds on Custom Orders: Any item that is custom-designed, made-to-order, or altered specifically for the client cannot be canceled, refunded, or returned, per California Civil Code § 1723, which permits businesses to enforce all-sales-final policies for custom goods.

5. Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises regarding refunds or returns, clients agree to:

• Attempt a resolution directly with NCI before seeking third-party involvement.

• Adhere to the dispute resolution terms outlined in their contract.

• Acknowledge that any legal proceedings shall be governed by the laws of the State of California under California Civil Code § 1646, which dictates that contracts are interpreted according to the jurisdiction in which they are executed.

6. Contact Information

For any questions regarding this Refunds and Returns Policy, please contact us at info@nicolechaco.com.

By engaging NCI’s services and making purchases through us, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Refunds and Returns Policy.