How Interior Designers and Decorators Charge
Few people want to discuss financial issues while in the midst of an exciting redecorating project. Most of us would rather focus on that gorgeous imported lamp the interior designer chose to match the leather chair in the corner. However, getting all the information about design fees and mark ups on pieces before you start can help alleviate the potential for stress later.
Interior Designers and Decorators work for themselves or through design firms and each formulates how they will charge their clients through varying methods. Design fees are usually charged through two means—an hourly rate or a fixed rate. Interior Designers and Decorators will calculate how much time they feel it will take them to research and coordinate all the details of your project and will give you an estimate.
If they are charging an hourly rate, expect to be charged for the time the Interior Designer spends in the office preparing, making phone calls to contractors and the supervision of deliveries and installations. Do not assume you are being charged only when the designer is at the design site, but for the entire scope of work for the project.
If the Interior Designer or Decorator is charging a fixed rate, he or she has estimated the amount of time the project will take and will require a retainer. You should also expect a schedule for additional payments with the final payment due at completion.
In addition to paying either an hourly or fixed rate for the design fees, also expect to pay commissions on the purchased goods for the space. Interior Designers and Decorators can get reduced pricing from wholesalers and showrooms and will sell those pieces to you at a percentage above their purchase price.
If you have hired an Interior Designer or Decorator who must travel either because he or she lives out of town or is hand choosing pieces for you from outside your area, you will be responsible for all travel and expense costs including hotel, food and even long distance phone charges. You may want to agree on a travel allowance in advance so that you might better adhere to your budget.
