What an interior design fee actually covers
A design fee buys decisions, drawings and someone who answers the contractor. A clear look at what is included, what is not, and how to compare proposals.
Clients comparing designers often compare numbers that are not measuring the same thing. One proposal includes site visits, another bills them hourly. One includes furniture sourcing, another only drawings. Before you compare prices, compare scope.
What the fee usually includes
- Measuring the space and drawing the existing conditions.
- Concept options, a material board and a first budget.
- Detailed drawings the contractor can price and build from.
- A schedule of every finish, fixture and piece of furniture.
- A set number of meetings and revisions.
What it usually does not include
Construction, furniture and the contractor are paid separately. Site visits during construction are sometimes included and sometimes billed by the hour, which is why Mimi lists them separately in every proposal.
Three questions to ask any designer
- How many revisions are included, and what does an extra one cost?
- Do you mark up furniture, or pass on your trade discount?
- Who do I call when the contractor has a question on site?