Interior Design Estimate Template
An interior design estimate explains the price that a prospective client is likely to pay for interior design work done on a home or office. The cost of interior design services depends heavily on the size and scope of the project and thus the time required for the designer to complete the project. Estimates are “non-binding,” meaning that they can be different from the price eventually invoiced for a job, but it is best practice to make estimates as reliable as possible.
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What to Include in an Interior Design Estimate
Estimates typically begin is by identifying the parties involved and briefly describing the work that will be performed. Here are some additional items that are just as important to include:
Scope of Work
The term “interior design” encompasses such a broad spectrum of possibility that it is necessary to further clarify the extent of the service being provided. Interior design work may entail just a few hours of work on an office lobby or it can involve the complete remodeling of a home. The value of a concise description of the scope of work cannot be overstated. The scope of work is the foundation upon which the estimate is built.
Materials, Tasks, and Labor
Once the scope of work has been determined, a list of the materials, tasks, and labor required to complete the project can be listed. This makes it easy to add the costs together and arrive at a total estimated cost. The detail necessary depends upon the scope of the project and the extent to which the designer will be involved. Larger projects will naturally require many more steps to complete and will require more detail to properly document.
How Will Design Fees be Charged?
Depending upon the project, each interior designer will have a preferred method of charging for design fees. This is closely related to payment terms and should be clarified in the estimate. Some of the possible options are:
- Hourly
- Per room
- Per square foot
- Percentage of overall project cost
Deposits and Payment Terms
Payment terms will be closely tied to the scope and extent of the design project. Larger projects may require significant upfront expenditures necessitating deposits prior to the commencement of work. As the project progresses, additional payments and deposits will be required. Whatever the arrangement, the payment terms should be clearly defined in the estimate.
Interior Design Cost Factors
Every job will be unique. Accurate assessment of the work required to complete a project will lead to more accurate estimates and overall profitability. Here are some things to consider when writing an interior design estimate that may affect the cost of doing business:
Commission Fee Structure
The client should be made aware of any commission fees that will be charged for the purchase of furnishings and materials. Commission fees are commonly charged as a percentage of the retail cost of the item. Some designers may receive wholesale pricing, allowing them to build a margin into these items by charging the client a retail price.
Reputation of the Designer
Some designers may have a reputation that keeps their services in high demand. Certainly, an additional premium can be justified in cases like this.
Working With Contractors
Good working relationships will lead to smooth jobs and happy clients. When embarking upon a large project with unknown parties, it might be well advised to do some research. Find out if the contractor is known to have a solid work ethic and whether or not they finish on budget and on time. After all, the designer’s reputation is on the line.
How to Use the Interior Design Estimate Template
Using the interior design estimate template is easy. Simply download it and fill it out, or use our free estimate generator.