How Interior Designers Come Up With Quotations, and Why Prices Vary

You’ll finally know if your quotation makes sense or not.

Chances are, you’ve wondered about how interior designers come up with quotations and why they vary across firms even for the same renovation works.

That’s why we spoke with Averse, founder of A Blue Cube Design, and Nick, a Lead Design Consultant at Darwin Interior, to find out everything you need to know about the quotation process.

The pair also shared some handy tips to keep in mind when you’re approaching interior firms that you wouldn’t want to miss! Here’s a TL;DR of everything you can expect.

1. What is the renovation quotation process usually like?

As both Averse and Nick share, the first step is arranging meet-ups with homeowners:

• The first meeting: for designers to get to know more about you and your family, your lifestyle and specific living habits and requirements
• The second meeting: typically, designers present a floorplan proposal along with the quotation; may come with other design proposals (e.g. mood boards, sketches)
• Any subsequent meetings: these are for you to discuss the quotation and make any changes before the designer presents the final quotation for signoff

Since it’s difficult to imagine exactly what your home would look like based on the floorplan or rough sketches, Averse shares that a small number of homeowners opt to pay a fee for 3D renderings first. Firms do not typically charge for these 3D renderings separately, however, if homeowners have decided to engage them.

“The quotation we provide based on these drawings is much more accurate since it’s based on exactly what the homeowners want in the home,” says Averse.

2. What is included in a renovation quote?

A quotation typically includes a detailed breakdown of the works to be done, materials to be used along with the cost range and measurements, as well as a project management fee.

Nick shares that the quotations are mainly structured by areas in the home or by the different works required for the whole house.

You might be wondering what the project management fee entails: according to Nick, it’s mainly for the time and effort taken to manage the entire project, on-site coordination and inspections when working with contractors.

Another cost you may encounter is a design fee: this mainly encompasses the 3D renderings your ID will work on based on your requirements. Nick adds that it may even extend to styling suggestions or services, as well as assistance with furniture selection.

“Some designers choose not to have a standalone design fee, so they will charge separately for the 3D drawings,” says Nick. Essentially, this means that the services apart from the 3D drawings are already accounted for in the quote.

Nick highlights that the cost of engaging specialists for the project could be one more component included in your renovation quote. “If we’re doing something that requires the help of a professional engineer for things like endorsement, or structural changes (e.g. hacking), there are some additional costs to engage them”.

3. Why do renovation quotes vary?

So, if you share your requirements with multiple firms and they all come back with varying quotes, what contributes to the difference? Other than costs like design fees or those for engaging specialists, here are other major factors:

Design detailing/profiling

For one, Averse says it depends on the design detailing. “Say you want a well-designed wardrobe that’s tailored to your needs instead of a standard one. It would take longer to come up with the structure and the look. The cost also goes to the craftsmanship to fabricate it, which would take more time too.”

When it comes to design profiling, the designer also “needs to visit the factory and check the material” to ensure that the required pieces are produced in good condition before delivery.

Expertise and credentials of the designer and/or firm

Both Averse and Nick agree that you can expect the quotation to vary depending on the project skill and expertise of the designer, as well as the services and credentials of the firm.

“You would be paying for the design involvement and expertise of a designer who understands the site conditions and processes needed to make a design work,” shares Averse.

Nick disclaims that while “some firms have credentials that justify collecting fees like design fees or project management fees, it doesn’t mean that firms without credentials are not qualified enough.”

You might have wondered if quotes will be lower for firms with in-house contractors as opposed to those who outsource.

Contrary to what many may think, both Averse and Nick feel there isn’t a huge difference in cost.

Averse believes that “the key difference is that with an in-house team, the firm can ensure more coordination and quality control.”

To this end, Nick caveats that “legitimate interior design firms have the know-how and experience to curate their list of subcontractors who consistently produce quality work. So, having an in-house team is a bonus, but not absolutely necessary.”

Asking for renovation quotes: tips to keep in mind

When you’re reaching out to interior firms, here are some things you can do to prepare.

Research the right price/budget for your renovation

Before you speak to different designers, Averse underscored that you should first have a realistic budget in mind: decide this based on your lifestyle needs and research the estimated costs for certain features or materials you’re interested in.

For example, more costly materials like limewash paint, or specific wardrobe/cabinet designs that involve more labour.

You can also calculate a realistic estimated cost with our renovation calculator for a better idea of how much to budget.

Averse also emphasises that you should consider future planning, such as whether you will stay in your home in the short-term or long-term, and whether you intend to have children in the future.

Compare a reasonable number of quotes

Both Nick and Averse recommend having at least two to three other quotations to compare since it’ll give you a better idea of what to expect. You should clarify doubts with designers about costs if you’re unsure why a certain item is priced low/high, and ask them to explain more about their workflow.

You should also make sure all items in the quotation are very detailed, especially for things like dimensions of materials and carpentry, and their cost range.

Explore: How to Spot Red Flags in Your Renovation Contract/Quote

Get help from designers to figure out your needs and wants

Nick encourages getting designers to list out all the things you want and separating those into two categories during your initial meet-ups: what you need, and what you can consider if you have extra budget.

“It will be easier to firm up the list after you’ve spoken to different designers,” he says.

“During the process, you can ask designers about must-do works, what is good to have and what falls under splurging based on your requirements. When you group these items via all these categories, you can be more decisive about what to drop.”

Check if you can visit the designer’s other ongoing projects/sites

One more tip Nick has is to ask designers if you can visit their ongoing project sites.

Here are specific things to check when you’re there:

• Workmanship
• The designers’ presentation/pitch on how the project is run – this will show their understanding of the design concept and the process; it provides assurance that your designer “knows what’s going on, the right things to be done… and understands the process”

Nick shares: “I’ve seen an increasing trend of homeowners who ask if they can take a look at our projects even before we offer to show them. Apart from looking at workmanship, It helps them get a feel of how it is working with us as well.”

After all, getting a sense of the workmanship/service quality provided by the firm you’re potentially engaging before you sign on the quotation will definitely help you to make a more informed decision and ease your worries.

Looking for an interior designer who can match your budget and requirements?

We’ve got you covered. Simply tell us your renovation requirements – like your budget and design preferences – and you’ll get free personalised renovation quotes from local interior design firms.

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