Interior Design Project Costs: A Comprehensive Breakdown of Goods, Tradespeople, and Professional Fees
Renovating your home is a major decision and a significant investment. Hiring professional design help is a good way to short cut to an exceptional outcome, increase the value of your home and take away a load of hassle at the same time.
If you’re considering whether to hire an interior designer for your project, one of your first questions will be “How much will my interior design project cost?” this guide aims to help you understand what broader costs to factor in and think about the level of help that suits you best.
The Bigger Picture
When updating your home, design fees are a smaller part of the overall expenditure, which includes goods and services such as tradespeople. The main costs will typically come from the materials and labour required to bring your vision to life.
Updating your home is a bit like buying a car. Prices vary drastically based on options. For example, some people will want a Mercedes, others will want a Mini, and some will only look at a Lamborghini.
Once you’ve picked your make and model, you’ll want to think about extras. For instance, a Mercedes A-Class starts at £31k but can exceed £50k with lots of extras like alloy wheels, leather interior, and a BOSE sound system.
Similarly, home renovations can quickly escalate in cost based on the quality and quantity of elements added. Homeowners want comfort, quality, and style, often reflecting their personal status. Just as you wouldn’t skimp on crucial features in a car, ensuring your home is furnished and finished to a high standard is crucial for long-term satisfaction.
Importance of Getting It Right
You’ll spend many hours in your home, so having the best layout and furnishings is crucial for long-term happiness. Making the right choices from the start saves money and ensures your home suits your lifestyle perfectly. Proper planning and professional input can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure a cohesive, pleasing result. ‘Do it once, do it properly’ is a good guideline to follow.
Cost Components Breakdown
There are four key components to consider when thinking about a renovation of your home and planning the cost of using an interior design studio to handle it for you:
- The costs of the goods or ‘things’ going into the rooms.
- The costs of the services by the tradespeople who will make it happen, such as electricians, painters & decorators, and contractors.
- The professional design fees for designing your rooms.
- The cost of project management to oversee the project.
Let’s take explore each point further:
Cost of Goods
Updating a room so it looks finished involves various elements, including:
- Furniture and Fixtures: Sofas, armchairs, side tables, coffee tables, console tables, etc.
- Lighting: Table lamps, floor lamps, wall lights, pendants.
- Textiles: Rugs, curtains, blinds, cushions, throws.
- Decor: Artworks, framed pictures, mirrors, accessories like vases and photo frames, plants.
- Finishes: Paint or wallpaper, radiator covers, wood burners/fireplaces.
Cost of Tradespeople
Hiring skilled tradespeople is crucial for bringing your design to life. Typical costs include:
- Electrician: £40 – £80 per hour
- Plumber: £35 – £60 per hour
- Carpenter/Joiner: £30 – £70 per hour
- Decorator: £20 – £50 per hour
- Specialists: Curtain and blinds makers, upholsterers, flooring contractors, and handymen, whose rates can vary.
Cost of Professional Help
Professional fees for interior designers vary based on the scope and complexity of the project. These are some examples as guidance – your designer will quote on a project basis.
Hourly Rates:
- Average cost: £50 to £150 per hour, depending on the designer’s expertise and location.
Typical Interior Design Fees per project according to CheckaTrade
- Entry-level service: Around £5,000, covering a consultation, basic design concepts and furniture placement and list of options for that furniture. 1 – 2 rooms.
- Intermediate service: Between £5,000 and £20,000, including a consultation, detailed furniture plans, lighting options, and technical drawings. 2 – 4 rooms
- Comprehensive service: Starting from £20,000, including full end to end design package and project management, supply of items and their installation. The interior designer manages all of the trades and the purchasing. Entire house or large-scale projects.
Budgeting Tips:
- Design fees typically represent 10% to 20% of the overall project budget.
- It’s essential to discuss fee structures with the designer to understand all potential costs, including any extra costs for materials and tradespeople.
Typical Room Update Costs
A comprehensive, start-from-scratch update of a main room, including all new furnishings and built-in furniture, can range from £25,000 to £50,000 or more. This investment ensures that everything is done correctly and will last for many years, minimizing the need for future updates.
Services to Look For
If you want to minimise hassle and ensure the best results, consider these services:
1. Full-Service Interior Design and Project Management
- Look for firms that offer end-to-end services, from initial concept through to completion. They will handle everything, including design, sourcing materials, hiring tradespeople, and overseeing the project.
- Benefits: Streamlined process, professional oversight, reduced stress.
- Collaborative Design and Renovation Partnerships
- Ideal for larger projects involving significant construction. These services work closely with your architect and builder to ensure the design integrates seamlessly with the construction work.
- Benefits: Cohesive design and build process, expert coordination, high-quality outcomes.
- DIY Support and Consultancy Services
- For those who prefer to take a hands-on approach but still want professional guidance. These services offer consultations, planning sessions, and ongoing advice to help you manage your project.
- Benefits: Professional input without full-service costs, tailored advice, support when needed.
Making the Right Choice
When planning your renovation, consider what level of service will best meet your needs. A full-service option is ideal if you want a hassle-free experience and professional quality. If you’re comfortable with some DIY but want expert guidance, look for consultancy services that offer flexibility and support.
Investing in professional help, whether through full-service or consultancy, can make a significant difference in the quality and satisfaction of your home renovation. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that works for you and your family, now and in the future.
Renovating with the right support ensures you get it right the first time, saving money and avoiding regret. While it may seem like a significant investment, the value of a well-designed and executed home is clear. Take the time to explore your options and choose the service that aligns with your vision and needs.
Can we help?
If you are looking for an interior designer in Cheltenham or the Cotswolds, we just might be the perfect match – here’s why. If you have two or more rooms to update and don’t want the hassle of managing everything yourself, our Luxury Home Transformation service was made for you. We take away all the stress and handle everything from start to finish.
If you love an elegant aesthetic that also stands up to the rigours of family life and want a home that perfectly reflects your own personal style, where you can truly relax and be yourself then we should definitely talk. Simply fill in this form, or use our contact details below to schedule a friendly (and free) chat with Julia.
Email:
Tel: 01242 806 131
WhatsApp: +44 7827 421171
