How to Charge for an Interior Design Project

Charge your interior decorating clients.

An interior design project might be as simple as talking with someone about ways to organize her closet or as complex as remodeling a Victorian mansion. As an interior designer, your clients rely on your expertise to guide them through changing their homes. Whether you're working on a small project that takes only a few hours or a month-long extravaganza, it's vital that you charge your clients. If you make exceptions, especially for friends or relatives, you will find that you'll quickly go out of business.

Instructions

1. Discuss the budget for the project with your client. Some clients may have no problem spending large amounts of money to get the look and appearance they desire, while other clients may have a specific number in mind. It's best to be blunt and up front with your clients so that there are no surprises when it comes time to pay. Simply ask your client if he has a dollar amount in mind that he is planning to spend so you have a place to start.

2. Keep track of how many hours you spend on the phone with decorating, painting and installation companies. Include the time you spend finding the people to deliver and install items for your client when you bill for your overall time. Also keep track of how much time you spend on the phone with your client and meeting with her in person. Even if you choose to offer unlimited consultation with your client, it's good business practice to keep track of how much time you spent working with her.

3. Create a fee sheet for your client and discuss it together. Your client should pay all installation costs, as well as the costs associated with flooring, wallpaper or paint and supplies. You may decide to simply charge a percentage of the overall cost for your client, or you may charge per hour if the project is small.

4. Ask your client to pay a retainer fee up front. A retainer fee protects you in case your client backs out of the agreement halfway through the project. This can happen if the client loses his job or experiences other financial hardship, but some clients simply change their mind and don't want to alter their homes after all. Your retainer fee can be a percentage of the overall bill or a flat rate.

References

• 1099; How to Charge; Ellen Rohr; October 2000
• Schools of Interior Design: Ways to Charge for Your Services as a Designer