Interior Design Fees Structure
Many fears and misunderstandings are generated by the different way interior designers charge for what appears to be a similar service. An important part of our policy is to offer a no-obligation first meeting that is completely free of charge (within a 25 mile radius of our showroom). You can freely express your requirements and budget level without any risk and if you decline our services we promise not to pursue the matter further.
For maximum flexibility we incorporate two break points in our fee structure. This allows you to determine precisely the level of involvement our company has in your project.
The following fee structure is for residential clients being served by one of our design professionals. Commercial contracts, overseas commissions and large public buildings are subject to detailed quotation.
Design Stage
Initial Meeting
Free of charge in Greater London and The Home Counties within a 25 miles radius of our showroom, outside of this area is chargeable upon mileage undertaken.
Design Fee
Varies according to scope of work and complexity, ranging from £350 to £1500+ VAT. The design fee covers a standard room survey leading to a detailed 2D plan and elevations plus sourcing of all fabrics and materials, wall and floor coverings, acquisition of samples and brochures.
3D Drawings
Colour rendered 3D drawings plus walk through start at approximately £1500+ vat based on complexity of scheme per room.
Following approval of design drawings, if the client requires costings of furniture and fittings with a view to purchase a fee of £500+ vat is charged to produce detailed estimates - this is recommended to achieve the full implementation of the designed interior. However, this is refundable upon commencement of the project.
Progress Stage
Building and Decorating Specifications
Once the design is approved the client has the option to commission full building and decorating specifications for each room. These are highly desirable documents used to detail the works required to the contractor for quotation purposes and to guide the activities of the contractor during the project itself. These are priced from £350 + VAT.
Break point
From this point you are fully equipped to find, appoint and manage your own contractor.
Co-ordination of Contractors
Steven Thorne Design offers Project Management or Contract Co-ordination services as a matter of course on projects valued at less than £500,000. On projects valued at £500,000 or more we can offer a Turnkey service including Project Management by a Chartered Surveyor and full contracting services in Greater London and The Home Counties (subject to detailed contract).
On projects valued at less than £500,000 in Greater London and The Home Counties area, Steven Thorne Design can obtain one estimate from a qualified VAT-registered contracting company and recommend a qualified contract administrator. In such cases we offer the service of site visits to discuss design-related issues with the client and/or contractor for a fee of £95 + VAT per hour pro rata.
Supply Stage
Supply of Materials (Residential)
Fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, accessories, floor coverings etc. are supplied. A detailed quotation is supplied for the client’s approval prior to the placement of any purchase orders. Delivery charges incurred are charged on to the client at cost.
Supply of Materials (Commercial)
We charge a negotiated handling commission based on a percentage of the total cost price of the supply contract. We reserve the right to decide the commercial status of any potential project and proof of status will be required.
Disbursements
Standard postage, telephone, travel within the M25 and parking are included. Overseas phone calls are charged at cost. Photocopies of design drawings are charged at cost. Special courier charged at cost.
Payment of Account
A 50% deposit is required upon agreement of preliminary drawings and full payment prior to delivery of final drawings. Products purchased with a value of over £1000.00 require a 50% deposit upon order followed by full payment 2 weeks prior to deliver. Products purchased up to and including £1000.00 requires full payment upon receipt of order.
Soft Furnishings
Steven Thorne Design offers a full soft furnishing and curtain-making service.
Personal Shopping
Steven Thorne Design offers the service of accompanying clients to shops, showrooms, fairs and auction houses in London to advise on suitable fabrics, furniture and accessories for a client's design project. The fee for this service is £285.00 + VAT for a half-day, or £500.00 + VAT for a 6-hour day.
House Doctor
Steven Thorne Design is happy to visit client's homes in the Greater London area to advise on furniture placement, artwork, accessories, lamps, window treatments and wall colours. The fee for this service is £105.00 + VAT per hour pro rata from arrival at client's home.
VAT - All fees and charges are subject to VAT at the current rate.
