Interior designers in Seattle have very different work styles, as diverse as the spaces they work on. To charge for their work, they normally use a combination of methods, depending on the extent of the services they will provide:
1. The initial consultation
The first meeting is for the interior designer to evaluate the project, show her work portfolio, talk about terms and conditions, see if the project fits her capacity and services, and most importantly, if it inspires her. It is a good time to give important suggestions based on the first impressions, so that the client can evaluate the designer and see if he or she feels comfortable working with her. The interior designer may or may not charge for the initial consultation, it depends on her experience, workload, the firm's policies, or the distance to the place where the project is to be conducted. You have to consider that a free initial consultation may not tell you all you need to know. The interior designer may wait until you make a decision to tell you what she thinks.
2. Retainer fees
Very often, the designer will ask for a retainer fee in advance, as soon as an agreement has been reached. The fee amount will cover what the professional believes will pay for her time and her employees' time to plan the project.
3. A fee based price
The designer will check the project in detail to establish the range of services necessary and will set a price based on the hours of work or square footage, among other methods. This price may be paid in increments while the project is active, as items are received and delivered, or as services are provided. As a rule, to get the most advantageous deal for you, discard the lowest and higher estimates and choose from the ones in between.
4. A square foot based price
In this case, the price depends on the square footage of the space. This method, as well as the one above, is hard for interior designers to employ, because they have nothing to do with the client. Between two clients whose houses are near and similar, for example, one may need more services or may be more demanding, and this poses a risk for the designer.
5. By the hour based price
This applies when the designer is helping you on an hourly basis. The professional is only called as she is needed, to offer her opinion about the work being done. The fees vary according to expertise, region, and demand.
6. Cost-plus
The interior designer is in charge of the design process and is paid to purchase items on a cost-plus basis. These normally include gains on every charge, including freight and delivery.
7. Hourly + Cost-plus
Here, the professional charges by the hour when meeting the client, preparing specifications and budgeting, however, she manages the purchase of items through the cost-plus system.
8. Retail or commission
This means designers earn a commission based on the volume of products sold and offered by certain manufacturers. The commissions are included in the price of the items.
By:Amely Wurmbrand
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