Getting your home designed by a professional interior designer is something we’re all considering because it’s in vogue and seems like the smart thing to do. However, we’re also plagued with scepticism about one thing — how much is the renovation quotation and how much does an interior designer charge?
With DIY tutorials and 5-minute crafts in every nook and corner of the Internet, most of you would know that the interior design and house renovation cost is not so easy to calculate. So, we did the homework and you can keep any doubts about interior design price at bay. Also, being in possession of a cost breakup will help you prepare for the conversation with interior designers.
Read on to find out about:
- Scope of work
- How are designer charges computed?
- Are there any add-on charges?
- Livspace pricing
Scope of Work
First, you must decide on what you need from your interior designer. While some interior designers take up only the designing, some help you pick the furniture and decor as well. If you want a hassle-free experience, then check for a designer who can supervise the entire process from procurement of furniture and decor, carpentry work for the kitchen and wardrobes along with installation. For any civil work required, you must check the entire scope. False ceiling, flooring and painting are also considered as separate services. The renovation quotation varies based on all these tasks and services.
How are Designer Charges Computed?
Designers don’t always charge a lump sum amount for design. The interior design price list is computed in different ways.
- Per sq. ft.: Based on the area of the home, the designer charges around RM 6 per sq. ft. and this can go upto RM 10 as well, if you’re looking for design alone. However, inclusive of products, carpentry i.e, modular kitchen and wardrobes, flooring and ceiling, this price can shoot upto RM 110 – RM 170 too. It is better to check with the designer on what it includes as some of them only offer woodwork or some exclude soft furnishings like curtains, blinds and so on.
- Percentage of Overall Cost: The designer calculates the overall price of the project inclusive of products and services. Based on the total cost, they will charge around 6%-15% as a design fee.
- Markup on Products: In layman terms, this means the designer will charge a premium on every product you buy. Eg: If your sofa’s cost price is around RM 1,000, the designer may mark it as RM 1,200 while charging it to the project. The premium varies from project to project.
- A Lump Sum: This is purely based on the designer’s discretion on how much they want to charge for a project. It can be based on a percentage, commission, per sq. ft. or a combination of two or more categories. In many cases, designers call this a fee and there is no transparency on what basis this is charged.
Are There Any Add-on Charges?
Interior design is a long process that involves multiple visits and iterations. But, not everyone provides you with ample choices. Here are some hidden interior design prices you might have to encounter.
- Site Visit Charges: Generally, site visits are included in the overall house renovation cost and not charged as an extra, except in “design only” projects. While the actual extra site visit charges will depend on the distance, it can vary between RM 100 – RM 200.
- Iteration Charges: Depending on the number of changes you ask for, the designer may charge you extra.
- Design-only Cost: If it’s only the design you want, the designer can charge an interior design cost of around RM 4,000 – RM 8,000 for just furniture placement and ideas. For a three-dimensional (3D) view, the cost can go upto RM 8,000 – RM 10,000. Some designers charge per room view as well, which can vary from RM 1,000 – RM 1,500 per view. Hence, they consider the size of the home, along with the number of rooms.
- Site Supervision Cost: If you want the designer to be present at the site to supervise the installation or carpentry, then they will charge you for the same. The price solely depends on what the project cost is.
Livspace Pricing
We believe in transparency and we don’t have any hidden interior design cost. The final cost you pay at Livspace includes everything — furniture and products, design and management fee, charges for services, delivery, installation and taxes. So, what is the design and management fee? We charge a flat 12% to compensate for the designer’s time spent on the project.
Interior Designers In A Post-COVID World
Like everything else around us, the business of interior design is also changing as we learn to live with this pandemic. For instance, every home now needs at least one workstation. And can you even imagine having interiors that are fussy and difficult to clean; certainly not after we had to do all the cleaning ourselves for months! There are numerous ways in which home interiors must now adapt to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. For this, you need a professional designer who can help you design for the “new normal”.
We know that details about the interior design price list might be too much to take in at once. So, Read This Before Meeting a Designer.
Write to us at editor.sg@livspace.com
**Prices mentioned are indicative of market standards and can vary based on designer, location and scope of work.
