Question : How much should design consultation cost?
My house was built in 1901, and I’d like to give a nod to that in every room in the house and the landscape as well. I’d like to have a designer come up with some drawings that I can look toward as I furnish and remodel the house myself a little at a time. I have no intention of undertaking a massive debt to fund a remodeling project, so can I pay a designer for basically their drawings and story board of my house.
debt consultation

Best answer:

Answer by Idealspace Design
The design fee for such a project will be based to a great extent on the following, which you have not stated:

1) The size of your home (square footage & number of rooms should both be considered)

2) Would you wish for the designer to provide you with specifications of exact furnishings and accessories, or just guide you with ideas and a basic furniture layout plan? This changes the time required for the sample boards and material selection.

3) What remodeling work are you considering? Kitchens and bathrooms take more time in the planning/design than do other renovations.

4) How involved do you want to be with the design? Are you hoping to accompany the designer on shopping outings, or just take his/her advice which would be provided based on your input during meetings?

From the sounds of it, variables aside, I would approximate that you would be looking at a design fee of approximately $ 1500 and that would include:

- 5 hours of meetings with you including time to measure your home.
- 5 hours for drawings
- 10 hours for shopping & research, material selection and obtaining samples & photos
- 2 hours to assemble sample boards
- 3 hours miscellaneous tasks (telephone calls, copying/printing, verification of building codes if applicable, budget review, etc….)

That comes to 25 hours, and billed at $ 60/hr, which is on the low side, equals $ 1500.

Owning a home from 1901 is often a lot more work when it comes to certain renovations and upgrades, but also a pleasure that many would envy. Enjoy your home & good luck!