Like any industry, some interior designer services are hidden, or at least not automatically disclosed. While this isn’t necessarily a problem if you choose the right interior designer, some designers use hidden expenses to drive up their costs.

Methods of Payment for Home Interior Design Projects

Interior designers use several different methods of payment. Multiple methods of payment can work to your advantage. Some, however, can also cost you extra cash.

Hourly rates, for instance, seem like a reasonable way to pay for home interior design services. Make sure, however, exactly what is covered under the interior designer’s hourly fee. Some designers may include services as simple as placing and checking furniture orders: tasks that may be performed by the designer’s assistants, but charged to you as the designer’s hourly rate.

With cost plus methods of payment, the designer charges a mark up on all services. You may assume that cost plus charges will apply to furniture and similar purchases, but they may be applied to a wide range of interior design services. Unless you have a very clear idea of what services are affected by a cost plus agreement, it’s better to explore other methods of paying.

Regardless of which method of payment an interior designer uses, be sure to understand exactly what interior design services you’re getting for your money.

Rush Jobs and Interior Design Costs

Interior designer services are most in demand in the spring and just before the winter holidays. While it’s wonderful to transform your home at these times, expect to pay extra.

Many people call interior designers at the end of October expecting their home interior design projects to be ready for Christmas. This unrealistic timeline is achievable only if you pay rush fees for interior designer services and furniture delivery. Imagine the cost of rush shipping a complete bedroom suite across the country.

Homeowners can save money by scheduling their home interior design projects for the summer and post-Christmas winter months.

Commissions

Interior designers who work closely with retailers may charge commission in addition to the actual price of any furniture ordered. Before working with an interior designer, ask if they charge commissions for furniture, and at what percentage. Also ask for the net price of any furniture before the designer’s mark-up.

Home Interior Design Fees and Your Budget

When discussing your home interior design budget, your budget should include all fees charged by the interior designer. Otherwise, the designer may assume that the budget is only for furniture, room finishings and artwork.

Avoid this problem by being very clear on what your home design budget covers. Be very clear in your interior design contract that the budget includes all aspects of the project, including home interior design services.

A professional interior designer will be upfront about all interior design costs and service fees. Take your time choosing an interior designer, create a solid interior design contract, and you’re unlikely to be surprised by hidden interior design service fees.