Reply To: Design Fees

[alland]

Your question is indeed the point at which design is valued by the design build contractor. The contractor loves good design, particularly if it generates a sale. You can bill for your hours (including ALL revisions)…and inevitably run into a roadblock with some contractors who do not want to pay. You can almost always cut a deal for a commission (usually 10-15%) of the installed price if sold.

Just keep in mind…everyone wants a drawing for free..or cheap, like anything else. As you grow professionally, you will learn to realize that what we do is valuable and not FREE. If a client does not understand this, it is usually best to walk away, to save time, gas, drafting time and a headache. This may be difficult at times, especially in 2010, but the freedom of NO will help you develop as a designer.