You have three interior design proposals on the table. One studio quotes a fixed amount, another splits fees from procurement costs, and the third doesn't even clearly specify what's included. You've spent the whole morning trying to work out which one actually offers the best value and you're still no closer to an answer.
Two proposals can only be compared when they include the same level of service. Otherwise, you're simply comparing numbers that represent different things.
In this article, we explain what an interior design proposal should include, how to compare different fee models, and what warning signs to look out for before making a decision.
What a Complete Interior Design Proposal Should Include
An interior design proposal is more than just a final number. It's a document that should answer, without ambiguity, these questions: what's included, what isn't, how the work is broken down into phases, and how and when each one is paid.
A complete proposal usually breaks down: the scope of the project (a single room or the whole property, decoration or renovation), the planned phases (briefing, concept, technical design, execution), the fee model applied, what's included in each phase and what's left out, and the expected timelines, even if approximate.
If a proposal is reduced to a single total figure without this breakdown, it can't be fairly compared to any other. In that case, the first question to ask isn't "how much does it cost," but "what exactly does this include?"
The scope, level of detail and project oversight included are key factors to consider when comparing interior design proposals.
How to Compare Interior Design Studio Fees in Portugal
Not all studios calculate their fees the same way. Some quote a fixed amount for the whole project. Others work with a percentage of the total investment. There are also mixed models, combining a fixed project fee with fees tied to overseeing execution.
None of these models is inherently better or worse. What matters is understanding exactly what's included in each proposal and comparing the same scope of work.
If you're weighing proposals with different models, try answering one simple question: how much will you pay in total for the same service? Only after that comparison does it make sense to evaluate the figures presented.
Also avoid using price per square metre as a deciding factor. Two properties of the same size can require completely different levels of intervention, personalisation and oversight, which makes that comparison unreliable.
What Cheaper Proposals May Leave Out
A cheaper proposal for a turnkey interior design project isn't a problem in itself. What matters is understanding what's included and, above all, what was left out to reach that figure.
The differences aren't always visible at first glance. They can show up as less time spent on the initial survey and briefing, less detailed technical drawings, reduced oversight during execution, or less support in selecting and coordinating suppliers.
At first, these cuts can seem unimportant. In practice, they're often the source of rushed decisions, changes during the works, and additional costs that end up erasing the price difference between proposals.
What Should Weigh on Your Decision Beyond Price
Price matters, but it shouldn't be the only criterion for comparison. When two proposals offer similar levels of service, it's worth looking at how each one describes the work that will be carried out.
A good proposal explains the process, clearly identifies the scope of the project, defines who will be responsible for oversight, and clarifies how unforeseen issues and any changes will be managed during execution.
These are the elements that let you gauge the studio's level of commitment and anticipate what the experience will be like throughout the project. This is often where you'll find the differences that the final figure alone doesn't reveal.
When comparing interior design proposals, look beyond the final price and consider the level of detail, oversight and services included.
Warning Signs Worth Clarifying
Not every proposal with one of these signs is necessarily a bad one. But each of them deserves a conversation before you make a decision.
Pay particular attention if you notice:
- A price significantly lower than the other proposals, with no clear explanation of what's included.
- No breakdown between fees, materials and execution costs.
- Very short execution timelines, given with no allowance for the unexpected.
- No information on how budget deviations or delays are handled.
- No information on who takes responsibility when a problem arises on site or in supplier coordination.
The clearer the answers, the easier it will be to compare proposals with confidence.
A Good Proposal Helps You Decide With Confidence
An interior design proposal shouldn't just present a price. It should clearly explain what's included, how the project will be developed, and what each party is responsible for.
Once you can answer these questions, you stop comparing figures alone and start comparing services, levels of oversight and ways of working.
At Atelier Renata Santos Machado, you don't need to spend hours working out what is or isn't included. Every proposal is presented in detail, with fees, project scope and the different phases clearly identified. Before any purchase or order is placed, budgets are closed and validated with the client, so that every decision is made with full information, without you having to spend your time comparing line by line.
If you're comparing interior design proposals and would like to understand how this approach fits your project, we'd be happy to answer all your questions in an initial conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions — How to Compare Interior Design Proposals
How do I know if an interior design proposal is complete?
It should break down the scope, work phases, fee model, what's included in each phase, and expected timelines. If there's only a single total figure, ask for it to be broken down before comparing.
Should I always choose the cheapest proposal?
Not without first understanding what's being cut to reach that figure. Less oversight, less technical detail, or a more limited supplier network are common trade-offs that don't show up in the final number.
How do I compare fees calculated in different ways?
Translate each proposal into the same reference point — the total estimated cost for the same project scope — before comparing the numbers directly.
What questions should I ask before signing a proposal?
Ask what happens in the event of a budget deviation, who manages suppliers and on-site issues, and whether there is a single point of contact responsible for the project from start to finish.
