Well, I have not specifically done a project like you are doing, but we are in the process of building a new home where we are using an architect and designer. My experiences, it's always more than you initially think, Second, a great design with someone you trust and is providing you the information you need is invaluable, third, make sure that all you need is two conceptual designs. What happens if you don't like either one? How much will they charge to make another? Also, unless you the design team is doing the building or you are doing the work yourself, involve the contractor in the discussions from the beginning as you would hate to pay 1550 to get a design you love but can't afford to build. Good luck and enjoy the process. IT CAN BE FUN :)

You budget is too low for the project as a whole, and the design servces are too low as well. I'd execpt the project to be at least double that, with design serices being 10% of the doubled total.

So my budget of 25K is too low for my ensuite hollysprings? and design should be 5K? I think I'm losing it.

harringk- Those are good questions to ask, and was my worry, what if I don't like the designs? I will have to clarify as well regarding the contractors and anticipated cost.

Thank you!

Do you get to keep the designs regardless of whether you hire them to "get the trades to get the job done".?

As someone who works in this field (although I don't know what location you are in), the design/drawing fee is under-priced and a bargain - it should probably be twice that amount. Your budget as a whole is tight for moving fixtures, walls, etc. To fit within it you will be limited to lower end fixtures and finishes. Good luck!

Thank you kirkhall and mvjc. I do get to keep the designs, we can either have them design and build it or just design it.

Thank you for your honesty mvjc. We're in the Canadian prairies, so not really a high fashion hub :)

Is there anything else I need to ask about the quote or what's involved?

Thanks!

Is this just a bathroom and closet? Is the room already built or only at studs? I can't fathom 9x10 room would cost that much!
HS...are you in the NE or Ca?

The average ÚS bathroom remodel--without moving around walls and plumbing---is 16K. Upscale is 51K. Since you are moving stuff, you will be much closer to the second number than the first. Canadian projects cost even more. 10% i.e., 5K, for design fees is standard to low, depending on if you are using a design/build or independent designer. Design build tend to absorb some of the design costs in higher build prices. If you get more design services than just floor plans, like decorative finish selections, then 5K is WAY low for the design portion of the budget. Try 3x that ballpark.

15-20% (10K) will go to the GC for supervision and project control. Of the 70% of the budget left, maybe 30% (15K) goes to materials, and the rest (20K) is job labor. It's a labor intensive project to start moving plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, and doing tile.

Here is a link that might be useful: Cost vs. Value

robin0919- it's already built, the house is about 20 years old. I also can't fathom a room costing that much! We have had 2 other quotes. One was super high, the other was 23K, but no moving around any fixtures.

thanks hollysprings, I don't think our little market could sustain that price point at all, the people in our city are known for being a frugal bunch.

I think I'll give them a call and ask some more questions re: ideas, ballpark cost (if they can even do that at this point!)

So I think we're going to do it. I spoke with the company (it's a design build), and we keep the designs if we don't go with the build part with them, the $1500 will be it, they help with finishes, give us choices and either come to our place or we go to the office.

I told him our budget of 30 K for the closet and ensuite, and they said that would do it (30-35K). I told him my biggest fear would be giving them the design $ and having the exact same set up as before. He said they had some great ideas and for our budget it should be able to work.

As we make choices, they do the build part in the budget so we have a final idea when it's all said and done.
Thanks for the advice!