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How Much Does Interior Rendering Cost?
Recently I had to defend the high price of an Interior design rendering project.
Then, finally, I realized how complicated it might be to explain to a client.
And if you are trying to expand your interior design business by using better photo-realistic renderings, this is the right place.
By George Nicola (Expert Stager)
The short answer is: Cheap 3d interior design renders start from £240 / $290 and with professional interior design artists, up to £4500 / $5450 per image depending on the quality and the experience of the studio.
After some research, I reached out to 120 3d interior visualization experts to find out that some offer add-on services for that price, while others provide a faster turnaround.
From a client buying experience, fixed pricing is excellent but not viable because of the nature of interior visualization services. Image rendering is typically a result of multiple iterations and revisions of details.
In case you are in a hurry and don’t have time to read the entire blog post:
| Pricing Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Per project | £2100 / $2540 to £9100 / $11000 |
| Per space | £400 / $480 to £1000 / $1200 |
| Per render | £680 / $820 to £1100 / $1330 |
Per project pricing refers to the cost of creating visualizations for an entire project, such as a home design with multiple rooms. This can range from £2100 / $2540 to £9100 / $11000, depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the number of perspectives or views requested.
Per space pricing refers to the cost of creating visualizations for a single space, such as a bedroom or living room. This can range from £400 / $480 to £1000 / $1200, depending on the size and complexity of the space, as well as the number of perspectives or views requested.
Per render pricing refers to the cost of creating a single rendering, regardless of the size or complexity of the space being visualized. This can range from £680 / $820 to £1100 / $1330, depending on the level of detail and realism desired in the rendering.
Have a project to render? We’d love to give you a price estimation!
Therefore, all the work behind 3d interior renderings becomes unviable when on a fixed pricing model.
The difference comes from the price models a project is calculated. There are three standard pricing models; Interior renderings are priced per project, space, or image.
To explain it better, I will split the three models, summarize each model with pros and cons and compare in pricing.
Brief conclusion: Fixed pricing is not for Interior design 3D projects
Interior renderings price per space
The price of photorealistic interior renderings with this model is set per space.
- A space like a kids’ room, bedroom, or bathroom renders realistically can cost you between £400 / $480 – £600 / $725 per image for two to three perspectives.
- Kitchen or dining room can cost between £540 / $650 – £600 / $725 per image for three to four perspectives.
- A larger living or family room can cost between £900 / $1090 – £1000 / $1200 per image for two to three perspectives.
Calculation happens at the project’s onset, depending on the space’s complexity and camera views.
The formula typically estimates all of these factors and the amount of hands-on help required. Often this type of project requires at least two renderings.
By factoring in all of these elements, a pricing model is established to reflect the individual needs of each project.
The more information from the onset, the better the estimation will be.
Additionally, you can expect the modeling (project building) to be a separate fee. And an additional fee if it’s a too complicated project.
Have a project to render? We’d love to give you a price estimation!
Interior renderings price per project
This price model is formulated for the entire project. For example, a home design, with 3-5 and 7 room designs, each with at least 2 images.
- A floor plan with 3 spaces and 5 images: (50sqm/540sqft) can cost you between £2100 / $2540 – £3400 / $4110
- A floor plan with 5 spaces and 10 images: (105sqm/1130sqft) can cost you between £3900 / $4710 – £6100 / $7380
- A larger floor plan with 7 spaces fully furnished and 15 images: (170sqm/1830sqft) can cost you between £5500 / $6650 – £9100 / $11000
Calculation happens at the onset of the project. Depending on the project’s complexity, the number of rooms, the view, the sector for which it is being developed, and other elements.
Generally, the estimate requires more consideration than the rest of the models.
By factoring in all of these elements, a pricing model is established to reflect the individual needs of each project.
The more information from the onset, the better the estimation will be.
Often because of the size and total cost of the images, you can expect the modeling to be included unless it’s a too complicated project.
For complex home designs that demand a more significant number of renders.
Most professional designers with more multifaceted design processes use this model. It is typically more affordable to pay for renderings on a project-by-project basis.
You can then pay a single price for the entire project rather than separately for each space.
Have a project to render? We’d love to give you a price estimation!
Interior renderings price per render image
The price for this model for 3d interior renderings is set per image or camera perspective.
- A perspective render of a bedroom with ensuite can cost you between £680 / $820 – £790 / $955 for one perspective.
- A render of kitchen design comes at £740 / $895 – £860 / $1040 for one perspective.
- A oversized living room can cost between £900 / $1090 – £1100 / $1330 for one perspective.
When more revisions have required, the prices go even higher, especially for photorealistic interior designs.
Before submitting your design ideas for calculation with a 3D artist, it is advisable to bring your interior design to a conclusion.
Revisions quickly will increase the end price.
This branch of 3d rendering services often does not include the modeling as part of the price and maybe a separate fee.
Often reputable visualizers will set a number of changes and revisions you are allowed per image.
Interior renderings pricing per image it’s the most expensive of all three with regard to photorealistic 3d interior renderings.
This price model is mainly favored by small studios or solo designers who seek to visualize their interior design ideas for marketing and portfolio purposes.
Tip:
Use interior design software like Sketchup, Autocad, or other design programs.
The more detailed 2d and 3d floor plans, the easier and cheaper the photorealistic 3d renderings may be.
Have a project to render? We’d love to give you a price estimation!
Let’s dive in step by step, see why there is such a broad difference, and find the best price for your project.
Why does my interior rendering cost so much?
Often the answer is:
- your project is too complicated
- does not have a structured workflow
- poor communication
- unexperienced vendor
- bad brief and scope of work
- wrong budget
- wrong vendor
- unreal expectation
Finding the exact costs of your interior visualization project is not that complicated, but you must be well-informed about a couple of things.
Start by finding the visualization studio or freelancer that suits your needs.
How to find Interior Design Visualizer
So while you might think it’s just a visualization, they are more niche-focused experts who can help and understand your interior design project.
This is a professional portfolio platform where most of visualization artists and studios have a profile. Just find the magnifier at the top of the page and write what you want.
A place for discussions and making-of. It’s not an ideal place as Behance, as its purpose is different, but by looking into the topics and showcase sections, you might choose your new business partner.
One of the oldest websites for showcasing 3d projects. Started as a forum-based platform, and quickly grew into a site with portfolio sections called Galleries.
Very old and authoritative website. A massive online community where visualizers and other industry professionals write and post. There is a Gallery page where most members have an account showing their best work.
While it’s the most well-known social network, it might not be the most reliable place, but it is one of the most authentic places.
Look at the Facebook profiles/pages after you have their website/portfolio.
While 80% of all visualization studios have Facebook pages, they might not post as often as you expect.
What to look for in their Portfolio
- Look at their portfolio and website in general.
- How they present their work and projects.
- Do they have a beautiful gallery for each project with text and descriptions?
- Do they show specific details of each project in a fantastic way, where only one image can tell a story?
- Or is everything in one place, mixed with many projects of a different variety?
- Every company’s portfolio is its primary marketing tool and should be immaculate, showing its best work.
- It reflects how they work and at what level of expertise.
If it’s not something you like or your style, you might have to reconsider and start doing more research on Google or Behance.
Interior visualization service workflow
Select a few providers and check their project and price pages.
Define what you need, find an example, and start comparing!
3d interior renderings give many opportunities to showcase your project differently, but if you are not looking at the right thing, it will blow up your budget too.
Here is a list of workflow signs that you should be looking for:
- Turnaround options and time
- Test drive options
- Number of changes per image
- Image resolution
- Concept development (hands-on)
- Layout studies
- Management system
Often visualization studios don’t disclose publically their prices.
This is caused by the fact that creating an image involves multiple factors.
The more general the scope of work, the more complicated to calculate the costs per image are.
Have a project to render? We know how to calculate effectively.
At this point, you will notice two things. Some studios are more niche, while others are generalized. Both types have a different ways of calculating renderings.
Tip:
The more experience or niche the visualization studio is, the higher the price may be, but less hassle and challenging times for you.
Contact interior design visualization studio
You have done detailed research, which is the time to reach them.
Send them an e-mail or phone them; either way, they will have questions.
Here is a list of topics they must ask before you get an approximate figure for your project or image.
- Size of the project (spaces or total area size)
- Type of design style
- The complexity of the style
- Are there any outdoor areas
- How many images do you need
- Do you need design assistance
- Are any layout studies are required
- Is the concept stage developed
- When you need your first draft
- When you have to submit/show your images
Approximate price for interior visualization services
Let’s assume scenarios for interior projects.
The below cases will provide the average expected price, the visualization studio’s involvement, and expected workflow; who is the typical client for each case, and how you can relieve some of the costs.
Case study - Price per space
An inquiry is sent with a bare minimum scope and design ideas. With more unpredictable briefs, expect high pricing.
This immediately speaks one thing. A lot of hands-on and revisions will be necessary to carry out the task.
The price per image would be between £1000 / $1200 to £1700 / $2050, including or not 3D modeling to design a room.
If only CAD plans are available, switching from 2D to 3D will bump up price calculation per image in the average or above that range.
Workflow that goes behind the creation of a single render:
- Research and Development of the design style
- Modeling the design objects
- Layout iterations and camera angles
- Light and materials/textures options
- Draft renderings
- Further amendments
Options to balance:
In case of additional images and revisions are needed, expect at least 70 to 80% of the initial price for additional renderings.
A well-planned design concept means more detailed information is less guesswork for your 3D vendor.
As this is real life, sometimes additional changes are always needed, such as switching design pieces or even changing fundamental parts of the projects.
With a great scope of work, everything is manageable.
In this case, your 3D artist will expect the new design information to be at the same level of detail. Resulting in lower prices per image, as additional work required is more predictable.
Who is the typical client:
This fee structure is adopted by average-size design teams of 6+ designers, which often deal with larger spaces. On average, the service is used for marketing and ongoing project purposes.
Case study - Price per render
A client hires an interior designer for the project, who engages a 3d rendering services vendor.
The project is in the preliminary stage with a good brief, solid concept drawings, and only reference images in a mood board.
Expect the following cost per 3D image.
With an excellent 2D floor plan and strong brief, an optimal estimate of £660 / $800 to £810 / $980
The price range depends on how many changes are expected to be requested.
The workflow for this task may go as follow:
- Research and Development of the design style
- Modeling the design objects
- Setting up the objects at their positions and camera angles
- Lighting and textures revision
- Draft
- Revision
- Second draft
- Final revision
Options to balance:
Increase the supplied details to your 3D vendor. For example, provide granular information per space or type. Explain further with hand-rendered sketches over a 2d floor plan or basic SketchUp model if needed.
A well-planned design concept means more detailed information is less guesswork for your 3D vendor.
With the proper interior scope of work, everything is predictable. This increases the confidence in your 3D renderer resulting in greater price flexibility.
Who is the typical client:
This fee structure is adopted by small companies teams of up to 5 or solo designers. On average the service is used for marketing purposes instead of an ongoing concept to keep the costs more or less fixed.
Case study - Price per project
A project that is at an advanced stage. With developed a detailed Sketchup concept, 2D drawings, expanded mood boards, and sample boards.
The goal is to get ten interior visualizations.
Pricing is expected to be in the range of
£3500 / $4230 – £5700 / $6900
Since project like these is more predictable, the information is there; the only variable that may appear is additional scope.
Expected workflow:
- Modeling layout configurations
- 3D model optimization (if available 3D model is supplied)
- Perspective concept
- Lighting and textures
- Concept renderings
- Revisions
- Second Concept round
- Final revisions
Options to balance:
For this project, the fees are highly optimized since the 3D vendor can predict the amount of work needed.
In case of additional substantial design revisions, consider updating and expanding the original 3D model to help ease the workflow of your 3D renderer.
In case of additional changes, expect 40% fees per from the original price.
Who is the typical client:
Large design companies adopt this Interior Design CGI strategy.
The service is average used for developed concepts and marketing, including ongoing concepts.
The more images, the cheaper it gets.
PROJECT – TIMELINE
It is essential to note that the TIMELINE is one of the most critical stages.
Set goals and deadlines upfront and be transparent and realistic. This is a complex approach with many moving parts involved with each interior project.
Several types of timeline management apps can be used in the process:
Gantt charts: These are commonly used to track a project’s progress and identify any potential delays or issues. Gantt charts can be used to track the different stages of the visualization process, including planning, modeling, rendering, and post-processing.
Kanban boards: Use to visualize the flow of work and to track the status of different tasks. Kanban boards can identify bottlenecks in the process and prioritize tasks to ensure that the project stays on schedule.
Project management software: Wide range of interior design apps can manage timelines and track the progress of a project. These tools can be used to assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor the status of different jobs in real-time.
Overall, effective timeline management is critical. It works best for large teams and projects. In the case of small teams, the most useful is to use online apps like Gatherit and Monday to ensure the project stays on track.
Always share information with your visualizer upfront. Information delays can affect the results of the project.
Have a project to render? We know how to calculate effectively.
Defining project goals and objectives: The scope of work should explicitly state the project’s aims and objectives, including the use of images.
Project timeline: should include milestones and deliverables.
The scope of work: should specify the quantity and types of renderings, including the number of viewpoints or views and any unique requirements like lighting or material options.
Describing the design process: The scope of work should cover the process, including design discussions and presentations.
Deliverables: The scope of work should list the final images and any supporting documentation like 3D floor plans or close-up images.
Most of the work is done in SketchUp, 3Ds Max, Blender, Chaos Corona and V-ray, Affinity Designer, Davinci Resolve, and other open-source and premium software with 3rd-party plugins to speed up tasks that might take longer in native applications.
Yes and no, it depends.
If photo-real 3D images are not part of your price package, perhaps it’s worth sharing with your client. Always disclose the fees upfront.
To achieve the best of both worlds, use the advice above in this blog post to optimize your rendering prices.
Designers can render using DIY online 3D home design tools. Many online house design software platforms have extensive pre-designed libraries with the most common objects and furniture brands to produce realistic interior and outdoor 3D space representations. It’s a saving-money method for the initial stages of projects. However, online applications may have fewer functionality and customization possibilities and produce lower-quality renderings.
