Is a kitchen designer's fee refundable if I buy the kitchen from them?

Some suppliers waive or refund the design fee if you purchase a kitchen from them, but this usually comes with conditions, such as a minimum spend or a requirement to use their installation team. Independent designers typically charge a non-refundable fee because you're paying for their time and expertise.

Do I need a kitchen designer or can I just use a kitchen showroom?

A showroom designer often provides a free design if you buy the kitchen from them, but their options are limited to their product range. An independent designer works across multiple suppliers and can manage the whole project, which is useful for complex renovations or if you want to compare quotes from different fitters.

Is VAT included in kitchen design fees in Ireland?

Most design services are subject to 23% VAT, so always ask whether the quoted fee is exclusive or inclusive of VAT. A €2,000 fee plus VAT becomes €2,460, which can significantly affect your budget if you're comparing quotes.

Kitchen Design Cost Breakdown Ireland: Hourly Rates, Fixed Fees, and Percentage Models

Q: Can I use a kitchen design for a different fitter than the one who drew it?

Yes, but only if the designer transfers the rights to you on full payment. Some designers retain copyright and charge a licence fee if you use the design with another fitter. Confirm the ownership terms in writing before you pay.

Three ways Irish kitchen designers charge for design

In Ireland, kitchen design fees generally fall into three structures: an hourly rate, a fixed project fee, or a percentage of the total kitchen cost. Each suits a different type of project, and some designers combine them—for example, a fixed fee for the initial layout and an hourly rate for revisions after you approve the plan.

Hourly rates are common for consultations, small redesigns, or when the scope is unclear. Fixed fees suit standard projects with a defined brief, such as replacing units in the same footprint. Percentage-based fees are typical for full renovations where the designer manages the project from survey to installation.

The right structure depends on how much input you need, how many revisions you expect, and whether the designer also supplies the kitchen or works independently of any supplier. An independent designer charges for their time; a supplier's designer may waive the fee if you buy the kitchen from them.

A kitchen designer reviewing a floor plan and taking measurements in a bright room

Hourly rates: what you pay for a designer's time

Hourly rates for kitchen designers in Ireland typically range from €50 to €120. The lower end usually covers junior designers or initial consultations; the upper end reflects senior designers with a strong portfolio and years of project management experience. Rates in Dublin and other cities tend to sit higher than in rural areas.

An hourly engagement works well when you only need a layout sketch, a lighting plan, or advice on appliance placement. But it can become expensive if the project drags on. A designer who spends 15 hours across meetings, revisions, and site visits at €80 per hour costs you €1,200 before any construction begins.

Ask what the hourly rate includes before you agree. Some designers charge for travel time and phone calls; others don't. Get a written estimate of the expected hours, and agree on a cap—for example, 'no more than 10 hours without a fresh quote'—so the bill doesn't surprise you.

Fixed fees: predictable pricing for a defined scope

Fixed fees are the most predictable option. For a typical Irish kitchen of 10–15 square metres, a designer might charge €800–€2,500 for a complete design package. That usually includes a site survey, measured drawings, 3D visuals, a lighting and electrical plan, and a specification of units, worktops, and appliances.

The fixed fee should be tied to a clear scope of work. If you change the layout after the design is approved, expect an extra charge. Most designers allow two or three revision rounds within the fixed fee, then bill for additional changes at an hourly rate or a set price per revision.

Fixed fees suit homeowners who want a complete design before getting quotes from multiple fitters or suppliers. You pay once, own the drawings, and can shop around. Just confirm who owns the intellectual property—most designers transfer rights on full payment, but some retain copyright and charge a licence fee if you use the design with another fitter.

Design fee model	Typical range in Ireland	Best for
Hourly rate	€50–€120 per hour	Small projects, consultations, revisions
Fixed fee	€800–€2,500	Complete design packages with defined scope
Percentage of project cost	5–10% of total kitchen cost	Full renovations with design management

Percentage fees: when the designer shares the risk

Some designers charge a percentage of the total project cost, typically 5–10%. This aligns the designer's fee with the scale of the work: a €30,000 kitchen at 8% means a €2,400 design fee, while a €15,000 kitchen at the same rate costs €1,200. The percentage often decreases as the project value rises.

A percentage fee makes sense when the designer manages the entire project—coordinating electricians, plumbers, tilers, and joiners—because their workload grows with the complexity of the build. It also incentivises the designer to keep the project on budget, since a larger build cost doesn't automatically mean a better outcome for you.

Be cautious with percentage fees if the designer also sells the kitchen. A designer who earns both a design percentage and a markup on units has a financial interest in a more expensive specification. Ask for a breakdown of the design fee and the supply cost separately, and compare quotes from independent designers who charge flat fees.

Worked example: the same €28,000 kitchen under three fee structures

To see how the structures compare, take a mid-sized Dublin kitchen renovation with a total project cost of €28,000, including units, worktops, appliances, and installation. The design work involves a survey, three layout options, 3D visuals, an electrical plan, and two rounds of revisions—about 18 hours of a designer's time.

Under an hourly rate of €80, the design costs €1,440. Under a fixed fee of €1,800, you pay a flat amount regardless of how many hours the designer actually spends. Under a percentage fee of 8%, the design costs €2,240. The fixed fee is cheapest here, but if the project ran to 30 hours, the hourly bill would climb to €2,400—more than the percentage model.

The best choice depends on your project's certainty. If the scope is clear and unlikely to change, a fixed fee protects you. If you expect many changes, a percentage fee can be fairer because the designer's time is covered by the larger budget. An hourly rate is most transparent but carries the most risk of an overrun.

A newly renovated kitchen with shaker units, a quartz worktop, and pendant lighting

What's included in a design fee—and what isn't

A typical Irish kitchen design fee covers a site survey, measured drawings, a layout plan, 3D visuals, a lighting and electrical layout, and a detailed specification. Some designers include a schedule of works for your builder or fitter, and a list of suppliers for appliances and materials.

Fees usually exclude structural changes, such as knocking down walls or moving plumbing, which require an architect or engineer. They also exclude planning permission fees, building control approval, and the cost of any 3D renders beyond the initial set. Ask for a written list of inclusions and exclusions before signing.

If the designer charges a fee that's refundable against the cost of a kitchen you buy from them, read the small print. Refunds often apply only if you purchase a minimum value of units, and the design may revert to the supplier if you don't. An independent designer's fee is non-refundable because you're paying for their time and expertise.

How to compare quotes and avoid hidden design costs

When you get quotes from three designers, ask each for a written breakdown of the fee structure, the deliverables, and the revision policy. Compare like with like: a €1,200 fixed fee that includes 3D visuals is better value than a €900 fee that charges extra for every render.

Watch for hidden costs such as travel charges, printing fees for large-format drawings, or a surcharge for weekend site visits. Confirm whether the fee is VAT-inclusive; most design services are subject to 23% VAT, so a €1,800 fee plus VAT becomes €2,214.

Finally, ask how the designer handles disputes or changes. A good designer will have a written contract that sets out payment milestones—often 50% upfront and 50% on delivery—and a clear process for revisions. That clarity is worth more than the few hundred euros you might save by choosing the cheapest quote.