TL;DR A complete project combines schematic design, legal project, detailed design and 3D, each one with a specific weight in the total fee. Classic mistake: charging everything as "1 project" and giving a discount. Right approach: price each phase, add them up, present it as a complete package (with a higher R$/m2 than the sum of the parts).

The phases of a complete project

  1. Preliminary study - site placement, program, design concept.
  2. Schematic design - floor plans, sections, elevations, design report.
  3. Legal project - sheets for approval at the city hall.
  4. Detailed design - all the details for the construction site.
  5. 3D / render - support for the internal sale.
  6. Coordination with engineering disciplines (structural, plumbing, electrical).

Weight of each phase in the fee

Phase% of total fee
Preliminary study + schematic design30-40%
Legal project10-15%
Detailed design35-45%
3D / render8-15%
Coordination5-10%

How to handle engineering disciplines

You do not do structural, plumbing or electrical work, you outsource it. Two ways to charge:

  • The client pays directly. You recommend the professionals and stay out of the transaction.
  • You act as intermediary. Include it in the fee with a markup of 15-25% on the partner's value, in exchange for management and coordination.

The second option generates more revenue and gives more control, but it demands your time.

Charging for 3D / render

3D is not a "freebie in the proposal". It is 8-15% of the total fee, around 4 to 8 thousand on a typical project. Common mistake: including it before the client asks, and losing that potential revenue. Solution: 3D is an optional deliverable, billed apart or only in the complete package.

Complete project in Limify

3 preconfigured packages, modular scope

In Limify you register the modules of the complete project. Each proposal combines schematic design + detailed design + 3D + engineering disciplines in 3 different packages, the client chooses, you protect your margin.

Try it free

How to present it as a package

Do not present "schematic design + detailed design + 3D = R$ X". Present:

  • Essential: schematic design + detailed design.
  • Complete: + legal project + basic 3D.
  • Premium: + realistic 3D + coordination + construction supervision.

It provides anchoring, increases the average ticket and the client feels that they chose instead of "accepting everything that came".