Small interior design studio

Homeowners with larger renovations, and small businesses such as cafes, salons, shops and offices.

Project fees, either fixed or as a percentage of the build or fit-out budget, plus agreed fees for project management and sourcing.

• CAD or 3D design software
• Project and budget management
• Working with builders, suppliers and landlords
• Presenting to clients and winning commercial work

• Professional indemnity, public liability and, once you hire, employer's liability insurance
• Commercial fit-outs may involve building regulations, fire safety and accessibility rules, check who is responsible
• Premises costs and lease terms, avoid long commitments at the start
• Paying suppliers before clients pay you can strain cash flow
• Check whether a trade body membership or formal qualification matters to your target clients

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on premises, software and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on the projects you win. Paying suppliers before clients pay you can strain cash flow.

Check professional indemnity, public liability and, once you hire, employer's liability insurance. Commercial fit-outs may involve building regulations, fire safety and accessibility rules, so check who is responsible. Also check whether trade body membership or a qualification matters to your clients.

Useful skills are CAD or 3D design software, project and budget management, working with builders, suppliers and landlords, and presenting to win commercial work. The estimate is at least around 30 hours a week.