Every Western Port Woodworks commission begins with a complimentary conversation, and every design fee we charge is credited in full against your project when you proceed.
Bespoke joinery is designed before it is built. The site visit, the measured survey, the 3D modelling and the detailed drawings are where the thinking happens, and they represent many hours of skilled work. We set out our process and fees openly so you know exactly what to expect at each step, with no surprises.
Our process has four stages:
- Stage 1 — Initial conversation. Complimentary.
- Stage 2 — Site consultation. A modest fixed fee, credited to your design fee.
- Stage 3 — Design and documentation. A fixed design fee, credited to your project.
- Stage 4 — Fixed quotation and commission. Your project proceeds to the workshop.
Stage 1 — Initial conversation (complimentary)
Your first conversation with us is free of charge and without obligation. By phone, email or a short meeting at our Hastings workshop, we discuss:
- the scope of your project and the spaces involved
- your preferred style, timbers and finishes
- your timeframe
- your budget
Where you can share plans, photographs or inspiration images, we will provide an indicative budget range in writing. This is a guide, not a quotation, but it lets you decide early whether bespoke joinery suits your project before any fees are incurred.
We ask about budget at this stage because it allows us to design to it. It is the single most useful thing you can tell us.
Stage 2 — Site consultation (from $140 inc. GST, credited to your design fee)
When you are ready to take the next step, we visit your home or site for a consultation of up to one hour. We assess the space, discuss design options and constraints in person, and review timber and finish samples with you.
- Mornington Peninsula and south-eastern suburbs — $140 inc. GST
- Greater Melbourne — $250 inc. GST
- Regional Victoria — quoted on request
The site consultation fee is payable at the time of booking and is credited in full against your design fee if you proceed to Stage 3.
Following the visit, we provide a written summary with a confirmed design fee for your project.
Stage 3 — Design and documentation (fixed fee, credited to your project)
The design stage turns your brief into a fully resolved piece of joinery, documented in enough detail to price it precisely. The design fee is fixed before work begins and is typically 3–5% of the indicative project value, with a minimum of $400 inc. GST.
For modest, straightforward pieces such as a single cabinet, shelving or a vanity, we may be able to provide a fixed quotation without the full design stage. Where this is possible, we will let you know after your initial conversation or site consultation.
Your design fee includes:
- a detailed measured survey of the space
- concept design and layout options
- 3D visualisations of your joinery in its setting
- two rounds of design revisions
- timber, finish and hardware selections
- elevation and plan drawings for your approval
- a detailed, fixed-price quotation
The design fee is payable before design work commences. When you accept our quotation within 60 days, the full design fee, including your site consultation fee, is deducted from your contract price. In effect, the design is complimentary for every client who proceeds.
Further revisions beyond the two included rounds, or changes to the agreed brief, are charged at our standard hourly design rate, advised in advance.
Stage 4 — Fixed quotation and commission
Our quotation is a fixed price for the joinery as designed, valid for 60 days. It sets out the full scope, materials, finishes, installation, payment schedule and an estimated production timeframe.
On acceptance and payment of the deposit, your project is scheduled into the workshop. Final check measures and workshop drawings are included in the contract price.
Architects, interior designers and builders
We price complete architect and designer documentation free of charge. Where joinery has already been designed and documented by others, we provide a tender quotation at no cost, and shop drawings are included in the contract price.
Where documentation is incomplete and we are asked to resolve design details, construction methods or material specifications before pricing, a design fee applies. We will always confirm this with you before starting.
Ownership of designs
All designs, drawings and 3D models prepared by Western Port Woodworks remain our intellectual property until the project is commissioned. Clients receive presentation visualisations and approval drawings for their consideration.
If you would prefer to have your design manufactured by another maker, a full construction drawing set can be released on payment of a release fee, quoted on request. Design fees and site consultation fees are non-refundable once the work has been carried out.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you charge for design? Good joinery is resolved on paper before a single board is cut. Charging a modest, credited fee lets us give every project the time it deserves, rather than rushing designs to keep quoting costs down.
Can I get a price without a site visit? Yes. From plans, photographs and measurements, we can provide an indicative budget range at no cost. A fixed quotation requires the design stage.
What if I decide not to proceed? You keep your presentation visualisations and approval drawings, and you are under no further obligation. The fees paid cover the work completed.
Is the design fee really credited in full? Yes. Every dollar of your site consultation and design fees is deducted from your contract price when you accept our quotation within 60 days.
Get in touch
We look forward to hearing about your project. Request a quote to arrange your complimentary initial conversation, or call Chris on 0400 119 448.