The cost of renders isn't an easy answer as it depends entirely on the individual project and sales objectives. However, there are a few factors worth knowing.
Renders are unique in the sense they serve a dual purpose.
1) Renders are Art, practical, and custom-built to communicate ideas.
2) Renders are what potential buyers buy into, sparking imagination about how they see themselves owning or living in the future.
How do you put the price on that? Let's take a look.
In Australia, renders can range from $1,000 - $10,000 + .
The range depends on many factors, such as team size, Business model, processes and workflow, briefing, Tiers, Scope, greed, Timeframe and Quality. We will cover 3.
Scope or size of the project
Timeframes and when it is due
Quality
1) Scope:
Let's break down the scope into three parts.
1a) large projects, 1b) detailed projects and 1c) small projects.
1a) Large projects such as a large city, town, or large-scale buildings generally take longer, modelling time and potentially design 'infill gaps', dependent on the project's resolution.
1b) A Detailed project for up-close renders takes time. For example, ornate stairs and balustrading or bespoke furniture and accessories in the foreground require time to model, texture and refine, requiring at least two years of experience to understand the best approach for the render.
1c) Small projects, namely small interiors such as bathrooms and bedrooms, should only take a day or so. They are easily lit, textured and rendered. Render firms choose to charge the same rate as other renders as it balances costs between the set of images.
2) Timeframes:
Most projects range between 2 and 6 weeks +/- for 4- 6 renders, depending on existing in-house workloads and the abovementioned scope.
If it's due next week, it is fair to say fees will rise as more team members need to work on the project. While not ideal, it is possible. However, compromises require further discussions.
A great way to categorise timeframes is into Tiers, using five renders to keep things equal.
Tier 1: 5-8 week
Tier 2: 4-6 weeks
Tier 3: 2-4 weeks
3) Quality:
The easiest way to measure Render quality is through the lens of realism. Other lenses would be how easily it appeals to the target audience and how well the project is designed, including the selected furniture and accessories.
Typically, larger or more bespoke properties require personalised care and attention to detail. For example, a residential property, home or Apartment over the $10 Million price point involves attention to every detail, from Architecture and Interior design to furniture, accessories, view lines and lighting. Every piece requires refinement and evaluation to work as one cohesive 'work of art'.
In contrast, a render can still look fabulous by incorporating good lighting, Architectural and Interior design principles, Ikea furniture and accessories while retaining realism at a lower Tier, saving time and a fiscally challenged marketing budget.
Renders are a delicate balance between quality, budget and timeframe. Start with the "buyers'" needs and buying capacity.
We hope this contributes to the success of your next project.