The Process...

If you're interested in having a project done by Rare Images, rest assured that we won't pressure you into doing something that you won't be completely happy with. If you've never commissioned a custom designed work before, the following is a quick outline concerning how the whole process works.

Free Consultation

We offer both day and evening consultations. When contacting us, please be as specific as possible when describing your needs. This enables us to better prepare for our meeting. At the initial consultation we will discuss in detail your wishes, view the space to be painted, take measurements (if necessary) and discuss your budget.

Research and Sketches

If you decide that you would like us to work on your project, we may request an initial retainer fee, depending upon the detail of the project requested. This fee will be anywhere $25 to $75, based upon the size of the project. This covers our time to research and create initial sketches and is applied to the final cost of the project. Should you decide not to proceed with the project, this fee is not refundable.

Pricing

Every project is different and prices and terms will be done on an individual basis. The average cost of a mural can range anywhere from $350 to $3000+, depending on the following factors:

• size (one wall, one room, etc.)
• complexity of the design (degree of detail requested)
• working environment (high ceilings, surface texture, indoors, outdoors, etc.)

Prices include:
• initial consultation
• design research and sketches
• painting
• materials

Prices do not include:
• wall prep (wall repairs, base painting, wallpaper removal or furniture removal/covering)
• accommodations & travel expenses (if travel is required)
• scaffolding rental (for rooms with high ceilings or larger outdoor work)

NOTE: We have a minimum fee of $250 per mural project or $15 per square foot and $75 for other types of projects.

Examples:

Small border in kitchen - $250

Basic mural (5'x8') - $600

Complex mural (8'x10') - $1600

Custom pet portrait (11"x14") - $200

Foam sculpture (small project) - $350

Contract and Scheduling

After you review and approve the bid, we sign a contract and schedule a starting time. We require a 50% deposit at the time the contract is signed. The balance is due no later than 7 days from completion of the project.

All jobs are on a first come, first served basis. We do everything possible to accommodate rush projects but there is a 25% premium charge. If possible, be sure to book your job early. The timeframe for custom artwork depends on the complexity and size of the project. A smaller scale mural can be painted over the course of a few days while larger and more intricate projects may take several weeks to complete. Please keep in mind that if you ask for changes once the mural has been started, there will be additional fees involved.

Hopefully this has helped explain the process and gives you an idea of the estimated cost and time of a project. If you have any further questions please contact us at 208-695-8913. Thanks!

Send comments and suggestions about this site to Tricia Watson at rare_images4u@hotmail.com.

Last Updated: January 2008