There are two common ways to get your home or office done. You can pay a designer for drawings and manage carpenters, electricians and plumbers yourself, or you can hire one turnkey firm that designs, buys materials and builds everything under one contract.
Design-only
You pay a design fee — typically ₹40–₹120 per sq ft or a lump sum — for layouts, 3D views, drawings and material specifications. You then hire and coordinate contractors.
- Lower upfront fee
- Full control over vendors and purchases
- You carry the coordination risk: delays, rework and disputes between trades
- Design intent is often diluted when contractors substitute materials
Turnkey
One firm handles design, procurement, civil, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, painting and handover.
- One contract, one timeline, one point of accountability
- Materials and finishes match the approved design
- Usually faster, because trades are sequenced by one team
- Total cost is higher than design fees alone, but often lower than the true cost of managing it yourself
Which should you choose?
Choose design-only if you have time, trusted contractors and a modest scope. Choose turnkey if you are busy, living in another city, working to a deadline, or doing a full home or office where many trades overlap.
Questions to ask a turnkey firm
- Is the quote itemised, with brands and grades?
- Who supervises the site day to day?
- How are changes priced and approved?
- What warranty covers joinery and workmanship?
- Are payments tied to milestones?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is turnkey interior more expensive than hiring a designer?
The contract value is higher because it includes materials and labour, but turnkey often costs less overall once you account for rework, delays and your own time.
How much does a design-only interior designer charge?
Design-only fees in India typically range from ₹40 to ₹120 per sq ft, or a lump-sum fee based on scope.
Ready to Brief Your Project?
Share your city and floor plan — we respond within 24 hours with an itemised quote. No spam, no data selling, no marketing calls.