The 3 Ways Interior Design Is Priced in India
Whether you're getting quotes in Chennai or anywhere in India, every interior design company uses one of three pricing methods. Understanding them helps you compare quotes accurately.
Method 1: Per Sqft Rate
The most common shorthand. A company says "we charge ₹1500/sqft" and multiplies by your flat's area. Simple — but prone to misuse. Key questions to ask:
- Is this per sqft of carpet area, built-up area, or super built-up area?
- What scope is included at this rate? (Only woodwork? Or also false ceiling, lighting, civil work?)
- Does it include GST?
Per sqft quotes are fine for rough budgeting but should never be the final basis for a contract.
Method 2: Per Room (Room-by-Room Package)
Some companies package room-by-room: "modular kitchen ₹1.8L, master bedroom ₹90K, second bedroom ₹60K, living room ₹70K" etc. This is more transparent and lets you pick and choose rooms. Still, confirm exactly what each room includes.
Method 3: Itemised BOQ (Bill of Quantities)
The most accurate method. Every item is listed separately with material specification and unit cost. Example:
| Item | Specification | Qty | Unit Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen base cabinet | BWP ply, acrylic shutter, Hettich channels | 12 sqft | ₹850/sqft | ₹10,200 |
| Kitchen wall cabinet | BWP ply, acrylic shutter | 10 sqft | ₹720/sqft | ₹7,200 |
| Granite countertop | Black galaxy, 25mm | 18 sqft | ₹180/sqft | ₹3,240 |
| Gypsum false ceiling | 12mm gypsum, single layer | 110 sqft | ₹65/sqft | ₹7,150 |
A proper BOQ runs 3–5 pages for a 2BHK. It leaves no room for interpretation and forms the basis of a solid contract.
Sample Cost Calculations for Chennai Flats
1BHK (500 sqft carpet area) – Standard Package
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Modular kitchen (parallel, 8×8) | ₹95,000 |
| Bedroom wardrobe (6ft sliding) | ₹48,000 |
| TV unit with back panel | ₹35,000 |
| False ceiling (living room) | ₹25,000 |
| Painting (full flat) | ₹22,000 |
| Lighting package | ₹18,000 |
| Sub-total (before GST) | ₹2,43,000 |
| GST @ 18% | ₹43,740 |
| Total | ≈ ₹2.87 Lakhs |
2BHK (900 sqft carpet area) – Standard Package
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Modular kitchen (L-shape, 10×8) | ₹1,65,000 |
| Master bedroom wardrobe (7ft sliding) | ₹62,000 |
| Bedroom 2 wardrobe (5ft hinged) | ₹38,000 |
| TV unit + back panel | ₹52,000 |
| False ceiling (living + master) | ₹52,000 |
| Painting (full flat) | ₹35,000 |
| Lighting package | ₹28,000 |
| Sub-total (before GST) | ₹4,32,000 |
| GST @ 18% | ₹77,760 |
| Total | ≈ ₹5.10 Lakhs |
Variables That Change Your Quote Significantly
- Material tier: Switching from laminate to acrylic adds ~25% to kitchen cost; acrylic to PU lacquer adds another 30%
- Hardware brand: Generic to Hettich adds 15–20% per unit; Hettich to Blum adds another 25%
- Civil work inclusion: Quotes that include flooring, bathroom tiles, and civil painting cost 40–60% more but are genuinely full-home
- Designer fee: 8–12% of project cost if charged separately; many Chennai firms include this in material margin
- Project timeline: Rush jobs (less than 30 days) attract 10–20% premium
Frequently Asked Questions
Three methods: per sqft (rough estimate), per room packages (moderate accuracy), and itemised BOQ (most accurate). For a reliable final number, always request a BOQ after a site visit.
Get a detailed BOQ prepared after a site visit. It lists every item with specification and unit price — no surprises. Use our cost calculator for an instant range to get started.
Visit /cost-calculator, select your flat type, choose rooms to design, and pick a finish tier. You'll get an instant estimate range and an option to book a free detailed site visit.
Not always — always ask. Interior design services in India attract 18% GST. Our calculator and all Homeli quotes show GST-inclusive figures so there are no surprises at invoice time.
Also see: Free Cost Calculator · 2BHK Cost Guide · Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You · Interior Designers in Chennai