Do you charge a design fee (flat, per sq.ft, % of project)?

That’s a crucial question 👍 — because design fee structures vary widely among interior designers in Delhi NCR, and the way it’s charged can affect your overall budget.

Here’s the breakdown of the 3 most common fee models you’ll come across:

✅ 1. Flat Fee (Lump Sum)

• How it works: One fixed price for the entire design scope.
• Range in Delhi NCR: ₹50,000 – ₹2,50,000 (for 2BHK–3BHK flats), higher for villas.
• Best for: Smaller projects where area-based charging isn’t practical.
• Good if you want clarity upfront with no surprises.

✅ 2. Per Sq. Ft. of Area

• How it works: Fee calculated on built-up or carpet area.
• Range in Delhi NCR: ₹50 – ₹250 per sq.ft. (design-only).
• Example: 1,200 sq.ft. × ₹100/sq.ft. = ₹1,20,000 design fee.
• Best for: Apartments, where project size and scope are easy to measure.
• Caution: Clarify whether it’s based on carpet or built-up area.

✅ 3. Percentage of Project Cost

• How it works: Fee is a % of total project value (materials + execution).
• Range in Delhi NCR: 7% – 15%.
• Example: Project cost ₹20 lakhs → design fee = ₹1.4L–₹3L.
• Best for: High-budget/luxury projects (villas, bungalows, farmhouses).
• Advantage: Designer is incentivized to handle execution well.
• Caution: Ensure % is fixed, otherwise costs can creep up.

⚡ Other Models You May See

• Design + Execution Package: Some turnkey firms don’t charge separate design fees — they build margin into execution. (E.g., Livspace, MADS Creations).
• Hourly Fee: Rare in India, but some premium consultants charge per consultation hour for advice only.

💡 What You Should Ask

1. Is your fee flat, per sq.ft., or percentage of project cost?
2. What exactly does the design fee include (site visits, 3D renders, BOQ, revisions)?
3. If I go ahead with execution through you, is design fee adjusted/waived?
4. How many revisions & site visits are covered under the fee?
5. Are there extra charges for additional visits or re-designs?

⚠️ Red Flags

• Designer avoids giving a clear fee structure.
• Fee looks low but excludes 3D renders, site visits, or supervision (added later as “extras”).
• They charge per sq.ft. but don’t clarify if it’s built-up, carpet, or super area.

👉 Would you like me to prepare a side-by-side comparison chart (Flat Fee vs Sq.Ft vs %) with pros, cons, and who it’s best for, so you can quickly decide which model works best for your project?