That’s a spot-on question 👍 — because many firms in Delhi NCR use design fee as a way to secure commitment, and whether it’s adjustable or not depends on the designer’s business model.

✅ How It Usually Works

Table of Contents

1. Independent Designers / Freelancers

Design fee is separate → not adjustable in execution.
Reason: They may only do design, not execution.
Typical fee: Flat ₹50k–₹2L (depending on project size).

2. Boutique Interior Firms

Often adjust design fee (partially or fully) against execution bill if you hire them for execution.
Example: ₹1L design fee → if you execute project of ₹15L, they adjust that ₹1L in final billing.
If you only take design and execute elsewhere → you still pay design fee.

3. Turnkey Companies (Livspace, Design Café, HomeLane, etc.)

Design fee shown as refundable/adjustable → but only if you proceed with them.
If you don’t → you lose that booking/design fee.
They bundle design fee into execution cost.

✅ Why This Matters for You

If you’re still exploring → better to pay a standalone design fee (so you’re not locked in).
If you’re sure you’ll execute with them → adjustable design fee saves money.

💡 What You Should Ask Your Designer

Is the design fee fully or partially adjustable against execution?
If I don’t execute with you, is the design fee refundable?
At what stage is the design fee adjusted — final bill or milestone?
If my project scope increases, does the design fee also increase?
Can you give me this in writing in the contract?

⚠️ Red Flags

Designer says “design is free” 🚩 → cost is hidden in execution.
No clear written policy on adjustment/refund.
Large design fee with no assurance of adjustment.

✅ Pro Tip

For a 2BHK/3BHK turnkey project, many firms adjust 50%–100% of design fee if execution goes ahead.
Always ask for a credit note or adjustment clause in BOQ/contract.
If you’re unsure about execution, negotiate for a smaller upfront design fee.

👉 Do you want me to draft a Design Fee Adjustment Clause (sample contract language) that you can insist your designer includes in the agreement so there’s no confusion later?

Is design fee adjustable if I go ahead with execution with you?