That’s one of the best ways to compare designers’ quotes 👍 — a cost per sq.ft. sheet makes things transparent because it breaks down expenses into categories instead of a vague lump sum.
✅ How a Cost per Sq.Ft. Sheet Works
You prepare a table with categories, then designers fill in their rates.
Example (Delhi NCR, 2025 typical ranges):
| Category | Basic Range (₹/sq.ft.) | Premium Range (₹/sq.ft.) | Luxury Range (₹/sq.ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modular Kitchen | 1,200 – 1,800 | 2,000 – 2,500 | 3,000 – 4,000+ |
| Wardrobes | 1,200 – 1,800 | 2,000 – 2,800 | 3,500 – 5,000+ |
| TV Unit / Storage | 1,000 – 1,500 | 1,800 – 2,500 | 3,000 – 4,500 |
| False Ceiling | 90 – 130 | 140 – 180 | 200 – 250 |
| Painting (Asian/Berger) | 30 – 45 | 50 – 70 | 80 – 120 |
| Flooring (Tiles/Marble/Wood) | 120 – 180 | 200 – 300 | 350 – 600+ |
| Lighting & Electrical | 80 – 120 | 150 – 250 | 300 – 500+ |
| Loose Furniture (Beds/Sofa/Dining) | 600 – 900 | 1,000 – 1,500 | 2,000 – 3,000+ |
| Soft Furnishings (Curtains, Rugs, Décor) | 200 – 400 | 500 – 900 | 1,000 – 2,000+ |
👉 These are per sq.ft. ballpark rates — actual BOQ should still list items individually.
✅ Benefits of a Per Sq.Ft. Sheet
- Easy comparison → between 2–3 designers.
- Budget clarity → helps you cap spend room by room.
- Negotiation tool → you can see which designer is overpricing one category.
- Mix & match flexibility → choose premium kitchen + basic wardrobes.
💡 What You Should Ask Your Designer
- Can you fill in a category-wise cost per sq.ft. sheet?
- Are these rates inclusive of GST, transport, labour, supervision?
- Do you provide brand options for each cost band?
- Can you also give a total project estimate alongside the sheet?
- Will this sheet be binding in contract, or can rates change later?
⚠️ Red Flags
- Designer only gives a lump sum without breakdown 🚩.
- No clarity if costs are carpet area or built-up area based.
- Rates don’t mention brands/finish levels.
✅ Pro Tip
- Use the sheet only for benchmarking — always ask for a detailed BOQ before signing.
- Keep a 10–15% buffer for upgrades/changes.
- Make sure it’s clear whether sq.ft. is carpet area or unit surface area (kitchens/wardrobes are calculated by shutter surface, not carpet).
👉 Would you like me to prepare a ready-to-use Excel Cost per Sq.Ft. Comparison Sheet (with columns for Designer A, B, C → so you can compare line by line) that you can directly use when meeting designers?