That’s an excellent question 👍 — because a milestone-based project schedule is the backbone of a smooth interior project. Without it, everything becomes vague and delays pile up.
Here’s how a good designer in Delhi NCR should handle it:
✅ What a Milestone-Based Schedule Looks Like
1. Design Stage (2–4 weeks)
- Site measurement & concept layouts → 1 week
- Mood boards & 3D renders → 1–2 weeks
- BOQ (Bill of Quantities) & final approvals → 1 week
2. Execution Stage (8–12 weeks for 2BHK/3BHK)
| Milestone | Scope of Work | Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| M1: Civil & Demolition | Breaking walls, basic masonry, waterproofing | 1–2 weeks |
| M2: Electrical & Plumbing Rough-in | Wiring, piping, AC points | 1–2 weeks |
| M3: False Ceiling & Partition Work | Gypsum/POP ceiling, lighting cutouts | 1–2 weeks |
| M4: Carpentry Stage-1 (Carcass) | Wardrobe carcass, kitchen base modules | 2–3 weeks |
| M5: Carpentry Stage-2 (Shutters & Finishes) | Laminate/veneer/acrylic shutters, polishing | 2–3 weeks |
| M6: Painting & Wall Finishes | Primer, emulsion, wallpapers | 1–2 weeks |
| M7: Modular Installations | Kitchen, wardrobes, furniture, hardware | 1–2 weeks |
| M8: Loose Furniture & Décor | Sofa, dining, beds, curtains, lights | 1–2 weeks |
| M9: Snagging & Handover | Final checks, touch-ups, cleaning | 1 week |
👉 Total (Design + Execution) = 12–16 weeks (3–4 months) for a typical 2BHK/3BHK flat.
👉 Villas/bungalows → may take 6–8 months, depending on scale.
💡 What You Should Ask
- Will you give me a written milestone-based schedule?
- Do you provide a Gantt chart (visual timeline)?
- How will you track progress — weekly updates, WhatsApp photos, site visits?
- What’s the buffer time for unexpected delays?
- If a milestone slips, how will you reallocate labour to catch up?
⚠️ Red Flags
- Designer only says: “3–4 months total” → vague, no breakdown.
- No written timeline → you can’t hold them accountable.
- They rely only on contractors, no project management.
✅ Pro Tip
Insist on:
- Milestone-based schedule in writing.
- Payment tied to milestones (e.g., “30% on carpentry completion” not “30% after 1 month”).
- Weekly reporting against this schedule.
👉 Would you like me to create a sample milestone schedule (in Excel / Gantt chart format) that you can hand to any designer, so they commit to exact timelines stage by stage?