Excellent question 👍 — asking about written contracts is one of the smartest ways to protect yourself in an interior design project. In Delhi NCR, too many projects go over-budget or get delayed because there’s no clear written agreement.
✅ Why a Written Contract Matters
- Fixes scope of work (so nothing is missed or “extra” later).
- Locks payment schedule & milestones.
- Defines design revisions allowed.
- Clarifies warranty & after-sales service.
- Prevents disputes about hidden charges or delays.
📑 What a Good Interior Design Contract Should Include
- Scope of Work
- Design (2D layouts, 3D renders, drawings).
- Execution (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, civil, painting).
- Loose furniture, appliances, décor (if included).
- Deliverables & Revisions
- How many design revisions.
- What kind of drawings/renders you’ll receive.
- Timeline & Milestones
- Stage-wise timeline (civil, carpentry, false ceiling, finishing).
- Delay clause (buffer time + penalty/extension terms).
- Costing & Payment Terms
- Detailed BOQ (Bill of Quantities) with brand names.
- GST, transport, site supervision — whether included or extra.
- Milestone-based payments, not lump sum.
- Warranty & After-Sales Service
- Modular kitchen, wardrobes, hardware (Häfele/Hettich, etc.).
- Free service period (6–12 months).
- AMC (Annual Maintenance Contract), if offered.
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Who supervises site (designer / project manager).
- Who coordinates vendors.
- Single point of contact.
- Change & Variation Clause
- Process for handling last-minute design changes.
- Written approval for all changes with cost + time impact.
⚠️ Red Flags
- Designer says “Don’t worry, we’ll work on trust.” 🚩
- Only gives a simple quotation, no contract terms.
- Doesn’t provide a written BOQ with brand names.
✅ Pro Tip
Always ask for a signed contract + stamped BOQ. Keep one copy with you. This protects you legally if there’s a dispute later.
👉 Do you want me to draft a sample interior design contract template (simple, 2–3 pages) with all these points, which you can customize and ask your designer to sign?
