What is your design fee? Is it a flat rate, per sq. ft., or percentage of project cost?

That’s a must-ask question ✅ because interior designers in Delhi NCR use different fee models, and knowing this upfront avoids surprises. Here’s how it usually works:

💰 Common Design Fee Structures in Delhi NCR

1. Flat Fee (Lump Sum)

• Fixed price for the entire project, regardless of size.
• Typical range: ₹50,000 – ₹2,50,000 for apartments; more for villas/bungalows.
• Covers: layouts, 3D renders, drawings, material selection, BOQ.
• Execution (labour & materials) is billed separately.
• Best for: smaller projects (1BHK/2BHK) where per sq.ft. pricing doesn’t make sense.

2. Per Sq. Ft. Rate

• Charged on the built-up or carpet area of your home.
• Typical: ₹50 – ₹250 / sq.ft. (design fee only).
• Example: 1,200 sq.ft. × ₹100/sq.ft. = ₹1,20,000 design fee.
• Often used by freelance designers & mid-size studios.

3. Percentage of Project Cost

• Fee is a percentage of the total project value (materials + execution).
• Typical: 7% – 15%.
• Example: Project cost ₹20 lakhs → fee = ₹2–3 lakhs.
• Common with luxury designers / high-end firms, because they manage full turnkey execution.

4. Design + Execution Package

• Some turnkey firms don’t charge separate design fees.
• Instead, their profit margin is built into execution (materials + labour + project management).
• Example: Livspace, DesignCafe, MADS Creations often follow this model.

✅ What to Ask Your Designer

1. Do you charge a separate design fee, or is it bundled into execution?
2. If flat fee — what exactly is included (2D, 3D, revisions, site visits)?
3. If per sq.ft. — is it built-up or carpet area?
4. If percentage — do you cap it if project cost increases?
5. How many design revisions are included in the fee?

⚡ Pro Tip

• For budget/mid-range homes, a flat fee or per sq.ft. model is usually better.
• For large/luxury homes, a percentage of project cost is more common (since design scope is bigger).
• Always get the design fee & inclusions in writing before work starts.

👉 Would you like me to create a ready comparison chart of design fee models (flat vs sq.ft. vs %) with pros & cons, so you can quickly decide which is best for your apartment?