Thatโs one of the most important questions ๐ โ because every interior designer in Delhi NCR has a different fee structure, and not clarifying it upfront can lead to major confusion later.
Here are the common models ๐
โ Typical Design Fee Structures
๐น 1. Flat Design Fee
- Fixed lump sum for the whole project.
- Example: โน1.5L โ โน5L+ for a 2BHK/3BHK depending on scope.
- โ Good for clarity if project scope is well-defined.
- โ Risk: If project expands, designer may renegotiate.
๐น 2. Per Sq.Ft. Fee
- Charged based on carpet/built-up area.
- Range: โน50 โ โน250 per sq.ft. in Delhi NCR.
- Budget designers: โน50โโน100/sq.ft.
- Premium: โน150โโน200/sq.ft.
- Luxury studios: โน200โโน250+/sq.ft.
- โ Easy to estimate cost from flat size.
- โ Risk: You pay for total area, even for spaces with minimal work.
๐น 3. Percentage of Project Cost
- Charged as 7โ15% of total interior project value.
- Example: If interiors cost โน20L, designer fee = โน2L (10%).
- โ Aligns designerโs fee with your total spend.
- โ Risk: Designer may push for higher project spend.
๐น 4. Hybrid Model
- Some charge flat design fee for drawings + percentage/sq.ft. for execution supervision.
- Example: โน2L for design + 8% of project cost for execution.
๐ก What You Should Ask Your Designer
- What is your design fee model (flat, % of project, per sq.ft.)?
- Does it include site visits, BOQ, 3D renders, revisions?
- Is the design fee adjustable/refundable if I go ahead with execution with you?
- Do you charge extra for partial design (only kitchen, only bedrooms)?
- Is GST included in the quoted design fee?
โ ๏ธ Red Flags
- No clear breakup of what the fee includes ๐ฉ.
- Very low fee (โน10โ20k for a 2BHK) โ usually a trap for upselling execution.
- No contract โ disputes later on revisions or scope.
โ Pro Tip
- For apartments (2BHK/3BHK in Delhi NCR), expect โน1.5L โ โน5L design fee.
- For villas/penthouses, design fees usually start at โน5L+.
- Always insist on a written agreement with scope of services (layouts, 3Ds, revisions, site visits).
๐ Do you want me to prepare a Design Fee Comparison Sheet (Flat vs Sq.Ft. vs % of Project) with pros, cons, and typical Delhi NCR rates โ so you can use it to cross-check what different designers quote you?