2. Actual Cost of Interiors:

The choice of interiors you opt for and the ones that fit with your budget can be entirely different. There are a number of aspects involved in calculating the actual cost of interiors such as carpentry, paint, civil, electricals, etc. There is a separate cost structure for each aspect.

Also, the choice of material which includes laminate, ply - quality of ply, PU, veneer, etc. also make a huge difference in the overall cost of the project. A variety of techniques may be deployed to achieve a certain design but eventually, it is the material choices that make all the difference. And, different materials have different pricing structures as well.

How are various components calculated?

All the components of the project will be priced differently. The furniture might be priced using a different method, the walls and floorings might be calculated by a different one. Here again, you will broadly find 2 ways in which the different components are charged.

1. Per Sq. Ft.

As a general rule of thumb you can assume that all the immovable components of your interior design project will be charged Per Sq. ft. The typical components that are calculated on the basis of Per Sq. Ft. are - Modular kitchens, wardrobe, TV units, fixed beds, fixed study tables, false ceilings, civil work, painting, electricals and wiring, etc.

2. Lump Sum

Generally all components, which can be moved are calculated on a lump sum bases. Few examples of such components are moveable furniture such as centre table, dining table, sofa sets, kid beds, etc. There are also a number of smaller components like side tables, chairs, small cabinets etc. which are typically charged lump sum.

Although sofa and beds maybe charged as lump sum, the cost is still calculated on basis of the running feet and size - You can ask your interior designer for a break up for the same to understand the costing. But by and large you will be quoted a lump sum price for it.

Even in case of lump sum, cost is broken down basis the materials used, quality of the product, type of upholstery, etc. Also, the kind of wood, the quality, plywoods, laminates etc. influence the cost.

How is Per Sq. Ft rate calculated?

The moment you come across the term 'Per Sq. Ft, chances are that you immediately make an association with the area of your home or office. However, in case of interiors, Per. Sq. Ft , it doesn't mean the same.

When the components are priced in terms of Per Sq. Ft in respect to interior designing, it also take into account the areas of the walls and the ceiling that are to be used in the installation.

An Example Calculating The Cost

Suppose you want to know the cost of a modular kitchen to be created in your home. All the components that are below the counter will be calculated on the basis the floor’s per sq. footage. The components such as cabinets, shutters and so on appearing above the counter will be based on the wall’s sq. footage. Same for TV units, Wardrobes etc.

Similarly, if you want to calculate the cost of designing the living room, components that are to be fixed on walls such as TV units, bookshelf (if any) etc will be based on the sq. footage of the wall, rather than the floor.

So…. How to understand the quotations given to you?

Your interior designer will generally provide you with a quotation before beginning the project as an estimate of the money you'll need to spend on the project. This quotation is generally given in the form of a BOQ and you will be able to see all the components listed with the estimates of the cost they would incur, calculated on either per Sq. Ft. basis or total costlump sum basis.

What is a BOQ?

The full form of BOQ is Bill of Quantities. It is a list which consists of different components of your interior design project basis your expectations, budget and scope of work. In front of each item, its estimated total cost is mentioned. This serves as an estimate for your entire project.

In order to understand everything in a better way, you are free to question about the things mentioned in the BOQ. A good interior designer will be willing to explain, each and every price component to you in detail. He/she would also tell you what determines the prices of the finished products, which components you can change to reduce the costs, etc.