A Homeowners Guide to Interior Design

Before You Begin: Key Considerations

The Permanence Factor

Your first big consideration is permanence. Unlike loose furniture you can sell or move, built-in interior work is a long-term commitment to your home. If you plan to move or sell the house within a few decades, remember that design trends change. What's modern today might look dated in 20 years. This investment is tied to the property, and its value might depreciate differently than standalone furniture.

Interior vs. Furniture: The Resale Reality

High-quality furniture from reputed brands often retains some resale value. You can sell it on various platforms if you decide to change your style or move. Custom interior work, however, is harder to liquidate. When selling the property, the built-in interiors are sold with it, and their perceived value depends entirely on the buyer's taste. This is a crucial financial difference to keep in mind when allocating your budget.

Budgeting for Your Dream Home

Understanding costs is the first step to a successful project. This section provides an interactive calculator to estimate your project's cost based on typical market rates in Dhaka. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on your specific choices for materials, design complexity, and the firm you hire.

Interactive Cost Estimator

Select Your Apartment Size:

Estimated Project Cost Range:

This estimate typically includes basic interior work like false ceilings, lighting, kitchen cabinets, and wall paint. Designer fees may be separate. Costs for premium materials and custom furniture will be higher.

Finding the Right Design Partner

The single most important decision you'll make is choosing your interior designer. A good partner brings your vision to life, while a bad one can turn your dream into a nightmare. Use this interactive checklist to vet potential candidates thoroughly. Don't skip any steps!

Vetting Checklist: Your Shield Against Scams

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Review Portfolios: Does their style match your vision? Is the quality consistent?
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Check Verifiable References: Ask for and call at least 2-3 previous clients. Don't rely only on online reviews.
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Get Multiple Detailed Quotes: Compare 2-3 itemized quotes. A vague quote like "Living room - 1 lakh" is a huge red flag. Demand a breakdown of materials, brands, and labor costs.
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Assess Communication: Do they listen to you? Do they explain things clearly? A good relationship is key.
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Verify Their Business: Do they have a proper office? A verifiable trade license? Check their legitimacy.

Material Showdown: Kitchen & Ceilings

Material choices are crucial for both looks and longevity, especially in Bangladesh's climate. This section provides an interactive comparison of common materials for kitchens, one of the most demanding areas of your home. Use the buttons to see how different materials stack up in terms of durability, moisture resistance, and cost.

Interactive Kitchen Cabinet Material Comparison

A Note on Ceilings

Be cautious with traditional false ceilings. Over time, they can rot or become homes for pests. A modern, sleek alternative is using light paneling. Profile lights can provide a sophisticated, modern look, are easier to maintain, and can be removed or changed more easily than a full false ceiling.

Protect Your Investment

This final section is your armor. Interior design projects in Bangladesh have a high profit margin, which unfortunately attracts scammers. Understanding the contract, payment terms, and red flags is non-negotiable. Use these tools to safeguard your time and money.

The Contract: Your Most Important Document

Demand Itemized Details: The contract MUST specify material types, brands, and quality (e.g., "Gorjon ply with laminate finish," not just "kitchen cabinet").
Define Measurement Method: Clarify how work will be measured for billing (e.g., height x length, or including depth). This must be consistent.
Include a Penalty Clause: Have a written clause for compensation if the project is delayed beyond a reasonable grace period (e.g., 1 month past the deadline).
Warranty Information: What is the warranty on profile lights, fittings, and other hardware? Get it in writing.

The Smart Payment Strategy

Step 1: Small Advance

Give a small initial advance only. NEVER pay 50-70% upfront.

Step 2: Milestone Payments

Pay in installments as work is COMPLETED and verified by you.

Step 3: Hold 30-40%

Crucially, keep 30-40% of the total payment in your hand. This is your leverage to ensure they finish the job properly and on time.

Step 4: Final Payment After QA

Release the final amount only after you (or a hired professional) have done a full quality check and are satisfied with everything.

Red Flag Checklist: Stop Scammers in Their Tracks

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Pressure for High Upfront Payment: If they demand 50% or more to start, walk away. They will take your money and slow down the work.
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Vague Quotations & Contracts: A lack of detail is intentional. It allows them to use cheap materials and charge you more later.
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"Too Good To Be True" Price: A very low price often means they will cut corners on quality, which will cost you more in the long run.
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Constant Excuses for Delays: While some delays are normal, persistent excuses after they've taken significant payment is a sign of trouble.