30 Essential Questions to Ask an Interior Designer Before Hiring
Questions About Cost and Contract
1. Is the price you are quoting fixed or an estimate? This is the most important question. If the answer is "estimate, final costs may vary," walk away. A legitimate designer provides fixed prices in a signed BOQ before execution starts.
2. What exactly is included in this price? Civil work, electrical, false ceiling, painting — are all of these included? Ask for a scope of works document, not just a per-sqft number.
3. What is NOT included? Often more revealing than what is included. Appliances, loose furniture, curtains — clarify every exclusion.
4. What is the payment schedule? Red flag: asking for more than 30–40% upfront. Legitimate designers require payment at defined project milestones, not large advance payments.
5. Is there a penalty clause for delays on your side? A designer who does not offer any accountability for timeline misses does not intend to be accountable for them.
6. What happens if I need changes after the design is approved? Minor changes within the approved design should be accommodated. Major scope changes should be priced separately. Clarify the boundary.
Questions About Materials
7. What carcass material do you use? The correct answer: 18mm BWR plywood. If the answer is "board" or "ply" without specifying BWR, ask explicitly. MDF is not acceptable for kitchens or wardrobes.
8. Which hardware brand do you specify? Hettich or Blum for all hinges and drawer runners. If they cannot name a brand, they have not specified one — which means the contractor buys whatever is cheapest.
9. Which countertop brands or types do you use? Quartz (which brand?) or granite. Ask for the specific material, not a category.
10. What laminate brand and finish code do you use? Named laminates (Merino, Greenply, Greenlam, Action Tesa) with finish codes. Unnamed "premium quality laminate" means substitution is possible mid-project.
11. Are your materials tested for this region's climate? Critical for Mangalore and coastal areas. Marine-grade BWR plywood and zinc hardware are different from standard specifications.
Questions About Process
12. Will you visit my site before presenting the design? The answer must be yes. A design based on floor plans alone misses the actual light conditions, ventilation, and specific site conditions of your home.
13. Who is my project manager? A named person. If the answer is vague, ask specifically who will be on site daily managing the work.
14. Are your contractors your own employees or subcontractors? Both are acceptable — what matters is that one person is accountable for all of them.
15. How many projects are you managing simultaneously? A designer managing 40+ projects simultaneously cannot give adequate attention to yours. Know the number.
16. How do you communicate progress? Daily WhatsApp updates with photos is the standard Suntew practice. Less than this and you are managing in the dark.
17. What is the timeline from design approval to handover? Ask for this in writing. A 2BHK should take 45–75 days. More than 90 days for a 2BHK is a red flag unless there are specific site reasons.
Questions About Portfolio and References
18. Can I visit a completed project? Not renders. An actual finished home you can walk through. Any established designer should be able to arrange this.
19. Can I speak to a recent client? A phone number for someone who used them in the last 12 months. If they hesitate, so should you.
20. Do you have projects in my specific neighbourhood? Local knowledge of your building type, society rules, and area-specific challenges matters.
Questions About Design
21. Do you provide 3D renders before execution? Yes is the standard answer. Photorealistic renders of every room. If they offer only mood boards or material samples, the design quality may not match what you are imagining.
22. How many revisions are included? Unlimited revisions until you are satisfied before execution starts. After execution begins, changes require a change order.
23. What interior design styles do you specialise in? A designer who specialises in everything specialises in nothing. Ask to see completed examples of the specific style you want.
24. Do you consider Vastu in your designs? If important to you, confirm they apply it and understand the principles — not just claim to.
25. How do you handle site-specific challenges like load-bearing walls or society restrictions? A locally experienced designer knows the answers. A designer new to your area will learn on your project.
Red Flags That Disqualify a Designer
Refuses to produce an itemised BOQ. Cannot name specific material brands. Asks for more than 40% advance. Cannot show you a completed project to visit. Has no answer for what happens if they miss the deadline. Uses the phrase "approximately" or "subject to change" on a cost document without specifying what triggers the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Book Free ConsultationSuntew's Expert Take
At Suntew, we believe good interior design starts with the right questions. Over 300+ projects in Bangalore and Mangalore, we have helped hundreds of families work through material choices, budget planning, and contractor management. The most common mistake clients make is starting work without a fixed-price contract — always insist on a detailed BOQ (Bill of Quantities) with material specifications before signing any agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth hiring an interior designer in Bangalore?
For most homeowners, yes. A good interior designer saves money by recommending the right materials at the right price, prevents costly mistakes, and manages contractors. Suntew's design fee is often offset by the savings on materials and rework that an experienced team can avoid.
What should I ask an interior designer before hiring them?
Ask for: a fixed-price contract with BOQ, their project timeline commitment, references from recent projects, and who will supervise day-to-day work at your site. Ask specifically if they use subcontractors or their own team. Suntew uses in-house trained carpenters and provides a single point of contact for every project.
How do I make my home look expensive on a budget?
Focus on lighting, paint, and decluttering first — these have the highest visual impact per rupee. Replace builder-grade door handles and switches with quality branded ones (Legrand, Schneider). Add one statement piece — a large mirror, an accent wall, or a pendant light — rather than many small decorative items.
Ready to start your project? Suntew Interior Designers offers a free consultation and 3D design preview — no payment required until you approve the design. Call +91 89515 00340 or 9606230962, or fill in our contact form.