You're about to invest ₹15-25 lakhs and 3-4 months into your home's interior design. One forgotten detail, one missed decision, one overlooked step can cost thousands and weeks of delay.
After managing 450+ projects at Divya Jain Interiors, we've created this comprehensive checklist, everything you need to do before hiring a designer, during execution, and after project completion.
Bookmark this page. You'll reference it dozens of times over the next few months.
PHASE 1: Before Starting (2-3 Months Before)
Financial Planning
✅ Determine total budget
● Include 10-15% contingency (unexpected costs always arise)
● Factor in: Interior + Civil work + Appliances + Contingency
● See realistic budgeting in our 3BHK cost guide
✅ Understand financing options
● Home improvement loan? (12-14% interest typically)
● Personal loan?
● Savings?
● Mix of above?
✅ Create budget allocation
● Kitchen: 20-25% of interior budget
● Master bedroom: 15-20%
● Living areas: 15-20%
● Other bedrooms: 15-20%
● Bathrooms & doors: 10-15%
● Electrical & false ceiling: 10-15%
✅ Confirm payment capacity
● Can you make staged payments? (typically 5 stages)
● Initial deposit ready? (usually 10-15% to start design)
Timeline Planning
✅ Decide project start date
● Avoid starting during: Diwali (Oct-Nov), major festivals
● Best months in Pune: Jan-May, Sep-Dec
● Consider: When can you vacate? When do you need to move in?
✅ Plan accommodation
● Full interior: Must vacate completely (60-90 days)
● Renovation: May live in apartment (some areas at a time)
● Where will you stay? (rental, family, hotel?)
✅ Calculate total timeline
● Design finalization: 4-6 weeks
● Material procurement: 2-3 weeks
● Execution: 60-90 days (3BHK turnkey)
● Buffer: Add 2-3 weeks for unforeseen delays
● Total: 4-5 months from first meeting to move-in
See detailed timeline in our week-by-week process guide.
Research & Planning
✅ Collect inspiration
● Pinterest boards (create separate boards: Kitchen, Bedrooms, Living, etc.)
● Instagram saves
● Magazine clippings
● Photos from friends' homes
● Note what you DON'T like (equally important)
✅ Understand your home
● Get architectural drawing (floor plan with dimensions)
● Note: Load-bearing walls (can't remove)
● Identify: Wet areas, electrical panel location, water supply points
● Check: Society rules and restrictions
✅ List functional requirements
● How many people's clothes in each wardrobe?
● Kitchen: How many utensils, appliances, groceries to store?
● Work from home? Need dedicated office?
● Exercise at home? Need space for equipment?
● Hobbies requiring space? (music, art, reading)
✅ Decide on service model
● Design Only? Design + Supervision? Turnkey?
● See comparison in our service models guide
Designer Selection
✅ Shortlist 3-5 designers
● Local Pune designers (understand monsoon, local challenges)
● Check Google reviews (minimum 20+ reviews, 4+ rating)
● View Instagram/website portfolio
● Verify: Years in business, number of projects completed
✅ Schedule consultations
● Meet at their office/studio (see their setup)
● Ask to visit 1-2 completed projects (essential)
● Bring: Floor plan, inspiration images, budget range
✅ Questions to ask each designer
● How many Pune projects completed?
● Can we visit completed projects? (Red flag if no)
● What's your typical timeline? (accountability)
● Payment schedule? (tied to milestones)
● Warranty terms? (2 years workmanship minimum)
● What happens if you delay? (penalty clause?)
● Itemized quote or lump sum? (itemized better)
✅ Compare quotes properly
● Don't just look at total price
● Compare: Plywood grade, hardware brand, warranty terms
● What's included vs excluded?
● See common mistakes in our mistakes guide
Legal & Documentation
✅ Review apartment documents
● Ownership papers (clear title?)
● Society rules (work timings, permissions needed?)
● Building age and condition
● Any pending society dues?
✅ Check society requirements
● Work hours allowed? (typically 9 AM - 6 PM)
● Sundays allowed?
● Deposit required? (₹5,000-15,000 typical, refundable)
● Permissions needed for structural work?
✅ Verify contractor requirements
● Police verification needed for workers?
● Insurance requirements?
● Safety deposit?
PHASE 2: Design Development (4-6 Weeks)
Initial Stage
✅ Finalize designer and sign contract
● Review contract thoroughly (take 48 hours)
● Clarify: Scope, timeline, payment, warranties
● Get everything in writing
✅ Pay initial deposit
● Typically 10-15% to start design work
● Get proper receipt with GST
✅ Schedule site measurement
● Be present during measurement (point out specifics)
● Discuss: Problem areas, structural issues, concerns
✅ Share detailed requirements
● Every bedroom: Whose room, storage needs, work area needed?
● Kitchen: Cooking style, appliances owned, family size
● Living areas: Entertaining frequency, TV size, storage needs
● Bathrooms: Tub or shower? Storage requirements?
Design Review Stage
✅ Review 2D layouts (multiple options)
● Does furniture placement feel right?
● Is circulation smooth? (3 feet minimum walkways)
● Are doors obstructed?
● Power points conveniently located?
✅ Mark furniture positions physically
● Use tape on apartment floor
● Sit in rooms, walk through
● Visualize daily life
● Adjust before finalizing
✅ Review 3D visualizations
● Do colors work together?
● Is lighting adequate?
● Does aesthetic match your vision?
● Will this look good in 5 years? (avoid trendy over timeless)
✅ Approve technical drawings
● Carpentry drawings (dimensions, materials specified)
● Electrical layout (point locations, switch positions)
● Plumbing layout (kitchen, bathrooms)
● False ceiling plan (lighting positions)
Material Selection
✅ Visit showrooms with designer
● See physical samples (colors look different than screens)
● Touch materials (laminate textures, hardware weight)
● Operate hardware (soft-close feel, drawer smoothness)
✅ Finalize all materials
● Plywood grade (BWR 710 minimum for Pune)
● Laminate/veneer selections (with codes)
● Hardware brand and finishes
● Countertop material and color
● Paint colors (in daylight and artificial light)
● Flooring (if changing)
● See material considerations in our monsoon-proof guide
✅ Get final itemized quote
● Every item listed with specifications
● Material grades mentioned
● Brand names specified
● Warranties stated
● Payment schedule clear
✅ Approve and sign off
● This is the point of no return
● Changes after this = additional costs
● Take time, be 100% sure
PHASE 3: Pre-Execution (2-3 Weeks)
Administrative Tasks
✅ Complete all payments as per schedule
● First milestone (typically after design approval)
● Keep receipts organized
✅ Obtain society permissions
● Submit required documents
● Pay society deposit if needed
● Get written approval for work
✅ Arrange temporary accommodation
● If vacating: Book 3 months minimum
● Keep some overlap (projects can extend)
✅ Set up communication channels
● WhatsApp group with designer/project manager
● Schedule: Weekly calls (day/time fixed)
● Emergency contact numbers
Site Preparation
✅ Clear apartment completely
● Remove all furniture (if fresh interior)
● Store items safely
● Remove curtains, wall decor, everything
✅ Disconnect services temporarily
● Gas connection (if kitchen relocation)
● Internet/cable (if point changes)
● Keep electricity and water on
✅ Protect existing fixtures
● Items not being replaced (tiles, fixtures)
● Windows and doors
● Bathroom fittings staying
✅ Provide site access
● Duplicate keys to contractor
● Society gate pass arranged
● Access timings coordinated
PHASE 4: During Execution (60-90 Days)
Weekly Tasks
✅ Attend weekly progress calls (15 minutes)
● What was completed this week?
● What's planned for next week?
● Any issues or delays?
● Any decisions needed from you?
✅ Review photo updates
● Daily photos via WhatsApp (good designers send these)
● Compare against timeline
● Note any concerns early
✅ Schedule site visits
● Week 4: Mid-carpentry stage
● Week 8: Before painting begins
● Week 11: Pre-final inspection
● More if you're in Pune and available
Decision Points
✅ Material arrivals
● Inspect quality when delivered
● Match against specifications
● Verify quantities
✅ Work stage approvals
● Carpentry framework (before shutters)
● Electrical rough-in (before plastering)
● Paint primer (before final coats)
● Hardware installation (before final fixing)
✅ Change requests
● Avoid mid-execution changes (costly)
● If absolutely necessary: Get written quote first
● Document reason (learning for future)
Payment Milestones
✅ Stage payments as per contract
● Typically: Material delivery (50%), Hardware & finish (35%), Paint (10%), Final (5%)
● Only pay after verifying work completion
● Keep 5-10% for final handover
✅ Keep payment records
● All receipts and invoices
● Track against contract
● Note any additional charges
Quality Checks
✅ Monitor key quality points
● Plywood edges sealed (moisture protection)
● Hardware operating smoothly
● Paint finish even and smooth
● Shutters aligned properly
● No visible screws or joints
● Drawers sliding smoothly
✅ Document issues immediately
● Photos of problems
● WhatsApp to project manager
● Note date and location
● Track resolution
PHASE 5: Completion (Week 12-13)
Pre-Final Inspection
✅ Room-by-room walkthrough
● Test every drawer, shutter, door
● Check all electrical points
● Operate all hardware
● Look for scratches, dents, misalignment
● Note: Even minor issues (they'll compound)
✅ Create punch list
● Document everything needing fix/adjustment
● Photos of each issue
● Give timeline for fixes (48-72 hours typical)
✅ Verify against contract
● Is everything delivered as promised?
● Any missing items?
● Material grades correct?
Final Handover
✅ Final walkthrough after fixes
● Verify punch list items completed
● Check cleaning done thoroughly
● Everything functioning?
✅ Collect documentation
● Material warranties (plywood, hardware)
● Appliance manuals and warranties
● Paint color codes (for future touch-ups)
● Vendor contact list (for future purchases)
● Maintenance instructions
● Workmanship warranty certificate
✅ Make final payment
● Only after 100% satisfaction
● Get proper paid invoice
● Get warranty certificate
✅ Take handover photos/videos
● Document condition at handover
● Useful for warranty claims later
● Before-after comparison for social media!
PHASE 6: Post-Handover (First 30 Days)
Immediate Actions
✅ Deep clean again (your standards)
● Construction dust settles for 2-3 days
● Clean all wardrobes inside
● Wipe all surfaces
✅ Install remaining items
● Curtains and blinds
● Light fixtures (if not done)
● Decorative items
● Plants and accessories
✅ Arrange furniture and decor
● Move in gradually (not all at once)
● Live in space before buying more furniture
● See what's actually needed vs planned
First Week
✅ Test everything daily
● Open every drawer multiple times
● Operate all shutters
● Use kitchen extensively
● Check for any issues
✅ Note any problems
● Sticky drawers
● Misaligned shutters
● Paint touch-ups needed
● Hardware adjustments
✅ Report issues immediately
● Within first week = easy fixes
● After 30 days = may fall outside warranty
First Month
✅ Schedule day 7, 15, and 30 check-ins
● Good designers do this automatically
● Discuss any issues observed
● Get maintenance tips
✅ Conduct post-monsoon check (if applicable)
● Any moisture issues?
● Wood swelling?
● Mold or odors?
● Address immediately
✅ Leave online review
● If satisfied: Help others find good designer
● If issues: Give designer chance to fix first
● Fair, honest review helps everyone
PHASE 7: Long-Term (Years 1-2)
Maintenance Checklist
✅ Monthly
● Wipe down kitchen cabinets (prevent buildup)
● Clean hardware with dry cloth
● Check for loose screws/fittings
✅ Every 6 Months
● Deep clean all wardrobes (empty and wipe)
● Check hinges and channels (lubricate if needed)
● Touch up paint scratches
● Check silicon sealing (kitchen, bathrooms)
✅ Yearly
● Professional anti-fungal treatment (₹3,000-5,000)
● Silicon re-sealing where needed
● Hardware servicing (if operating roughly)
● Paint touch-ups (high-traffic areas)
✅ After Each Monsoon
● Inspect all woodwork near external walls
● Check for moisture damage early
● Address issues before they spread
● See prevention tips in our monsoon guide
Warranty Management
✅ Keep warranty documents organized
● Workmanship: 2 years (typically)
● Plywood: 5-20 years (depending on grade)
● Hardware: 10-25 years (depending on brand)
● Paint: 5-7 years (manufacturer warranty)
✅ Document any issues
● Photos with dates
● Description of problem
● When it started
✅ Contact designer for warranty claims
● Within warranty period
● Provide documentation
● Give reasonable time to address
✅ Annual maintenance visit (if offered)
● Some designers include one annual visit
● Inspection and minor adjustments
● Builds long-term relationship
Special Considerations for Pune
Monsoon-Specific Checklist
✅ Before monsoon (May-June)
● Check all window seals
● Ensure exhaust fans working
● Apply furniture wax/polish
● Use silica gel packets in wardrobes
✅ During monsoon (June-September)
● Run exhaust fans daily (even if not showering)
● Open wardrobes weekly for ventilation
● Wipe kitchen surfaces daily
● Check for black spots (early mold signs)
✅ Post-monsoon (October)
● Deep clean everything
● Inspect for any damage
● Air out all enclosed spaces
● Address issues before they worsen
Society-Specific Checklist
✅ Before starting work
● Verify work timings allowed
● Confirm material delivery logistics
● Arrange parking for contractor vehicles
● Inform neighbors (courtesy)
✅ During work
● Stick to allowed timings
● Minimize common area disruption
● Clean up daily
● Address neighbor complaints promptly
✅ After completion
● Clean common areas used
● Collect society deposit back
● Get No Objection Certificate (if required)
● Thank society office and security
Red Flags During Process
🚩 Stop and address if you notice:
● Designer not responding to calls/messages (2+ days)
● Work quality suddenly declining
● Materials different from approved samples
● Timeline slipping with no explanation
● Hidden costs appearing
● Contractor behavior unprofessional
● Safety issues at site
Action: Document issue, escalate to senior management, withhold payment if needed.
Your Master Checklist Summary
Before Starting (2-3 months):
● Budget and financing sorted
● Timeline planned
● Designer selected and contracted
● Materials and designs finalized
During Execution (60-90 days):
● Weekly check-ins done
● Quality monitored
● Payments on schedule
● Issues addressed promptly
After Completion (30+ days):
● Thorough inspection done
● Documentation collected
● Issues within warranty reported
● Regular maintenance followed
Print this checklist. Keep in project folder. Check off as you go. ✓
Ready to Start Your Project Right?
This checklist represents 450+ projects worth of learning. Everything we wish every client knew before starting.
Have it with you during your consultation, and we'll walk through it together.
Schedule Your Free Consultation:
📞 Call: +91-8390707573 / +91-8959070757
💬 WhatsApp: Click to message
🌐 Visit: www.divyajaininteriors.com
During consultation:
● We'll review this checklist together
● Customize it for your specific project
● Identify any additional steps for your situation
● Give you a project timeline with milestone dates
● Provide realistic budget and expectations
Preparation prevents problems. Let's get it right from day one.
Related Reading
🔗 Top Design Mistakes to Avoid
Planning your interior project? Print this checklist or bookmark this page. You'll reference it dozens of times. Questions? WhatsApp us, we respond within 2 hours during business hours.
