Most project problems start before work even begins. This phase is about getting your foundations right. I always tell clients: the time you spend here saves you three times that amount later. Not an exaggeration. Every item on this list exists because skipping it caused a real problem on a real project.

Work through these before calling any firm or buying anything:

1. Confirm your total available budget, not a wish number but the real one
2. Set aside 10 to 15% of that budget as a contingency buffer and don’t touch it
3. Get an accurate floor plan with room dimensions, ceiling heights, window and door positions
4. List every room that needs work and rank them by priority
5. Note which rooms you’ll live without during construction
6. Check your building society rules on renovation hours, waste disposal, and structural changes
7. Confirm which walls are load-bearing and cannot be modified
8. Set a realistic move-in date and work backwards to plan the project start

Budget and Finance Checklist

Getting your numbers organized before meeting any designer saves confusion and protects you from overspending.

• Total interior budget confirmed
• Contingency buffer set aside separately
• Furniture budget listed separately from construction budget
• Appliances budget listed separately
• Payment milestone structure understood and agreed in writing
• Bank transfer or payment method decided
• Written quotes received from at least three firms
• All quotes compared on the same scope, not just the final number

Breaking your budget into categories

Before finalizing any scope, roughly split your total like this:

1. Materials and finishes: 50 to 60%
2. Labour and execution: 25 to 30%
3. Design fees, supervision, and miscellaneous: 10 to 15%

This split gives you a working picture before any firm presents their breakdown.

Design Direction Checklist

Before any designer starts drawing plans, you need to know what you actually want.

• Reference images saved from Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines
• Preferred design style identified (modern, minimalist, Scandinavian, Bengali fusion, etc.)
• Color palette direction decided (warm, cool, neutral, bold)
• Must-have features listed per room
• Nice-to-have features listed separately
• Family lifestyle considered (children, elderly, work from home, pets)
• Storage requirements mapped room by room
• Smart home or automation requirements noted if any

Room-by-Room Design Checklist

Go through each room individually. Don’t treat the flat as one block. Every room has its own requirements.

1. Living Room

• Sofa size and configuration decided based on room dimensions
• TV unit placement and size confirmed
• False ceiling design and lighting plan finalized
• Flooring material selected
• Storage requirements noted (display shelving, cabinets)
• Curtain or blind type decided
• Electrical point positions confirmed for appliances and lighting

2. Master Bedroom

• Bed size confirmed (King, Queen, or Double based on room size)
• Wardrobe dimensions and configuration planned
• AC position and electrical point confirmed
• Bedside lighting type decided
• False ceiling design noted
• Attached bathroom connection considered if applicable
• Dressing area or vanity included if space allows

3. Kitchen

• Kitchen layout type decided (straight, L-shape, parallel, U-shape)
• Upper and lower cabinet configuration planned
• Countertop material selected (granite, quartz, tiles, HPL)
• Sink position and type confirmed
• Chimney or exhaust fan position noted
• Refrigerator and microwave placement confirmed
• Electrical points for all appliances mapped
• Waterproofing requirement checked for the floor and wall behind sink

4. Additional Bedrooms

• Room function confirmed (guest room, children’s room, study)
• Wardrobe size and configuration noted
• Study table or work area included if needed
• Lighting type decided
• Color scheme decided separately from master bedroom

5. Bathrooms

• Tile type and size selected for floor and walls
• Sanitary ware brand and model confirmed (commode, basin, shower)
• Geyser or water heater position noted
• Exhaust fan position marked
• Waterproofing specification confirmed before tiling begins
• Mirror and storage cabinet position decided
• Towel rail and accessories position noted

6. Dining Area

• Dining table size confirmed based on family size and room dimensions
• Lighting over the dining table planned (pendant or ceiling)
• Flooring material checked for consistency with living area
• Storage or buffet unit included if space allows

7. Balcony

• Balcony function decided (utility, seating, garden)
• Floor tile or deck material selected
• Grill or railing type confirmed
• Waterproofing checked for floor and wall junction
• Electrical point included if needed for lighting or appliances

Materials and Finishes Checklist

Material decisions affect both quality and cost. Go through this before finalizing any scope.

• Board type confirmed for all carpentry (moisture-resistant board or marine ply for wet areas)
• Laminate or finish type selected for wardrobe and kitchen shutters
• Hardware brand confirmed (hinges, handles, channels)
• Floor tile type and size selected per room
• Paint brand and finish type confirmed (matte, satin, washable)
• False ceiling material confirmed (gypsum board or PVC)
• Lighting fixture types noted per room (recessed, pendant, strip, surface)
• Window and door hardware noted
• All materials checked for suitability in Bangladesh’s heat and humidity

Electrical and Plumbing Checklist

These two areas are where cutting corners creates the most expensive problems later. Go through each point carefully.

1. Confirm number and position of electrical points in every room
2. Confirm AC points in all rooms that need air conditioning
3. Check earthing and circuit breaker capacity with your electrician
4. Confirm exhaust fan and geyser positions in all bathrooms
5. Confirm kitchen chimney exhaust duct routing before false ceiling is done
6. Mark all plumbing points for bathrooms and kitchen before tiling
7. Confirm waterproofing specification for all bathrooms and kitchen wet areas
8. Ensure plumbing rough-in is completed before any tile work begins

Contractor and Firm Checklist

Before signing with any interior firm, go through this:

• Portfolio reviewed for projects similar to yours in size and budget
• At least two client references contacted and spoken to directly
• Charging model understood (per sq ft, package, or percentage)
• Written scope of work received with material specifications by brand and grade
• Payment milestone structure agreed and documented
• On-site supervisor name confirmed
• Project timeline with start and end dates confirmed in writing
• Process for handling scope additions agreed before signing
• Complaint and revision process understood

During Execution: Site Checklist

Once work starts, stay involved. Not every day. But at the right moments.

1. Visit the site before each payment milestone is due
2. Check that work matches the agreed scope before releasing any payment
3. Confirm waterproofing is complete before tiles are laid in any bathroom
4. Check false ceiling framework before boarding is done
5. Verify electrical points match your agreed plan before walls are plastered
6. Photograph progress at each stage for your own records
7. Raise any concern immediately and in writing, not just verbally
8. Approve material deliveries on-site before installation begins if possible

Final Handover Checklist

Before making your final payment and accepting the project, go through every item:

• Walk through every room against the written scope of work
• Check all doors, drawers, and wardrobe shutters open and close properly
• Test every electrical point, switch, and light fitting
• Check all taps, showers, and drainage for leaks or slow flow
• Check false ceiling for cracks, uneven joints, or water stains
• Check all paint surfaces for patchiness, missed areas, or marks
• Confirm all hardware is installed and functioning correctly
• Collect all warranties and guarantees for materials and fittings
• Collect any leftover tiles, paint, or materials for future repairs
• Sign off only after every item on this list is satisfactory

If anything is incomplete, note it in writing and agree a deadline for it to be fixed before releasing the final payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does it Take to Complete Home Interior in Bangladesh?

For most apartments between 800 and 1,500 sq ft, plan for 6 to 12 weeks. Premium work with custom elements takes longer. Always build extra time into your plan rather than working to the minimum estimate.

Can I Use This Checklist for a Rented Apartment?

Yes, with adjustments. Skip structural items like wall removal, waterproofing, and permanent carpentry if your lease doesn’t allow modifications. Focus on furniture, paint, lighting, and non-permanent storage.

Should I Purchase The Materials By Own? 

It depends. For major materials like flooring, tiles, cabinetry, and fixtures, let your designer or contractor handle them to avoid compatibility and quantity issues. You can purchase decorative items yourself if you want more control over style and budget. 

What’s The Single Most Important Item On This Checklist?

The written scope of work with material specifications. Everything else can be adjusted. Without this document, you have no basis for accountability if something goes wrong.

Should I Be On-Site Every Day During Execution?

Not necessarily every day. But visit before every payment milestone and at key stages like post-electrical rough-in, post-waterproofing, and post-carpentry. These are the moments where you can catch problems before they get covered up.

What Do I Do If The Finished Work Doesn’t Match What was Agreed?

Refer to your written scope of work. Point out the specific items that don’t match. Put it in writing to the firm. Withhold the final payment until corrections are made. That’s exactly why the scope document and milestone payments exist.

Do Interior Design Firms Take Projects Outside Dhaka?

Yes, many interior design firms take projects outside Dhaka. However, availability, travel costs, and project scope may vary by firm. It’s best to confirm with the company before starting the project.

How Can I Decide Which Interior Design Firm is The Best for My Project?

Look at their previous projects, design style, experience, pricing, material quality, client reviews, timeline, and communication. Most importantly, choose a firm like Totto Interiors or as you wish that understands your requirements and budget clearly.