Most clients sign a contract and hope for the best. That is a mistake. Knowing what to collect and check — before the work starts and after it ends — protects your money and your home. This guide tells you exactly what to ask for.
What to Get Before the Project Starts
Do not let any work begin without these documents in hand.
A Written Agreement or Contract
Always get a signed contract. It should include the full project scope, payment schedule, timeline, and penalty clauses. Verbal promises mean nothing in disputes. Make sure both parties sign before any advance payment is made.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Ask for an itemized budget. It should list every item — furniture, flooring, paint, labor, and contractor fees. A lump sum quote is not enough. You need to see where each taka is going.
Design Drawings and 3D Visualization
A professional company will provide floor plans and 3D renders before starting. This shows you exactly how the space will look. Review these carefully. Ask for changes before work begins, not after.
Timeline and Work Schedule
Get a written timeline. It should show which work starts when and when each phase ends. This helps you track progress and hold the company accountable for delays.
Company Profile and Previous Work Samples
Ask for their portfolio and client references. Check if they have done similar projects. If possible, visit a completed project in Dhaka or your city to see the quality firsthand.
What to Verify After the Project Ends
Handover day is not the end — it is a checkpoint. Do not make final payment until you have verified everything.
Check Every Item Against the Bill of Quantities
Compare the installed items with the original list. Check brand names, model numbers, and quantities. If the contract said Hatil furniture or Berger paint, confirm that is what was actually used.
Test All Electrical and Plumbing Work
Turn on every light, switch, fan, and socket. Run every tap and check every drain. Problems found now are the company’s responsibility. Problems found later may not be.
Inspect Surfaces and Finishes
Check walls, ceilings, flooring, and carpentry up close. Look for uneven paint, cracks, gaps in tiles, or poor finishing. Note every defect in writing before signing any handover form.
Collect All Warranties and Receipts
Ask for product warranties on furniture, appliances, and materials. Collect purchase receipts for major items. This protects you if something breaks within the warranty period.
Get As-Built Drawings
If any design changed during construction, ask for updated drawings. These show the actual layout of wiring, plumbing, and structure. You will need them for future repairs or renovations.
Confirm the Retention or Defect Liability Period
Most professional firms offer a defect liability period — usually 3 to 6 months. During this time, they fix any defects at no extra cost. Confirm this in writing before final payment.
Red Flags to Watch For
Some warning signs tell you the company is not professional.
- They refuse to give a written contract
- They ask for full payment before starting
- They cannot show past project references
- They avoid providing 3D designs or drawings
- They do not give any warranty or defect period
- They change agreed materials without informing you
If you see these signs, think twice before proceeding.
FAQ
Is A Verbal Agreement Enough With An Interior Design Firm In Bangladesh?
No. Always get everything in writing. A signed contract protects both the client and the company.
What Is The Defect Liability Period?
It is a fixed time after handover when the company repairs any defects for free. It is usually 3 to 6 months. Confirm it before signing off.
Can I Ask For Changes During The Project?
Yes, but any change to scope or budget should be documented in writing. This avoids disputes later.
What If The Company Used Different Materials Than Agreed?
Refer to your contract. If they substituted materials without consent, you have grounds to claim compensation or ask for replacement.
Do All Design Companies In Dhaka Provide 3d Visualization?
Most reputable firms do. If a company cannot provide 3D renders before starting, it is a red flag.
Final Words
A professional interior design company will have no problem giving you all of this. Documents, drawings, contracts, and warranties — these are standard practice. If a company hesitates, that tells you something. Protect yourself from the beginning and do a proper check at the end. That is how you get the home you paid for.
