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Interior Contract Clause Checklist

Before Signing — 16 sections · 98 items

A well-structured contract converts creative intent into legally enforceable clarity. Tick each clause as you review it. Download a personalised PDF when done.

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Project / Property

Scope of Work (SOW) Clause

0/8

The backbone of the agreement. Every item below must be explicitly defined or excluded in the contract.

Exact areas included — Living room, bedrooms, kitchen, utility, balconies, etc.Built-in furniture vs loose furniture clearly distinguishedCivil work scope defined — demolition, tiling, waterproofingElectrical & plumbing alterations scope coveredFalse ceiling and lighting scope definedPaint, wallpaper, wall treatments coveredSmart home integrations (if any) explicitly included or excludedSite supervision responsibilities assigned to a named party

Red Flag: Vague language such as "complete interiors" without a room-by-room breakdown.

Best Practice: Attach a detailed BOQ as a contract annexure with line items and specifications.

Design Deliverables Clause

0/7

The contract must distinguish between design services and execution services.

Number of layout options confirmed3D visualisations — per room or limited views — clearly specifiedWorking drawings included: electrical, plumbing, carpentry detailsMaterial boards to be providedNumber of revision rounds allowed (typically 2–3)Timeline for design submission defined3D renders — stated as conceptual or binding representations

Red Flag: If materials shown in renders differ from execution specifications, the contract must clarify which document prevails.

Payment Terms Clause

0/9

Payment structure must be milestone-linked, never a vague percentage advance.

Booking amount defined (5–10%)Payment milestone at post design approvalPayment milestone at material procurement stagePayment milestone at post factory productionPayment milestone at post installationRetention amount defined (5–10%) — released only after handoverGST applicability and amount clearly statedAccepted payment modes specifiedLate payment penalty terms included (if applicable)

Red Flag: Avoid 70–80% advance before execution begins or full payment before snag rectification.

Timeline & Delay Clause

0/6

Interior timelines in India often stretch. The contract must protect both parties.

Project start date defined — typically after site handoverCompletion duration stated in working daysGrace period definedPenalty clause for delay included (liquidated damages)Delay exclusions listed: force majeure, client-initiated scope changesTimeline start point clarified — from design sign-off or first payment

Variation & Change Order Clause

0/4

Interior projects almost always undergo changes. This clause protects both sides.

Written approval required for all change ordersRevised costing mechanism defined for each changeTimeline impact of changes documented and agreed before executionApproval format specified — email confirmation acceptable?

Red Flag: Never accept verbal change approvals. All variations must be documented in writing.

Site Conditions & Civil Liability Clause

0/4

Many disputes arise from pre-existing site defects. Liability must be clearly assigned.

Designer/contractor not liable for pre-existing structural defectsAdditional cost for site correction definedWaterproofing warranty limits statedStructural alteration permissions and approvals covered

Warranty & Defect Liability Clause

0/8

Different components carry different warranty periods. Each must be explicitly stated.

Plywood structure warranty period stated (5–10 years)Hardware warranty period stated (5–15 years per manufacturer)Electrical fittings warranty period stated (1–2 years)Paint warranty period stated (1 year)Waterproofing warranty period stated (3–5 years)Scope of what is covered clearly definedService response time for warranty claims statedExclusions listed: water seepage, misuse, external damage

Termination Clause

0/6

Either party may need to exit. The terms must be unambiguous.

Conditions for termination by client specifiedConditions for termination by contractor specifiedRefund policy on advance payments definedDesign ownership rights post-termination clarifiedCompensation calculation method for partial completion definedContract does not forfeit full payment upon termination regardless of stage

Ownership of Drawings & Designs

0/3

Critical for future modifications and portfolio use.

Client ownership of drawings confirmedDesigner's right to reuse design for portfolio definedDrawings to be shared in editable/usable format (or terms stated)

Brand Substitution Clause

0/3

Interior vendors sometimes replace specified brands to increase margins.

No substitution without prior written approvalSubstitution only with same or higher specificationCost savings from any substitution shared with client

Insurance & Safety Clause

0/4

Especially important in apartment complexes where third-party damage liability is high.

Worker/labourer insurance confirmedSite accident liability coveredDamage to neighbouring property coveredFire safety compliance confirmed

Dispute Resolution Clause

0/4

Defining the dispute mechanism upfront avoids prolonged litigation.

Governing law stated (Indian law)Jurisdiction / courts of competent authority definedArbitration clause includedMediation as a first-step approach specified

Snag List & Handover Clause

0/5

Retention amount must only be released after a formal snag closure.

Joint inspection by client and contractor scheduledSnag list to be documented in writingRectification timeline for snag items definedWritten completion certificate to be issuedRetention amount released only after snag closure

Hidden Cost Triggers to Watch

0/6

Common items excluded from quotes that cause disputes. Each must be explicitly included or excluded.

Electrical rewiring scope and charges clarifiedCivil levelling (floor/wall) scope and charges clarifiedAppliance cut-out charges addressedTransportation surcharge outside city limits addressedDebris removal charges addressedLift/elevator usage charges in apartments addressed

Download Your Contract Review PDF

Portrait PDF — all 16 sections with your responses, red flags, and final review summary.

Read slowly. Ask questions. Demand clarity. Insist on written documentation.

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