01/06/2026
The ₹15L vs ₹25L vs ₹35L Renovation Trap: Why Home Interior Quotes Can Be Misleading
Last week, a homeowner shared three quotes for a 3BHK renovation in Dwarka.
Quote A: ₹15 lakh
Quote B: ₹25 lakh
Quote C: ₹35 lakh
His question:
"Why is there a ₹20 lakh difference for the same house?"
My answer:
"Because you're not comparing the same thing."
Most homeowners compare only the final number.
Very few compare what's actually included.
A renovation quote is not just about modular furniture.
The biggest cost differences are usually hidden in:
→ Demolition & civil modifications
→ Plumbing and bathroom upgrades
→ Electrical rewiring and DB changes
→ Waterproofing treatment
→ False ceiling and lighting
→ Tile replacement and flooring work
→ Hardware quality (Hettich, Hafele, Ebco, etc.)
→ Board quality (MDF, HDHMR, Plywood)
→ Quartz, granite, or stone selection
→ Painting and surface preparation
→ Site supervision and project management
→ GST and transportation
That ₹15 lakh quote often becomes ₹22–28 lakh before possession.
Why?
Because many essential items appear later as "additional work."
I recently met a family that budgeted ₹18 lakh for their renovation.
Final spending crossed ₹31 lakh.
Not because they upgraded everything.
Because many critical items were never included in the original quote.
Realistic renovation budgets for NCR in 2026:
🏠 Basic Renovation & Modular Work
₹1,500–2,000/sq ft
🏠 Mid-Segment Complete Home Renovation
₹2,000–3,000/sq ft
🏠 Premium Renovation & Interiors
₹3,000–5,000+/sq ft
If a quote is significantly below these ranges, you're probably not getting a bargain.
You're getting a different scope.
Before signing any contract, ask:
✔ Is there a detailed BOQ or only a lump-sum quote?
✔ Which brands and materials are being used?
✔ What is specifically excluded?
✔ Is GST included?
✔ Are plumbing, electrical and civil works included?
✔ Who is responsible for site coordination and quality checks?
A home renovation is not a product you buy.
It's a process you invest in.
The cheapest quote often becomes the most expensive project.
