Buying a new home is exciting… until reality hits you like a loose ceiling fan:
“Now I have to do the interiors too??”
If you’re a new home buyer, welcome to the beautiful, confusing, slightly chaotic world of interior planning. This guide will help you avoid mistakes, save money, and make better decisions—without needing a PhD in interior design.
Let’s jump in.
1. Please Don’t Start Interiors Before Getting the Keys.
You’d be surprised how many people try to “pre-plan” everything without having the final floor dimensions.
Builders love surprising everyone with:
- slightly smaller bedroom sizes
- randomly placed columns
- mysterious pipes popping out of nowhere
REAL TIP:
Wait for possession > take exact measurements > then start execution.
2. Understand Your Real Budget (Not the Optimistic One)
Everyone says:
“My 2BHK will be done in ₹3–4 lakhs.”
Reality says:
“Give me ₹7 lakhs and one kidney.”
The interior budget depends on:
- materials
- finishes
- brand choices
- contractor pricing
- unexpected repairs
- last-minute “I saw this on Pinterest” moments
RULE OF THUMB:
Take your expected budget → Add 20% buffer → Now you have the actual budget.
3. Carpenter-Made vs Modular Interiors—Choose Your Fighter
Choosing between carpenter-made and modular is like choosing between chai and coffee. Both work, but the vibe is different.
Carpenter-made:
- Custom ✔
- Budget flexible ✔
- Takes time ✘
- Quality depends entirely on skill ✘
Modular:
- Fast ✔
- Factory finish ✔
- More expensive ✘
- Limited customization ✘
PRO TIP: Mix both. Modular for kitchen & wardrobes, carpenter for TV unit & storage.
4. Don’t Skip the Electrical Layout—It Will Haunt You Forever
Nothing is worse than placing your bed and realising the plug point is on the opposite wall.
Before starting interiors, finalise:
- switchboard positions
- fan/light points
- AC points
- router & WiFi placement
- kitchen appliance planning
BONUS TIP:
Keep at least 2 spare plug points in every room. Your future gadgets will thank you.
5. Lighting Will Change the Entire Mood of Your Home
Lighting is the most underrated part of interiors.
One wrong light = your living room looks like a hospital ward.
For a cosy modern home:
- Warm white (not yellow, not white—warm white!)
- Cove lighting in the living room
- Task lights in kitchen
- No blue lights unless you’re running a cyber café
6. Storage Is Your Best Friend — Build Smart, Build Early
Everyone regrets the same thing after shifting in:
“I wish I had more storage.”
Plan storage for:
- groceries
- cleaning supplies
- suitcase space
- seasonal clothes
- kid’s future toys (that will slowly take over the house)
HACK:
Use lofts, window-side benches, depth-optimized wardrobes.
7. Choose Materials Like You’re Choosing a Life Partner
Good qualities to look for:
- strong
- reliable
- durable
- doesn’t leave you with regret after 2 years
Material Basics:
- Plywood > MDF > Particle Board (generally)
- Laminates for finishes
- Acrylic / PU for premium looks
- Quartz / Granite for kitchens
Don’t fall for “Sir, this is premium ka premium material.”
Ask for brands, thickness, warranty.
8. Always Finalize Design Before Starting Work
Never allow a contractor to “design while doing work.”
It’s like building the plane while flying it.
Finalize:
✔ 2D layout
✔ 3D renders
✔ Material list
✔ Electrical plan
✔ Final quotation
This avoids:
- arguments
- confusion
- budget explosions
- “But sir, I thought you wanted this…”
9. Beware of the Classic Interior Quote Trap
If someone quotes too low, they will charge later.
If someone quotes too high, they will still charge later.
Transparent contractors give:
- breakups
- material details
- timeline
- warranty
- scope of work
If a quotation only says:
“Kitchen = ₹1,50,000
Wardrobe = ₹1,20,000”
Run.
10. Hire Verified Professionals (Not Someone’s Cousin Who “Knows Interior”)
In India, everyone knows someone who knows someone who does “interiors part-time.”
Please avoid.
Why this matters:
- quality
- safety
- timeline
- reliability
- accountability
Platforms like Infrabob give you verified, background-checked, skilled contractors so you don’t end up calling your friend crying because your modular kitchen door just fell off.
Final Thoughts
Doing interiors for the first time can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. But with proper planning, the right information, and the right professionals, you can avoid 90% of the common mistakes.
Think of this guide as your starter pack for interiors—easy, practical and (hopefully) a little entertaining.
If you need:
- Verified contractors
- Transparent quotes
- Help planning your interiors
Infrabob is just one click away.