Chapter 11: Budget and Execution
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Day 58: How to Make a Budget?
Where does money disappear in interiors? The 30-30-40 rule!
2 min read
📖 The Budget Illusion...
Sameer planned a budget of 5 lakhs for his home interiors. By the time the civil work (ceiling, plumbing, flooring) was done, 4 lakhs had already been spent! Nothing was left for furniture and decor. In the end, he had to spend 9 lakhs.
40% of interior money is spent on things that you can't even "see" once the work is done! (Wiring, primer, structural plywood).
Sameer planned a budget of 5 lakhs for his home interiors. By the time the civil work (ceiling, plumbing, flooring) was done, 4 lakhs had already been spent! Nothing was left for furniture and decor. In the end, he had to spend 9 lakhs.
40% of interior money is spent on things that you can't even "see" once the work is done! (Wiring, primer, structural plywood).
How to create a Realistic Interior Budget?
Let's say you are setting up a new 2BHK (approx 1000 sq ft). Market average (minimum/medium quality): ₹1000 to ₹1500 per sq ft. (i.e., 10-15 lakhs total).
📐 The 30-30-40 Budget Rule (The Golden Breakdown):
Divide your total budget like this (assuming a 10 lakh budget):
• 40% Civil and Structure (4 lakhs): False ceiling, flooring, painting, electrical wiring, bathroom fixtures. (These are the bones of the house!)
• 30% Fixed Woodwork (3 lakhs): Modular kitchen, wardrobes, TV unit.
• 30% Loose Furniture and Decor (3 lakhs): Sofa, dining table, beds, curtains, lighting, rugs, decor.
Divide your total budget like this (assuming a 10 lakh budget):
• 40% Civil and Structure (4 lakhs): False ceiling, flooring, painting, electrical wiring, bathroom fixtures. (These are the bones of the house!)
• 30% Fixed Woodwork (3 lakhs): Modular kitchen, wardrobes, TV unit.
• 30% Loose Furniture and Decor (3 lakhs): Sofa, dining table, beds, curtains, lighting, rugs, decor.
Hidden Costs that Ruin Budgets:
- Taxes (GST): Quotations are usually given without tax. Adding 18% GST pushes the budget way up.
- Hardware: Hinges, channels, handles. Premium soft-close hardware (like Hettich or Blum) can cost more than the wood of the entire wardrobe!
- Transport & Labour: Labour charges for carrying materials up to the 5th floor, and charges for debris removal.
💡 15% Contingency Fund:
No matter how well you plan, there are ALWAYS unexpected expenses in home interiors. (Water seeping from a wall, old wiring needing replacement). Always keep 15% of your total budget aside in an "Emergency Fund". If you don't end up spending it, buy a nice big TV with it! 😉
No matter how well you plan, there are ALWAYS unexpected expenses in home interiors. (Water seeping from a wall, old wiring needing replacement). Always keep 15% of your total budget aside in an "Emergency Fund". If you don't end up spending it, buy a nice big TV with it! 😉