Interior Design Scams Hyderabad — How to Spot & Avoid 2026

8 Most Common Interior Design Scams in Hyderabad

1. Low Quote → Massive Mid-Project Bills

Suspiciously low quote wins project. Mid-project "additional work" bills appear at 40–80% of original. Protection: Fixed-price BOQ with payment milestones before starting.

2. Material Substitution

Quotes Hettich, installs local brand. Quotes HDHMR, installs MDF. Quotes 8mm glass, installs 5mm. Protection: Named brand specs in writing + random site inspections.

3. Large Advance → Disappear

Takes 50–70% advance, does 20% work, becomes unreachable. Protection: Never >25% advance. Use milestone payments. Verify GST registration.

4. Fake Warranties

Verbal "lifetime warranty" → refused on claim. Protection: Written warranty on letterhead specifying coverage period.

5. Vendor Kickback Scam

Contractor steers you to "preferred vendor" who overcharges 20–40%. Contractor gets kickback. Protection: Price materials independently from 2–3 vendors.

6. Rate-per-Sft Contract (No BOQ)

₹1,000/sft "all inclusive" — then every item becomes an extra. Protection: Always demand room-by-room itemised BOQ before signing.

How to Verify a Legitimate Interior Firm

• ✅ GST registration verifiable on GST portal
• ✅ Physical factory/office (visit before signing)
• ✅ Written contract with BOQ, milestones, warranty
• ✅ Google reviews with responses
• ✅ Client references you can call independently

Frequently Asked Questions