What Is Turnkey Interior Design? A Simple Guide for Gurgaon Homeowners
You've just moved into your new flat, or you've finally decided it's time to completely overhaul your home. Now you need to think about who is going to design it for you. Who is going to find you the right carpenters, electricians and painters? Who will make sure your false ceiling is sorted before your wardrobes go in? This is where you'll hear the word turnkey for the first time.
We've been providing turnkey homes across Gurgaon for over 14 years. So we're going to break down what turnkey means, what is included, how it works, the myths and what our clients ask us before signing.
Turnkey interior design means that one company handles your entire interior from start to finish. You'll have one team to manage your design, civil work, electrics, false ceiling, furniture, painting and installation. At the end, you'll be handed the keys to your new home!
Turnkey simply means:
One company, one contract, one person to deal with
Includes design, onsite work, furniture and installation
You'll still be involved in approving your design, materials and samples
No hassle dealing with multiple contractors
You'll get a finished home
What does turnkey interior design mean?
This term comes from construction. The builder completes everything, and you just need to turn the key. When it comes to interior design, a turnkey company is entirely responsible for your project.
In many Gurgaon homes, it usually works differently. Your designer provides drawings, and then you find your own carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters and false ceiling contractors. You purchase your own materials. You chase everyone for dates, and if there are any clashes between people, it's down to you to sort them out. Turnkey means you'll have one team who will design, build and be responsible to you.
Turnkey vs Design Only vs Managing Contractors
There are three main ways to do your interiors.
Turnkey | Design Only | Managing Contractors | |
Design | Turnkey company | Designer | You or a designer |
Build | Same company | Contractors you find and hire | Contractors you find and hire |
Materials | Company (once samples are approved) | Usually you | You |
Project management | Company project manager | You | You |
Responsible | One company | Varies | You chase each person |
Time involved | Approvals at key points | Site visits and follow-ups | Almost daily |
Best for | Busy families, full homes or NRI/out-of-town owners | Those wanting to manage the build | Minor repairs or one room |
The main difference is that with turnkey, you'll never be told "the carpenter says the electrician messed up". Everything is owned by one team.
What is included in a turnkey project?
Every company has slightly different inclusions, so it's always best to get this in writing. At MWM Spaces, we have our own in-house teams to provide:
Stage | What is included |
Design | 3D designs, technical drawings, material and colour choices |
Civil | Wall and opening changes, civil work |
Services | Electrical and lighting, plumbing and sanitary |
Surfaces | Flooring and tiling, false ceiling, painting |
Joinery | Woodwork, doors and windows, metalwork |
Furniture | Bespoke furniture and upholstery, made in our own factory |
Finishing | Installation, quality checks, handover |
Items such as appliances, electronics, art and soft decor are often discussed separately. Always check your scope document.
How does a turnkey project work?
Initial meeting. We'll visit your space and take measurements. We'll mostly just listen to find out who lives there, how you use your rooms, what you love and what you hate.
Concept design. We'll provide your layouts and 3D designs, and tweak everything until you feel it's right.
Drawings. We'll produce the technical drawings. You'll choose and approve all the materials and finishes using real samples.
Contract. We'll write down your scope, timeline and stages.
Onsite work. We'll do your civil work, electrics, plumbing, false ceiling and flooring in the correct order, so nothing needs to be damaged and redone.
Furniture made in parallel. While we're doing the onsite work, we'll be making your furniture in our factory. This saves a lot of time.
Installation. We'll install your furniture, finish your painting and make sure every detail matches your approved drawings.
Handover. We'll do a final walk-through and you'll be handed your keys!
One of the biggest benefits of having our own factory is step 6: onsite work and furniture happen at the same time.
Benefits of Turnkey Interior Design
One person to deal with
Instead of having 6 different contractors to call, you'll have one project manager. If you need an update, you call them once and they'll be able to give you an answer.
Correct order of work
Most delays and damage on an interior project are due to things not being done in the correct order. A new false ceiling getting damaged because an electrical point was missed. A newly painted wall getting scratched while your wardrobe is fitted. A turnkey team plans the order of work.
One company responsible
If your wardrobe shutters aren't closing properly, you won't have to figure out whether it's the carpenter, the hardware supplier or the installer. One company is responsible and sorts it out.
Design to build
As your design is drawn by the same people who are building it, your home will look just like the 3D designs. Nobody onsite will change your design without having seen the drawings.
Saves you time
If you're a busy couple, have small children or live outside Gurgaon, this is the best option. You'll only have to approve at key points rather than being onsite every evening.
When turnkey isn't right for you
Turnkey is best for full homes, large renovations and if you don't have much time. If you only need one small job, such as repainting a room or changing your kitchen countertop, it probably won't be worth it. If you actually enjoy managing your contractors and have the time, then a design consultation or one contractor may be enough.
6 Common Myths About Turnkey Interiors
These questions often come up in our initial meetings. Here are the answers.
Myth 1: Turnkey is only for large luxury homes
This could not be further from the truth! A 2BHK or 3BHK needs the same trades as a villa: electricals, false ceiling, painting and furniture. Smaller homes actually need more careful planning.
Myth 2: Turnkey will be more expensive
It may look like it in a quote, but there are hidden costs to doing it yourself: things needing to be redone, buying materials twice, waiting weeks for the next contractor, and your own time.
Myth 3: You lose control over your design
Actually, you have more control! You'll approve your layout, 3D designs, materials, finishes and drawings. You're only handing over the hassle.
Myth 4: Turnkey means a set package
Some companies offer set packages, but a proper turnkey project is designed specifically for your home and family. We start from a blank canvas and make your furniture to your exact measurements.
Myth 5: You won't need to visit the site
You won't need to be onsite every day, but you should visit at key points, such as after your electrical points have been marked and before your furniture is installed. A good company will let you know when your visit is important.
Myth 6: They'll just outsource everything
Some will! It's worth asking. If they're outsourcing your furniture and onsite work, you're back to multiple vendors. At MWM, we have our own design team, onsite teams and furniture manufacturing.
How to Choose a Turnkey Interior Company in Gurgaon
Almost every interior company will say they offer turnkey. Before signing, ask:
Ask | Why |
What is included? | Get a written list of which trades and items are included and excluded |
Who does the onsite work and furniture? | In-house teams and an own factory mean fewer handovers and more control |
Can I view finished homes? | Photos of completed projects, ideally in societies like yours, matter more than 3D renders |
Who is my one point of contact? | You should know who you'll be speaking to and how often you'll be updated |
What is the timeline? | A clear timeline shows they have done this many times |
What happens after handover? | Ask how they deal with any snags, changes and repairs in the first few months |
Turnkey Interiors by MWM Spaces
We've been providing turnkey homes across Gurgaon for over 14 years, from builder floors at M3M Soulitude in Sector 89 to DLF Phase 3 and BPTP Mansion. We have our own designers, onsite teams and craftsmen, and our furniture is made in our factory in Gurugram. This means design, onsite work and furniture all run on one plan.
If you're planning a new home or a full renovation, talk to us as turnkey interior contractors in Gurgaon. Or read our bespoke furniture guide to see how we'll make your furniture.
Common Questions Asked By Our Customers
What does turnkey mean?
A turnkey interior means that one company handles your interior from start to finish. You'll stay in control of your decisions, and at the end you'll have a finished home.
Is turnkey the same as a modular package?
No. A modular package usually means standard-sized kitchens and wardrobes. A turnkey project means your entire home is completed, including civil work, electrics, false ceiling and painting. Your furniture can also be fully bespoke.
Can I choose my own materials?
Yes! You'll see real samples of all your materials and finishes. Nothing will be ordered until you've approved it.
What is usually excluded?
Appliances, electronics, art and soft furnishings such as cushions are often excluded. This can vary between companies, so always check your written scope.
Can turnkey be done for renovations?
Yes! Renovations often need turnkey the most, as you'll have old wiring, plumbing and walls to deal with in the correct order.
How long will a turnkey project take?
This depends on the size of your home and the amount of work. [MWM to confirm typical timelines.] You'll have a clear timeline of stages.
Will I receive updates?
Yes! As it's a turnkey project, you'll have one point of contact who keeps you updated. They'll let you know when a site visit will be useful.
Do I have to deal with society or builder permissions?
Many societies in Gurgaon have rules about when work can be done, debris, and structural changes. Ask your turnkey company if this is included in their scope.
Can I use my own furniture?
Of course! A good designer will plan around the pieces you love, and new furniture will be designed to match.
What happens if something needs repairing after handover?
Small changes, such as doors needing to be realigned, are normal in the first few weeks. Ask the company how they deal with this and for how long, and get it in writing.
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