The material specification checklist to attach to every interior quote

The cheapest way to save ₹1–2 lakh on interiors is not negotiation. It is sending every vendor the same written specification before they quote, so nobody can win the deal by quietly quoting a weaker material.

1. Boards and structure

• Carcass: 18mm BWP plywood, IS:710, brand named, in kitchen, bathroom vanity and external-wall lofts.
• Carcass (dry zones): 18mm MR plywood IS:303 or HDHMR, brand named.
• Shutters: 18mm HDHMR or BWP ply as specified per unit.
• Back panels: minimum 6mm, and 12mm where units carry load.
• Edge banding: 2mm PVC on all exposed edges, 0.8mm permitted only on internals.

2. Finishes

• Laminate: brand, thickness (0.8mm or 1mm), and catalogue code per unit.
• Acrylic: 1mm sheet, brand named — not 'acrylic-finish laminate'.
• Membrane / PU / veneer: brand, number of coats, and warranty on yellowing or peeling.
• Internal laminate: white or specified colour on all internal surfaces, not raw board.

3. Hardware

4. Kitchen specifics

• Countertop: material (granite / quartz), thickness, brand or quarry, edge profile, and whether skirting is included.
• Sink and faucet: brand, model, gauge for SS sinks.
• Chimney and hob: brand, model, suction rating — or explicitly marked as owner's scope.
• Cut-outs, water-line shifting and drain-point changes: included or excluded, in writing.

5. Site, service and paperwork

1. 1Electrical points: number, type and location list, with per-point rate for additions.
2. 2False ceiling: area in sq.ft, gypsum brand, and whether cove lighting cut-outs are included.
3. 3Painting: brand, product line, number of coats, putty and primer included.
4. 4Timeline: start date, milestone dates, handover date and delay compensation.
5. 5Warranty: years on materials, years on hardware, and service turnaround.
6. 6Payment: milestone-linked schedule with a maximum 10% booking advance.