Key takeaways
- “All-inclusive” helps only when the written scope shows exactly what is included.
- Check the design deliverables, an itemised scope, who buys what, building services and joinery.
- Agree how changes are handled, and what handover and aftercare cover, before work starts.
The proposal says turnkey. The total fits your budget. Before you assume that everything needed for your home is covered, check what the written scope actually includes. All-inclusive is only useful when both sides understand the same inclusions.
When comparing interior fit-out companies in Dubai, ask who supplies each item, who installs it and who resolves the interfaces between the work. The following checklist helps you uncover unanswered questions before your villa or apartment fit-out starts.
Design deliverables and technical information
Check whether the package includes concept development, measured layouts, visualisations, material selections and construction drawings. Ask which drawings are produced for joinery and how building services are coordinated with the interior.
Agree the number of design stages and revisions included. Identify the documents you must approve before work starts. If a proposal covers execution only, confirm who will provide the design information and resolve any gaps.
An itemised scope with clear exclusions
Ask for a bill of quantities or another sufficiently detailed schedule of works. Major items should describe the proposed work and specification, rather than relying on broad labels such as complete kitchen or premium finishes.
Check demolition, removal, preparation, protection of retained items and final cleaning. Clarify taxes, delivery, installation and any provisional allowances. A proposal should distinguish included costs from items that will be priced once selections are confirmed.
Materials and procurement responsibilities
Confirm who purchases finishes, fixtures, furniture and appliances. If you supply an item, agree who verifies its dimensions, receives it and installs it. Record whether the contract includes storage and handling.
Discuss long-lead selections early. A quotation can be detailed yet still depend on products that have not been chosen. Ask how availability will be checked and how any proposed substitute will be presented for approval.
Civil works and building services
Interior installation can involve flooring, ceilings, partitions, plumbing and electrical work. The scope should identify which existing elements stay, which are modified and which are replaced.
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, often grouped as MEP, need to be coordinated with the design. Ask who checks the relationship between services and cabinetry, lighting or appliances. Record responsibilities for any necessary specialist work and project-specific approvals.
Joinery fabrication and installation
Look for a defined scope for kitchens, wardrobes, media walls, vanities and other fitted pieces. Discuss carcass materials, finishes, hardware, internal layouts and installation details before comparing totals.
Confirm when site measurements are taken and when you approve fabrication drawings. Ask who checks the completed units and resolves installation defects. The manufacturing and site stages should connect through a clear review process.
Project management and changes
The quotation or contract should identify who manages the programme and communicates with you. Ask how decisions, site progress and upcoming selections are reported.
Agree how variations are handled. A requested change should have a clear description, price and effect on the programme before it is authorised. Keeping a written decision record helps everyone understand the current scope.
Handover and aftercare
Clarify the final inspection, snagging process and handover documents. Ask what warranties apply to products and workmanship, who provides them and how you report an issue.
Check whether appliance commissioning, care instructions and any relevant service information are included. The end of construction should leave you with a usable home and a practical understanding of its installed systems.
Compare the same home across each proposal
Prepare one brief and send the same drawings and requirements to each shortlisted company. Create a simple comparison of inclusions, specifications, allowances and exclusions. Where proposals differ, ask for clarification before deciding.
NITS Decor offers coordinated design, procurement, fit-out and project management, with handover and aftercare described within its turnkey service. Share your home plans with the team to discuss a written scope that matches your requirements.
