Turnkey versus the alternatives
| Model | Who coordinates | Price certainty | Your time input | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turnkey / design-build | One studio | High — fixed | Low | Most homeowners and SMEs |
| Designer + separate contractor | You | Medium | High | Experienced clients with time |
| Labour contract + own material | You | Low | Very high | Those who can source and supervise daily |
| Modular brand package | The brand | High, narrow scope | Low | Kitchens and wardrobes only |
The honest case against turnkey is that you pay a margin for coordination you could in principle do yourself. The honest case for it is that most people cannot be on site at 11am on a Tuesday to decide where a socket goes — and that decision, made badly by a carpenter, costs more than the margin.
Design and build under one accountable roof
What should be in a turnkey contract
- A line-item BOQ with quantities, rates and material brands — not a lump sum.
- A fixed completion date with a defined process for legitimate extensions.
- A milestone payment schedule tied to verified progress, not to calendar dates.
- A named exclusions list — what is explicitly not included, so it cannot be disputed later.
- A variation procedure — how changes are priced and approved in writing.
- Warranty terms — what is covered, for how long, and how claims are handled.
Turnkey should mean one accountable party, not one unreadable number.
Greenbox contract principle
Selected work by Greenbox Design Studio. Tap any image to enlarge.
Frequently asked questions
What does turnkey interior design include?+
Design and drawings, 3D visualisation, material procurement, civil work, carpentry, electrical and plumbing, false ceiling, painting, finishes, installation, snagging and handover — all under one contract with one price and one completion date.
Is turnkey more expensive than hiring a contractor directly?+
Usually 5–12% more than the cheapest labour-plus-material route, because you are buying coordination and risk transfer. It is typically cheaper than a designer-plus-separate-contractor arrangement once variations and delays are counted, and far more predictable.
Do I still get a detailed cost breakdown in a turnkey contract?+
You should, and we always provide one. Turnkey describes who is accountable, not how transparent the pricing is. If a studio refuses to give a line-item BOQ with quantities, rates and brands, that is a reason to walk away.
What happens if the project runs late?+
A proper turnkey contract defines a fixed completion date, the limited grounds on which it can be extended (client-side delays, force majeure, landlord or society restrictions), and what happens if it is not met. Ask to see that clause before signing.
Can I supply some materials myself?+
Yes, and clients often do for appliances, sanitaryware or loose furniture. It must be listed as a client-supplied exclusion in the BOQ with agreed delivery dates, because a late client-supplied item is the most common cause of a turnkey programme slipping.