A common milestone pattern
| Stage | Released by | Typical share |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Signed proposal | 5 to 10% |
| Design sign-off | Client approves the final drawings | 10 to 20% |
| Production start | Material orders placed, factory work begins | 40 to 50% |
| Site progress | A checked stage on site, such as carpentry installed | 15 to 25% |
| Handover | Snags closed and handover done | 5 to 10% |
Shares vary by firm, project size and how much is made in a factory. Use this as a starting point, not a rule.
Why events beat dates
A date-based schedule falls apart the moment the site slips, and then every payment becomes a negotiation. An event-based schedule moves with the work: when the drawings are approved or a stage passes inspection, the instalment is simply due.
Events also settle the most common argument, whether the work is really finished. If the stage is released by a quality check with photos, completion is on record.
Keeping instalments on time
- Put the payment plan in the quotation, so it is agreed before work starts.
- Tell the client the moment a milestone is reached, with proof, and send the invoice the same day.
- Record part payments and TDS against the right stage, so the balance is always clear.
- Let the client see what they have paid and what is next, so the conversation is about progress, not money.
Questions people ask
How much advance should an interior designer take?
Many firms take a booking amount of 5 to 10 percent with the signed proposal and a larger payment before production starts, so materials are never bought on the firm's own money. The right number depends on your cash position and how much is factory-made.
Should the last payment be at handover?
Yes. Keeping a final instalment until snags are closed and handover is done gives both sides a clear finish line.
How do I handle TDS on client payments?
Record the receipt with the TDS amount so the instalment shows as fully settled, and match it to the client's TDS certificate later. Your CA can confirm the rate that applies to your contract.