Compensation awarded

A Delhi consumer commission ordered interior designers to pay Rs 80,000 to a Gurugram couple for renovation delays and faulty furniture.

“Rs 50,000 as compensation for deficient services and Rs 30,000 towards litigation costs”

Designers' role limited

The designers denied negligence, stating their role was limited to design, coordination and supervision while the couple hired separate contractors for civil, electrical and plumbing work.

Renovation timeline

The couple hired designers in September 2014 with a deadline of November 1, 2014, due to their lease expiring.

Payment details

The couple paid Rs 1,55,440 for design and supervision services against an agreed fee of Rs 2,47,500 and Rs 1.8 lakh as an advance for furniture.

Furniture complaints

The couple claimed beds, dining tables, sofas and chairs had defects including missing components and crooked table legs.

Commission findings

The commission found designers failed to warn the couple about the 45-day timeline slipping due to contractor delays.

“To this extent, we feel that the OPs (opposite parties: interior designers) are deficient in service in not informing the complainants that the 45-day timeline could not be met in light of delay in work by their hired contractors”

Compensation order

Designers must pay Rs 50,000 compensation and Rs 30,000 litigation costs within three months or face interest at 9 per cent per annum.

Key lessons

Renovation agreements should clearly record deadlines, scope of work, payment terms and supervision responsibilities.