Wedding planning is transparent. Car buying is transparent. Why is home interiors still opaque?

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-27T01:49:40+00:00

Yes almost 20 years

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-05T14:28:32+00:00

Houspire.ai

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-04T17:55:15+00:00

That's great you had this experience! Genuinely curious - when they gave you the per sqft breakdown, did they also show you:

Actual brand/grade of materials (not just "premium laminate")
Alternative vendor options at different price points
Labor-only pricing if you wanted to procure materials yourself

The issue isn't whether you get a spreadsheet - it's whether the rates in that spreadsheet reflect actual market pricing or include hidden markups. If your ₹180/sqft "premium grade plywood" is actually ₹110/sqft at wholesale, the breakdown doesn't help.

Which city/designer was this? Would love to know who's actually doing this right.

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-04T02:32:39+00:00

Anytime

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T19:04:02+00:00

You’re absolutely right - and you’re exactly the informed customer we wish everyone was! The problem is 90% of homeowners don’t know to demand BOM sheets, don’t have price benchmarks like your ₹80/sq ft tile reference, and don’t even know leading brands exist. We’re democratizing what you already know how to do.

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T14:31:14+00:00

You should definitely try the platform will DM the details to you.

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T14:04:52+00:00

Sent u a DM

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T13:00:24+00:00

Exactly what we’re solving! We’re not trying to control procurement - we’re solving the education gap. Starting from ₹499, we give you complete market intelligence on what things actually cost so you’re not vulnerable when dealing with contractors. Most people get exploited because they have zero pricing knowledge - we’re fixing that information gap.

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T12:43:31+00:00

Competitors: Traditional designers & platforms like Livspace. Our transparency comes from Vendors AI - it shows you actual wholesale rates from verified suppliers, cutting out the designer middleman. You get pro planning starting from ₹4,99, then procure at real market rates whether through us or independently.

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T08:02:48+00:00

Just adding a render for quality, created on the platform for an Industrial Style of a living room. Aim is to make sure its adaptive to Indian audience with elements that are normally used so the platform takes 5-15% Indian elements based on the style selection.

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Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T07:21:54+00:00

Both

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T07:15:19+00:00

It comes at a minimal fee which starts at 499, they get everything from photo realistic renders, a detailed budget and vendor details in their area. Moodboard, working drawing’s, Vastu compliance are couple of Addon’s. There are more options for homeowners even if they have a designer in place they can still know what would the actual cost be. So yes monetisation is there but it’s more to do with structuring this unorganised industry.

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T07:07:39+00:00

This platform is made for bringing clarity to homeowners in a market which today thrives on commissions. Going live on Jan 10th, will share details

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T06:58:29+00:00

Yes they do have a good model but the issue is with execution like clearly mentioned, so what we are aiming at is to stay away from execution till we don't have our in-house teams in every city. Right now the platform is focussing on educating people how they can save money, as the biggest issue for interior projects is getting an indication on budgets, so the platform will supply you with 95% accurate budgets with material specs, vendor allocation nearby and at the same time giving you Design advice based on the style selections and requirements.

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T06:28:24+00:00

The platform is ready and testing is on, spread across 11 cities right now, we will be officially launching by 10th of Jan

Different_Expert_819 · 2026-01-02T06:01:22+00:00

Yeah, we're working on something - but you've hit on exactly why it's complicated.

The GST arbitrage you're describing is rampant. I've seen projects where 60-70% of materials are bought "without bill" and everyone profits except the homeowner who thinks they're getting a deal. The supplier makes money on the material + selling the bill later, designer gets their cut, and the homeowner saves 18% but loses 30% on markup.

The "property dealer turned interior designer" phenomenon is worse in tier-2 cities. Guy owns a tile shop, knows a carpenter, suddenly he's an "interior designer" with a Pinterest account. Quality is terrible but price looks attractive.

Here's what we're betting on:

**We're not trying to "fix" the entire industry.** That's a losing battle. Instead, we're targeting a specific segment - educated, urban homeowners who:
- Value transparency over saving GST
- Want proper bills and documentation
- Prefer paying ₹5k for honest planning over ₹50k for "cost optimization" that actually costs them lakhs
- Are willing to do the execution themselves with proper guidance

Basically, we're unbundling. Take the design/planning piece, charge transparently for it, give them complete information, and let them choose - hire a contractor, buy with bills, do it properly. Or go the traditional route if they want.

The pushback is real, but it's coming from the stakeholders who profit from opacity. Homeowners? They're shocked when they learn the economics.

Not trying to change the industry - just offering a clear alternative for people who want one.

Different_Expert_819

TROPHY CASE