How long does interior design and fit-out take?

A turnkey apartment interior project (design + build) usually takes about 6–9 weeks from locking the scheme to handover. As a reference: design 10–15 days, building-management permit 3–6 days, workshop fabrication 7–10 days, on-site fit-out 30–45 days (many tasks run in parallel), and a 5–10 day buffer for snagging. The exact figure depends on scale, style and level of finish required.

Design stage: 10–15 days

Design time is proportional to how elaborate the brief is. If the owner locks the scheme decisively and describes their wants clearly, the architect works faster. More detailed styles (classic, neo-classic) take longer to render in 3D and to source materials. See the step-by-step interior design process. Choosing one turnkey firm on a single-point design-build model reduces information drift across rounds of discussion, shortening the overall timeline.

Build stage: 30–45 days

Once the client approves the 3D and confirms construction, the firm develops the 2D drawings and signs off the work packages. Construction is a reference 30–45 days depending on volume and skill required. Within this stage, several tasks run in parallel:

Task	Reference time
Permit with building management	3–6 days
Component fabrication in workshop	7–10 days
On-site fit-out, installation, cleaning	most of the remaining time
Buffer for snagging	5–10 days

Why fit-out in a managed building takes longer

An apartment inside a large building must follow the fit-out rules: materials can only be moved during permitted hours, noise is limited, and access is registered weekly. These constraints push some tasks into overtime and require early planning. Slow preparation of the fit-out registration file is one of the most common causes of delay.

How to shorten the overall time

• Lock the scheme decisively at the design stage, avoiding mid-way changes of mind.
• Consolidate one point of contact for design and build so no time is lost handing over between two firms.
• Fabricate in the workshop in parallel with site work, rather than building cabinets on site.

With two in-house workshops (1,200 m² and 600 m²), AIC fabricates most timber components under control before they reach the site, making assembly faster and cleaner. AIC can also draft a BOQ estimate in about 4 hours so owners can plan budget and time from day one. See more about AIC’s turnkey apartment interior design and build service.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a turnkey apartment interior take?

A reference 6–9 weeks from locking the scheme to handover, including 10–15 days of design and 30–45 days of construction. Larger scale or higher finish can take longer.

What causes the most delay?

Usually repeated changes at the design stage, slow preparation of the building-management permit, and on-site snagging. That is why firms keep a 5–10 day buffer.

Can work be done on weekends?

It depends on each building’s rules. Many buildings restrict or ban noisy work on weekends and outside office hours; it must be registered and approved by management in advance.