Raj - What you say is true that a lot of interior design's margin is in furniture. I will not sugar coat it. And many designers may seem to be more interested in that when you bring them in. But I have had several clients call me over the years saying they are building a new home and would like to consult primarily on layout. When you speak to someone is tell them you are not ready to order furnishings or window treatments, but that you would like a contract that focuses on layout, planning, and interior detailing (i.e. doors, trims, floors) - i.e. the bones of the house. What I would suggest is when you call for a designer, you be prepared to pay a good consultation fee. A good rule of thumb is that you can expect to pay between $3-$10 per square foot of your home depending on the area of your country and the expertise/experience of the designer. If you are not averse to paying this type of fee, and communicate to the designer that your interest is in getting the best solutions, not in purchasing furniture at this time, I'm sure you will be able to get the level of service you desire. If someone you talk to doesn't seem thrilled to provide this kind of service, move on to the next person. Don't rely on "fame" or how well known someone is. They may be well known for doing show houses or just because they've been in the field the longest in your area. Not because they're the right fit for you. You could also check the Houzz directory for good designers in your area. The difficulty is that there are often decorators whose expertise and focus is really just on furnishings not so much on construction - and they serve a purpose for their clients. But there are other designers who provide more of a wholistic approach and have more familiarity with building a new home. These are the people you should seek out. Houzz is a fantastic community - and as I said you may get good advice here but there's really no replacement for someone to work with you in person. Sorry for the super long post but I feel passionately about this and I think this advice will best suit your needs.

Costs really vary in different areas and they are always changing . You would be best to talk to 3 local contractors who have good reputations and ask them what their building costs are. When you say "interiors" do you mean furniture? Or the interior finishes? The contractors will be able to give you the interior finishes numbers, but you can talk to a few local interior designers for estimates on furnishing a house. Also, ask the contractors about landscaping costs. Do you want a pool or an outdoor patio? Or just planting? Plus the building permit costs in your area. Check with the local building department. Some areas charge school fees.............. It would be great if you could factor in an architect to help you pull all of this together. Also this should be an architect who has great references and is known for working within budgets. Once again, you should ask 2 or 3 for proposals to see how they price their services. It can vary.

Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain.

Ok thanks. After SE extention 1. NE was cut 2. SW was cut 3. water tank above toilet in center of east. 1. NE cut - Just make a shed/pargola of same height as bathroom... put 4 poles beside staircase and put up a tin shed. 2. SW cut... build a store room with 4 poles, tin shed, wall of plywood or/else any material you can afford. Door from east work area. Or door preferably from inside the bedroom. This is the bedroom in SW corner which head of the family or bread earner should occupy. 3. Water tank and toilet is not causing much problem due to height. However; I am not sure if thats exact center of your whole plot. Doesnt seem so. If anyone living there facing litigations, financial troubles or unnecessary authority problems... Just pay 500rs to a known good vastu consultant and amend accordingly. Its not practical to advise seeing pictures only, there are many things to consider. Thanks