Client Approvals in Interior Design: How to Stop Rework and Payment Disputes

Short answer: get a written client approval at every point where a change later would cost money — layout, materials and finishes, the BOQ and quotation, and any change during execution. Record what was sent, when, and when the client approved it. Most rework and payment disputes trace back to an approval that was only verbal.

The approvals that matter

• Layout and design concept — before detailed drawings.
• Materials and finishes — laminates, tiles, colours, hardware.
• BOQ and quotation — before ordering anything.
• Change orders — every change during execution, with its cost.
• Handover — snag list closed.

How to ask for approval

1. Send one item at a time, with images or samples and the cost impact.
2. Give a date by which you need the answer.
3. Record the date sent and the date approved or rejected.
4. Do not start the next step until it is approved.

Link approvals to payments

Tie payment milestones to approvals: an advance on design approval, a payment on BOQ approval, and so on. Approved stages make payment requests hard to dispute.

How Grovia handles it

Grovia's interior design module keeps projects with their BOQ, and an approvals list per project: what was sent, its type, when it was sent, when the client responded and the status. Quotations, invoices and payment links are in the same place.

Grovia runs interior projects, BOQs and approvals alongside leads, quotations, GST invoices, payments and your team in one place. Start a free 14-day trial (no card needed).

Frequently Asked Questions

What approvals should an interior designer take from the client?

Layout, materials and finishes, the BOQ and quotation, every change order, and handover.

How do approvals prevent payment disputes?

When payments are tied to approved stages, the client has already agreed to the work being billed.

Can Grovia track approvals per project?

Yes, with what was sent, its type, sent and response dates, and status.