Hyderabad woman pays Rs 12.45 lakh for flat interiors in 2023-24, finds actual work differs from approved 3D designs; 2 years later, consumer commission orders Square Yards entities to pay Rs 4.25 lakh

The homeowner engaged Square Yards, a real‑estate services firm, to execute interior design and fit‑out work for her newly purchased flat. The contract, signed in the 2023‑24 financial year, stipulated that the work would follow a set of 3D renderings approved by the buyer before construction began. The total cost quoted and paid by the customer amounted to Rs 12.45 lakh, a sum that reflects the premium expectations of middle‑class homebuyers in Hyderabad and similar urban markets.

After the work was completed, the resident inspected the flat and found that many elements, such as the layout of cabinets, the placement of lighting fixtures, and the choice of materials, deviated from the approved designs. She filed a complaint with the Telangana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, alleging breach of contract and substandard workmanship. The commission examined the evidence, including the original design documents and photographs of the completed interior, and concluded that the service provider failed to deliver as promised.

The commission ordered the Square Yards entities to refund Rs 4.25 lakh to the consumer, of which Rs 3.5 lakh is earmarked for correcting the discrepancies. This ruling reinforces the importance of consumer protection mechanisms in India, especially in the real‑estate sector where large sums are involved and buyers often rely on visual representations before committing funds. The decision may prompt other homebuyers to scrutinize contracts more closely and could encourage service providers to improve quality control.