Which Plan Is Right For You?
Ready-made vs AI-generated. Buy vs hire an architect. 2BHK vs 3BHK vs duplex. Vastu vs contemporary. Honest, data-backed comparisons to help Indian homeowners make the right call before spending money.
Ready-Made Plan vs VitruviAI — Which to Choose?
Both routes produce a professional floor plan. The right choice depends entirely on how closely your plot and brief match an existing design. Here's the honest breakdown. Full deep-dive: Buy vs Generate — complete guide →
| Factor | Design Studio Plan | VitruviAI (Free) | VitruviAI (Pro) | Custom Architect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From ₹4,999 | Free (3/mo) | ₹999/mo | ₹25,000–₹1,50,000+ |
| Time to first plan | Instant download | 30 seconds | 30 seconds | 1–4 weeks |
| Architect stamp included | ✓ COA registered | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| 2D floor plan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Elevations & sections | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| MEP overlays | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ Auto | ✓ |
| 3D view | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ Auto | ~ Extra cost |
| Customisable to brief | ~ Via modification | ✓ Any brief | ✓ Any brief | ✓ |
| Vastu-compliant option | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DWG file for modification | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
Design Studio vs Hiring an Architect in India
For standard residential projects, a Design Studio plan costs 5–30× less than hiring an architect from scratch and arrives instantly. But there are real scenarios where a custom architect is worth the premium. Here's when each route makes sense. Related: Hire a Verified Architect →
Architect-approved, stamped, and instantly downloadable. Best when your plot dimensions closely match an available plan. Includes 2D floor plans, elevations, sections, site plan, structural notes, PDF and DWG files.
A registered architect designs specifically for your brief, plot, and local regulations. Essential for complex, large-scale, or highly bespoke projects. Fees typically 3–8% of project cost — or a fixed fee for drawing-only scope.
2BHK vs 3BHK — Which Floor Plan for Your Plot?
The most common question in Indian residential construction. The right answer depends on your plot size, budget, family size, and whether you're building to live in or to maximise rental yield. Full article: How to choose the right house plan →
| Factor | 2BHK | 3BHK | 3BHK G+1 (Duplex) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Specifications | |||
| Built-up area | 600–900 sqft | 950–1,400 sqft | 1,600–2,400 sqft (total) |
| Minimum plot size | 20×30 ft | 30×40 ft | 30×40 ft |
| Bedrooms | 2 | 3 | 3 per floor |
| Bathrooms | 1–2 | 2–3 | 2–3 per floor |
| Cost & Finance | |||
| Approx construction cost (Bangalore) | ₹12L–₹20L | ₹18L–₹32L | ₹32L–₹55L |
| Monthly rental yield (Bangalore) | ₹12,000–₹20,000 | ₹18,000–₹30,000 | ₹25,000–₹45,000 combined |
| Bank loan eligibility | ✓ Easier | ✓ | ✓ Higher amount |
| Practical Factors | |||
| Best for family size | 2–3 people | 3–5 people | 5–8 people / rental |
| Vastu-compliant options | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Most popular city | Mumbai, Pune | Delhi, Chennai | Bangalore, Hyderabad |
| Plans in Design Studio | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Duplex vs Villa — Which is Right for Your Plot?
For plots between 40×60 ft and 60×90 ft, homeowners often face this decision. Duplexes maximise rental yield; villas maximise living space and lifestyle. Here's how the numbers compare. Related: Duplex plans for rental income →
Two independent residential units — typically 2BHK each — on ground and first floors, with separate entrances, kitchens, and utilities. Owner occupies one unit, rents the other. One of the highest-yield build types for Indian urban plots.
A single-family house spread across the full plot — maximising living area, garden space, and privacy. 3BHK, 4BHK, or 5BHK configurations with open-plan great rooms, private gardens, and premium finishes. No rental income, but highest personal living quality.
Vastu-Compliant vs Contemporary Open Plan
Both design philosophies have genuine advantages. The real question is which matters more to you and your family — and whether the two are actually incompatible. Full guide: Vastu vs Contemporary — complete comparison →
| Design Element | Vastu-Compliant Plan | Contemporary Open Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Room Placement Philosophy | ||
| Kitchen placement | South-east (Agni/fire direction) | Wherever daylight and ventilation are best |
| Master bedroom | South-west (stability) | Wherever privacy and quiet are optimal |
| Puja room / prayer room | North-east (Ishanya — sacred zone) | ~ Optional / flexible |
| Entrance direction | North or east preferred | Where site access dictates |
| Staircase | South, south-west, or west | Central for compact plans |
| Spatial Qualities | ||
| Living / dining relationship | Often separated by partition | Open-plan great room |
| Natural light priority | Implicit in directional rules | Explicit design goal |
| Cross-ventilation | ✓ Built in if followed correctly | ✓ Designed explicitly |
| Works on any plot orientation | ~ Needs north/east access ideally | ✓ Adaptable |
| Practical Factors | ||
| Available in Design Studio | ✓ Vastu version for all types | ✓ Contemporary version for all types |
| Required for RERA/planning approval | ✕ Not mandatory | ✕ Not mandatory |
| Generational family preference | Strong in most Indian families | Growing among urban younger buyers |
Single Storey (Ground Only) vs G+1 — What to Build?
On the same plot footprint, G+1 nearly doubles your built-up area. The decision comes down to construction budget, family growth plans, local FSI rules, and whether you want rental income or maximum privacy.
| Factor | Single Storey (G+0) | Double Storey (G+1) |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up area on 40×60 ft plot | ~1,200–1,600 sqft | ~2,400–3,200 sqft |
| Construction cost | Lower (no slab, staircase) | 60–75% more than G+0 |
| Municipal approval complexity | Simpler | More documentation required |
| Expansion possible later | ✓ Add first floor later | ~ Depends on FSI |
| Rental income potential | Low (no spare unit) | High (independent first-floor unit) |
| Better for elderly residents | ✓ No stairs | ✕ |
| Future capital value | Lower per sqft | Higher total value |
| Plans in Design Studio | ✓ | ✓ |