Best Guide: 7 Steps in Hiring the Right Renovation Contractor in Singapore (2024)

Renovating your home in Singapore can be an exciting and transformative experience, but it can also be a daunting task, especially when it comes to hiring the right renovation contractor.

With so many companies available in Singapore, it’s crucial to follow a systematic approach to ensure that you find a reliable, experienced and qualified professional who can bring your vision to life. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the 7 essential steps to hiring the right renovation contractor in Singapore, so you can enjoy a smooth and successful renovation journey.

Key Takeaway (TL;DR)

• Get inspired by design ideas on social media platforms (Instagram, Pinterest, XiaoHongShu) and local websites (Qanvast, Livspace).
• When choosing a design theme, you should consider your lifestyle, preferences, the size of your home, and your budget.
• Approach your family and friends for recommendations on renovation contractors. Besides that, leverage social platforms to source for good renovation contractors.
• Through Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) on HDB, insurance coverage and customer reviews on the internet, you will know if renovation contractors can pass this first layer of pre-qualification screening.
• Next, you should aim to get at least 3 quotations based on the same scope of work. Compare quotations and find out which renovation contractor tends to offer more transparent advice and pricing breakdown.
• Moving forward, you should meet up with renovation contractors that passed the previous screening. During your meet-up, assess each renovation contractor based on their punctuality and renovation advice.
• After your meet-up with them, you should clarify your concerns on items included or excluded from the scope of work, payment schedule and other terms & conditions. At this point, you should have a better idea which renovation contractor to hire.
• Finally, you hire the right renovation contractor. Both parties sign on the quotation. If you require a financial assistance, apply for renovation loan with a bank. Subsequently, you should make prompt payments to your renovation contractor.

Step 1: Choosing the right design theme

At the time of writing, the top 10 trending interior design themes for Singapore home owners are:

1. Sustainable design choices that go hand-in-hand with eclectic and bohemian style interiors.
2. Minimalist Zen style that emphasises simplicity and tranquility.
3. Jungalow Chic Style that incorporates lush plants and natural elements.
4. Scandinavian Interior Design featuring clean lines, neutral colors and functional furniture.
5. Wallpapers as a popular design element.
6. Curve interior design featuring soft, rounded shapes and lines.
7. Biophilic interior design that brings nature indoors through plants, natural materials and earthy colors.
8. Maximalist interior design featuring bold colors, patterns and eclectic decor.
9. Farmhouse interior design with a rustic, cozy charm.
10. Smart Living that incorporates technology and space-efficient designs.

But where do you find design ideas that suit your taste and lifestyle?

Finding inspirations on social media platforms

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and XiaoHongShu can serve as excellent references for your renovation design ideas.

Consider creating boards or collections on these platforms to organise design ideas that resonate with your personal style. It helps you to identify a theme that truly reflects your tastes.

Finding inspirations on local websites

Besides social media platforms, you can also explore local websites that specifically cater to Singapore’s home renovation market.

Qanvast and Livspace are two examples of such websites that offer a variety of design ideas tailored for Singapore homes.

These platforms feature real-life renovations and design projects by Singapore-based contractors and interior designers.

Moreover, with their comprehensive project details and budget guides, you can get an idea of the costs involved and plan accordingly.

Step 2: Sourcing renovation contractors

There are over 6,000 of renovation contractors and interior design firms serving the Singapore market as of March 2024.

How do you know which renovation contractor and interior design firms deliver quality work, charge reasonably fee and complete projects on time?

Well, it’s time for you to look for help.

Get recommendations from friends and family

When you begin your search for a renovation contractor in Singapore, it’s always a good idea to ask for recommendations from friends and family who have had positive experiences with their renovation projects.

They can provide valuable insights into the contractor’s reliability, efficiency and quality of work.

Leverage social media platforms

Once you have gathered recommendations, don’t forget to browse social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and XiaoHongShu to source for more companies. By comparing their portfolios, you will get a better feel of which contractors might be the best fit for your project’s specific needs.

Step 3: Pre-qualifying part 1: Doing background checks

Conducting background checks on renovation contractors in Singapore is crucial to ensure that you hire a qualified, experienced and trustworthy professional for your home renovation project.

Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) on HDB

When starting your search for renovation contractors in Singapore, it’s a good idea to begin with the Housing & Development Board (HDB). On the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC), you can find a list of registered renovation contractors who are allowed to carry out renovation works in HDB flats.

By choosing a contractor listed on the HDB directory, you can ensure that they possess necessary licenses and permits, skills, knowledge, and experience renovating HDB flats.

Insurance coverage of renovation contractors

Another item to check is the insurance coverage of the renovation contractors in your shortlist.

Proper insurance is essential in case of unforeseen accidents, damages or delays during the renovation process. This will also give you peace of mind knowing that any potential risks will be managed.

Reviews and portfolios on various platforms

Other than leveraging social media platforms, look for customer reviews and the contractor’s portfolio on various platforms such as Property Guru or their official websites. By doing so, you can get insights into their past projects, work quality and customer satisfaction levels.

Step 4: Pre-qualifying part 2: Comparing quotations

Getting multiple quotations from renovation contractors allows you to compare costs, services, timelines, and reliability, ultimately helping you make an informed decision and choose the best contractor for your renovation project.

Get multiple quotations

Whether you are a first-time home owner or seasoned home owner, you should always aim to get preliminary quotations from at least three different renovation contractors.

This process enables you to compare their offers and gauge their pricing structure, helping you identify the most suitable option for your needs.

Before requesting quotations, ensure you provide a clear and consistent brief to all contractors. This will allow them to quote based on the same scope of work.

In the preliminary stage, you can rely on brief descriptions of your project, but be prepared to provide more specific details as you progress through the negotiation stage.

Clear description of scope of work

Quotation with clear and detailed descriptions indicate a contractor’s ability to accurately assess your renovation needs, pointing to their experience and professionalism. In contrast, vague or generic descriptions may suggest a lack of understanding of the project or an attempt to hide costs.

Keep in mind that the lowest quote might not always be the best choice – assess the contractors’ reputation, experience and portfolio to have a well-rounded view.

Step 5: Shortlisting part 1: Meeting renovation contractors

Meeting renovation contractors face-to-face is essential for establishing clear communication, assessing their professionalism, asking important questions, and ensuring that your renovation goals are well understood. This ultimately leads to a high-quality renovation project which finishes on time and within your budget.

Be punctual for meeting

Punctuality is a key indicator of a renovation contractor’s professionalism, respect for your time and commitment to your project. It is essential for fostering a positive working relationship, ensuring that your renovation stays on schedule and ultimately achieving a successful outcome.

Professional renovation advice

When you meet renovation contractors in person, you can easily differentiate a great contractor from average ones. A great contractor will offer helpful, professional advice during meetings based on their expertise in the industry. They are inclined to share much more about their insider knowledge and suggestions on certain work. Listen carefully to the suggestions they provide, taking into account their portfolio of past projects and experience.

Hire in-house staff (optional)

Renovation contractors in Singapore who hire in-house staff can give you better control over the quality of work. In general, they are more inclined towards building long-term business relationship with home owners and getting referrals.

One thing to note is that you should not rule out renovation contractors who engage sub-contractors to carry out renovation work for your home. They can be equally good and competent as those who employ in-house staff.

Step 6: Shortlisting part 2: Clarifying concerns

Clarifying concerns and revising quotations when discussing with renovation contractors in Singapore is crucial for maintaining open communication, avoiding misunderstandings, controlling costs, and ultimately ensuring a successful renovation project that meets your expectations.

Refining and prioritising scope of work

Start by discussing what is included within their proposed scope of work. Next, prioritise the most critical aspects of your project, such as the spaces or features you want to renovate. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what your budget and timeline will cover. Remember to keep the following considerations in mind:

• Timeline: How long will the renovation take? Ensure that the contractor’s proposed schedule aligns with your desired timeline. Keep in mind that the earlier your renovation work finishes, the earlier it is you can move into your home sweet home. On top of that, you need some buffer in the project schedule due to unforeseen circumstances. Typically, a minor renovation will take 2 weeks to 2 months. A major renovation or complete makeover can easily take up to 5 months, depending on the contractor’s schedule.
• Budget: Can the contractor complete the project within your budget? Request a detailed quotation that breaks down all the costs. If you have budget constraint, focus on renovating toilets, flooring work, electrical work, plumbing work, painting work, carpentry work (such as kitchen cabinets, wardrobes), and ceiling work. You can see that all these are fixed elements which will remain there for as long as they last.
• Services: Do they offer comprehensive services, like project management and coordination, design consultation and obtaining permits? Or do you need to engage other professionals separately? If your budget allows, top up a few thousand dollars and get them to do the work accordingly. You can thank me later.

Items excluded from scope of work

It’s equally important to understand what is excluded from the scope of work. This will help you avoid additional costs and project delay down the line. For instance, these items are usually excluded from the renovation scope of work:

• Loose items or furniture, such as dining table and chairs
• Electrical appliances, such as lights and fans
• Fixtures or fittings, such as toilet bowls, basins, kitchen sinks, towel hangers, and many others
• Anti-mold paint other than toilets and wet area
• Chemical wash upon completion of renovation work
• Labour cost for installing loose items, fixtures or fittings and other items

When discussing these exclusions with the renovation contractor, ensure you have a clear understanding of the extra cost and time needed for each item.

quotation terms & conditions

Before signing any quotations or contracts, review the terms and conditions carefully. Key aspects to consider include:

• Progressive payment schedule: How and when are payments to be paid to the contractor? Typically, the initial down payment is usually around 5% to 10% of the total renovation cost. Upon reaching certain milestones or stages, such as demolition or electrical works, you will make progressive payments to the contractor. The final payment, comprising of the remaining balance, is usually made upon the completion and handover of the renovated space.
• Renovation project timeline: Does the contract specify a deadline for completing the work? Be aware of any penalties or clauses that apply if the contractor does not meet the deadline.

Don’t choose the cheapest option

It is essential to not solely focus on the price when hiring a renovation contractor in Singapore.

Instead, choose a contractor who gives you the confidence that your home renovation project will be managed properly, within your budget and according to your desired timeline. A great candidate should have a proven track record, positive reviews and clear communication skills.

Step 7: Hiring the renovation contractor

At this stage, you can finally appoint a reliable and qualified renovation contractor who will help bring your renovation vision to life while ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.

Both parties sign quotation

Make sure to review the quotation thoroughly, and request any clarification or changes if needed. Once you are satisfied with the quotation, get it signed or e-signed by the renovation contractor to formalise the agreement and inform the contractor to start work at agreed date.

Apply for renovation loan

Consider applying for a renovation loan from a bank in Singapore if you need financial assistant for your home renovation project. Renovation loans typically have lower interest rates compared to personal loans and are designed specifically for financing renovation projects. You may borrow up to 6 times of your monthly income or S$30,000, whichever is lower as approved by the bank. Lastly, the final loan amount is subjected to approval based on your credit eligibility. If you have good credit score, you should be eligible for the maximum loan amount.

Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and gather all necessary documentation, such as the softcopy of quotation signed by both your contractor and you, your payslip and your property documents, before submitting your home renovation application online.

Prepare for first payment

Once your renovation loan is approved, the bank will notify you on the approval of the loan. The bank will post a confirmation letter and a stake of cashier orders to your mailing address. Each cashier order is for you to make payment to your appointed contractor upon reaching certain milestones or stages.

Now, you may choose to meet the contractor in person to handover the first cashier order to him. It will be a good time to check on his renovation planning and schedule.

In short

Hiring the right renovation contractor in Singapore is a critical decision that can make or break your renovation experience. By following these 7 steps – choosing the right design theme, sourcing renovation contractors, doing background checks, comparing quotations, meeting renovation contractors, clarifying concerns, and hiring the renovation contractor – you can confidently navigate the process and find a contractor who aligns with your needs, budget, and expectations.

Remember, taking the time to thoroughly vet your renovation contractor will pay off in the long run, resulting in a beautifully renovated home and a stress-free experience. So, embark on your renovation journey with these steps in mind, and watch your dream home come to life!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)