More homeowners are opting to skip the services of an interior designer (ID) altogether and work directly with a main contractor to save on renovation costs. It’s a hands-on approach that requires more time and effort, but you’ll be in control with every decision—from choosing the design theme to managing the renovation timeline.
Going without an ID can be rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. For a smoother process, here are 6 things to look out for in your home reno when working with only a main contractor.
Writer’s note: Homeowners’ quotes have been edited for clarity.
1. Minimalist & simple designs work best
Without an interior designer (ID) to guide the process, every design decision falls on you. To keep things manageable, stick to simple and minimalist designs that are easier for the main contractor to execute. Keeping it simple streamlines the renovation process and keeps costs down, freeing up the budget for quality furniture and appliances.
If you’re unsure where to start designing your home, platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for gathering inspiration and creating a moodboard to decide on your home’s theme. Through this process, you’ll also uncover features that are your renovation must-haves, while leaving room for your contractor to advise on more technical aspects.
Some main contractors may provide an in-house rendering service, while others may not. You can consider engaging an external designer to create a render of your dream home at the start of the planning process, providing a useful reference to find a main contractor who aligns with your vision.
Homeowner advice:
“On this point, we feel like homeowners should engage a main contractor only when they know what kind of design, theme etc. they want. Don’t go to them with the expectation that they’ll make all the design decisions for you; they may give some suggestions and guidance, but the onus will be on you!” – @tsonfourth on Lemon8
2. Have a budget in mind before finding your main contractor
Image credit: @adayinourhouseofgoh on Lemon8
Contractors usually provide a quotation only after site visits and in-depth discussions, unlike interior designers, who can provide one during the planning stage. The back-and-forth stage to finalise a contractor can take time, so it’s worth building in a buffer during the early stages of your renovation timeline. Coming up with a ballpark figure from your own research will save time when narrowing down contractors who align with your budget right from the start.
Beyond the quotation, don’t forget to factor in hidden costs that often pop up during your renovation. Even small charges such as utility bills and credit card processing fees can add up over time, stretching your budget more than expected.
It’s also worth investing in licensed and reputable contractors to protect your budget from any costly renovation mistakes and redos down the line. Official directories such as the HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors are useful guides to kickstart your search for a reliable main contractor.
Homeowner advice:
“When you visit an ID, you’ll receive a quote months before reno, and you’ll have time to save up. Contractors usually provide the quotation after they do a site visit and hear + see the reno details and built-ins you want. This usually happens after key collection day, so we don’t really know our $$ beforehand. Therefore, we did our own budgeting from our recce trips and Google research to mental prep ourselves on the $$” – @thejomuhome on Lemon8
3. You’ll need to project manage your own reno
Image credit: @madelinechai on Lemon8
Without an ID, you’ll be wearing many hats—project manager, decision-maker, and the main point of contact with your contractor. Taking a hands-on approach is essential in keeping track of the renovation progress at every stage, and you’ll have full ownership of the entire process.
Regular site visits ensure that your vision is carried out as planned, while letting you identify and rectify any issues on the spot. Although this takes more time and effort, you’ll have a greater peace of mind knowing exactly how the renovation is progressing. It’s also easier to settle any details with your contractor on the spot, instead of sending numerous messages back and forth.
To keep your contractor accountable, remember to have all agreements clearly documented, such as design details and renovation deadlines. Photos are also useful in keeping track of the overall renovation progress or flagging any defects for rectification.
For specific design elements such as tiles and laminates, it’s worth taking a trip down to the showrooms. Seeing full-size samples gives you a clearer idea of the actual designs, ensuring that the various details of your home complement each other before committing to costly purchases.
Homeowner advice:
“We were basically DIY champs – solo tile shopping, laminate-picking at their office, and most of our chat happened on WhatsApp! The main con gave us the green light on when to order and drop our kitchen and bathroom accessories. They didn’t always swing by to check, so it was on us to make multiple pit stops for progress reports. Our renovation was done in less than 3 months!” – @unikhaus on Lemon8
4. Keep a record of all dates & works
Image credit: @homebodiesmah on Lemon8
With so many moving parts in a renovation, it’s crucial to keep a clear record of all dates and tasks to avoid clashes. Clarify the renovation timeline with the main contractor before work officially commences, and have the schedule laid out in advance so you can plan ahead.
From confirming measurements before ordering furniture to scheduling delivery dates, you’ll need to coordinate these details without the help of an ID. Thus, planning is key to preventing renovation regrets. For instance, if your appliances are built into carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry works must be ready before installation. The last thing you want is to realise that your brand new washing machine doesn’t fit only after the carpentry is fixed.
Homeowner advice:
“Once you’ve finalised your major appliances like the fridge, washer, dryer, and dishwasher, take the extra step to prep properly for installation. It’ll save you headaches later during carpentry and electrical works.” – @jyz.lzj on Lemon8
5. Minimise complicated built-ins & carpentry
To save costs and renovation time, consider skipping complicated built-ins and complex layouts. Features that involve hacking and carpentry usually take up a large portion of renovation expenses, and often require more design input from professionals like an ID.
Instead, opt for ready-made furniture that provides greater flexibility in customising your home. Without the restrictions from fixed built-ins, you’ll have the freedom to add and swap furniture pieces, refreshing the space anytime when your current setup starts to feel boring.
Buying furniture ready-made will also give you more buffer time to decide on these purchases after you’ve moved in. After a few months in your new home, you’ll know which furniture fits well with your daily lifestyle and invest in these pieces accordingly.
Homeowner advice:
“I decided on a more furniture-heavy approach because it’s more flexible and requires less effort on renovation compared to customised cabinets etc.” – u/blackwoodsix on Reddit
6. Be as specific as possible
Image credit: @jyz.lzj on Lemon8
As the decision-maker in the renovation, every detail falls on you. You’ll need to pay attention to all details, even specific dimensions for the power outlets. The contractors are there to execute your decisions, so the process will be smoother with clear directions from you.
To avoid any miscommunication, provide precise and written specifications wherever possible. Bring printed floor plans, electrical layouts, and appliance dimensions down to the site so your contractor has a clear reference. You can even mark out placements with painter’s tape on the walls or floor, which gives them a visual guide and helps prevent costly mistakes later.
Homeowner advice:
“To avoid any miscommunication, I gave super specific instructions – down to the precise dimensions for the kitchen countertop, degree of curvature for the island, distance between lighting points, etc. They took all the cues from me before starting work.” – @a1001sqfthomee on Lemon8
Renovation with only a main contractor
Skipping the ID and renovating with only a main contractor will require more time and involvement, in exchange for full control over every aspect of your home. There’ll be unexpected challenges along the way, but watching your home take shape with every step makes it a truly rewarding experience.
With careful planning and clear communication, you’ll end up with a home that’s truly yours and gain valuable lessons along the way that will make your next renovation even smoother.
For more renovation tips:
- 9 lighting mistakes that are secretly running your home vibes & how to fix them
- 6 furniture shops in Singapore that accept CDC vouchers for budget-friendly home upgrades
- 16 hidden reno costs behind every “too good to be true” quotation
Cover image adapted from: @madelinechai on Lemon8, Uchify
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