Carpentry is often one of the biggest renovation expenses, and for good reason. When done well, it can transform a bare flat into a warm and functional home that looks expensive. But when things go wrong, these built-ins and custom fittings can quickly turn into your biggest and most expensive regret.
To avoid such costly mistakes in the future, here are some of the biggest, most costly carpentry regrets shared by Singaporean homeowners, along with their advice on how to avoid them if you’re about to embark on your reno process.
Writer’s note: Quotes in this article have been edited slightly for clarity.
1. Opting for “cheap” carpentry that is laden with formaldehyde
Image credit: LUMIAIR Singapore
When it comes to carpentry, the cheapest quote isn’t always the best. One of the most common regrets among homeowners is choosing the lowest quote without checking the quality of the materials used.
To cut corners, some contractors use lower-grade plywood, MDF, or particleboard held together with adhesives that contain formaldehyde-based resins. These resins act as binding agents but slowly release formaldehyde into the air for a long period of time. The problem with this? Formaldehyde poisoning that can cause headaches, respiratory problems , and long-term health risks, especially for young children and the elderly.
In some cases, off-gassing can take months to clear, forcing homeowners to fork out more money for professional formaldehyde removal services. Poor-quality plywood can also warp or delaminate over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Homeowner advice:
“When I was looking for IDs to do my resale flat, one of the questions I asked them was what grade of plywood they use for their carpentry. E0 plywood means little to no formaldehyde, but that also means a higher chance of wood-eating pests like termites in the future. The nice spot would be something like E3, because it still has protection against pests, but the smell won’t be as strong or linger as long.” – Redditor u/CrimsonPromise
2. Not double-checking measurements
Image credit: @eat.cook.eat on Lemon8
Even with a reputable ID, measurement mistakes can happen more often than expected. Small discrepancies of just a few cms can lead to frustrating issues—drawers that can’t open fully or shelves that don’t align with appliances—which is the last thing you want after investing time and money in custom carpentry.
Problems often arise when contractors assume standard HDB dimensions or start work without verifying on-site. A quick double-check of measurements can save you from costly installation fixes in the future, especially if your carpentry needs to fit appliances perfectly.
Homeowner advice:
“Always buffer more than enough time for your renovations, and be prepared for things to go wrong! No matter how well-prepared you think you are, there are still problems that will unexpectedly occur.” – @eat.cook.eat on Lemon8
3. Not asking for laminate samples
Image credit: S3 Carpentry
Carpentry is easily one of the biggest renovation expenses, so it’s worth scrutinising every detail before giving your contractors the green light. It’s easy to assume that your chosen wood pattern or laminate will match the catalogue or contractors’ photos, but when installed across a larger surface, unexpected scratches or colour differences can appear.
To prevent future regrets, always ask for physical samples and view them under your home’s lighting. This simple step can help to avoid any mismatched wood tones and ensure that the final look matches your vision.
Homeowner advice:
“When the carpentry arrived, we were disappointed to find scratch-like marks on the inner surface, making the wood pattern look unattractive. When we questioned our contractor, they claimed it was natural grains meant to mimic wood (?!) We eventually accepted it because redoing it would be time-consuming and wasteful. I deeply regret not asking for a sample or requesting them to change it.” – @mentaikopeanuts on Lemon8
4. Prioritising aesthetics over functionality
Though minimalist designs can look cleaner and timeless, homeowners often underestimate their daily storage needs, only to realise the lack of it after moving in. This often leads to piles of unwanted clutter in plain sight and regrets about not including more open shelves and drawers for daily essentials.
In the same vein, chasing after an impractical design elements just to achieve a certain aesthetic look can also mean not being able to make easy changes to your home without incurring more reno downtime and costs.
Homeowner advice:
“Plan some open shelving space to keep shoes that you wear daily, for a neater home. Unless you want to be taking and putting them back into the cabinet every day.” – @joooeeeyyys on Lemon8
5. Planning for too much built-in carpentry
While built-ins maximise space and look seamless, they can also lock your home into an inflexible layout. Homeowners can go from having mad love for their wall-to-wall shelves or platform beds, only to find themselves hating the same design choices a couple of years in. Take a DINK couple who invest in a walk-in wardrobe and home office in their new 5-room BTO. Fast forward a few years, and now they decide to have kids. Now they face the daunting task and additional cost of having to rip out all that existing carpentry just to have a blank slate to start over.
If you’re still uncertain about family planning just yet, modular furniture can be a great way to stay flexible in your home’s design, and ensure your home can adapt to your needs as time passes. It’s also easier to add more carpentry on than to tear everything out.
Homeowner advice:
“When planning the reno, what we were prioritising was ensuring we had good bones for the house—basically getting the tiling, electricals, and plumbing right. Most built-in carpentry can be added later on.” – Redditor u/pristinefado
6. Not planning for maintenance & cleaning
Image credit: Hessen Woodcraft
Materials like matte laminates and dark finishes may look stylish, but they are notoriously famous for being fingerprint and dust magnets. Similarly, trendy features like fluted panelling or hidden corners are visually pleasing, but can be time-consuming and frustrating to maintain. Consider finishes that are water-resistant and scratch-resistant. While they may cost a bit more, they’ll save you time on maintenance and help your surfaces stay looking pristine for longer.
A better alternative would be matte laminates with a finely textured surface. These usually work well to resist fingerprints, dust and grease. For doors, go for handleless designs, as it’s one less place to clean.
Homeowners also recommend investing in high-quality seals for your laminates that can withstand heat and humidity will ensure your surfaces stay durable and maintain their look.
Homeowner advice:
“Always think, ‘How would I clean this?’ This includes avoiding building nooks and crannies that are too narrow to fit your forearm in.” – Redditor u/patricklhe
7. Ignoring moisture & humidity concerns
Image credit: AI Les on Facebook
With Singapore’s high humidity, wood is vulnerable to warping and mould growth, especially if low-quality plywood is used in high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
While moisture-resistant carpentry might be a higher upfront cost, it pays off by reducing the risk of mould in the long run. You can also seal the cabinet edges to increase durability, ensuring that your cabinets and shelves stay mould-free even in high-humidity areas.
Homeowner advice:
“Thirsty Hippo or the likes is a must, and it gets filled within weeks, be it in the shoe or clothing cabinets. If you switch on the aircon at night, even if it’s 2 to 3 times per week, it helps to reduce the humidity too.” – Redditor u/BW_SG
Biggest carpentry regrets from homeowners
Before going ahead with carpentry works, take the time to double-check measurements, materials, and practicality for your daily lifestyle. By learning from homeowners who’ve experienced it the hard way, you can avoid costly mistakes and build a home that’s beautiful and functional, without regrets.
For more renovation tips:
- Hiring a main contractor: 6 tried-and-tested tips for homeowners renovating without an ID
- 9 lighting mistakes that are secretly ruining your home vibes
- 16 hidden reno costs behind every “too good to be true” quotation
Cover image adapted from: LUMIAIR Singapore, Hessen Woodcraft
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