From building a personalised gaming corner to featuring an indoor swing, we’ve all had mental blueprints of our dream homes since our teens. It can feel surreal going from tiling up houses in The Sims to shortlisting interior designers in real life, but with that leap comes heavier financial and practical responsibilities.
To make sure you’re on your home-changing game, here are key things to look out for when choosing IDs and contractors, so you don’t suffer financially or emotionally from a poor renovation experience.
1. Look at their portfolio to note the styles they specialise in
Image credit: The Interior Lab, Decor 8
Whether you’re gunning for an industrial pad or a Japandi home for your growing family, choosing an interior designer who genuinely understands your preferred style is crucial.
While most firms will say they can accommodate different concepts, their portfolio tells the real story. Take time to browse past projects on their website and social platforms. Look for consistency: do they repeatedly execute certain themes well? Are their carpentry finishes neat? Do their layouts look functional?
2. Check if they are CaseTrust-accredited
Falling in love with a designer’s past projects is one thing, but protecting your deposit is another.
Before committing to any firm, check if they’re accredited by CaseTrust. CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses are required to purchase a deposit performance bond, which safeguards customers’ deposits in the event of closure, winding up, or liquidation before renovation begins.
It means that no matter what, you’ll not lose any downpayment laid on the table.
A couple of things you can take note of:
- Ensure the company is HDB-registered if you’re renovating an HDB flat.
- ISO certifications can also indicate structured processes and quality control standards.
Credentials don’t guarantee perfection, but they significantly reduce risk.
3. Ask about the payment model percentages
For folks who are wanting to start their home makeover from scratch, renovation’s undoubtedly on the pricier end depending on the size of your home and the extent of its grand transformation. Before you pay out a sizable stash of loot at one go to your chosen contractor, though, you might want to ask about their payment model percentages.
Image adapted from: Farizah Arsat
This is often stated outright in the renovation contract under “Terms of payment” so keep your eyes peeled for the percentage of payment required at each stage of renovation. This varies from company to company, but most firms structure their payments by milestones, such as:
- Deposit
- Hacking completion
- Carpentry installation
- Final handover
A safer structure typically involves:
- A modest initial deposit
- Progress payments tied to completed milestones
- A final payment upon handover (or after minor defects are rectified)
Be cautious if a firm requests a very large upfront payment (more than ~30 to 40%), along with vague milestones such as “40% upon installing carpentry”.
4. Roadshow deals can offer perks but don’t sign under pressure
Renovation roadshows and expos can genuinely offer attractive perks, from cashback rebates to bundled carpentry packages. However, avoid making any rushed decisions simply because a deal feels time-sensitive.
Image credit: The Home Expo
Before committing on the spot, clarify whether the “free” items are already factored into the overall quote, and ensure that the quotation is itemised, rather than presented as a lump sum.
Ask for specifics such as brands, material thickness, laminate finishes and what exactly is included in the package. Promotions aren’t inherently bad, but unrealistic promises such as extremely short completion timelines or vague scope descriptions should prompt further questioning. A good deal should still stand up to scrutiny once the pressure is removed.
5. Get quotations from a few companies before settling on one
Renovation comes with a long list of monetary concerns, and that includes getting quotations from a few interior designers or contractors before settling on one. This can give you affirmation that you’re not being overcharged for a certain type of renovation.
Image credit: Zula
Instead of skimming through an overall package quote, comparing price breakdowns by item is also crucial. This ensures that you know what exactly you’re paying for your home makeover, right down from fresh coats of paint on your walls to fixtures and fittings.
For example, carpentry work should specifically outline the type of wood being used, installation fees for irregular-shaped tiles and so forth.
A significantly lower quote may seem attractive, but understanding why it’s lower will help you avoid unpleasant surprises mid-renovation.
6. Make sure your ID conveys their timeline and build in a contingency budget
Nobody likes being ghosted, and this means you’ll want to get constant updates from your designers or contractors. Before becoming fully invested in the chosen company, ensure that the contractor keeps you on the loop in your renovation journey.
Because not all renovation journeys are created equal, renovation delays can occur due to material shortages, permit approvals or unforeseen structural issues discovered during hacking works. What distinguishes a reliable firm from a less dependable one is not the absence of delays, but transparent communication and proactive updates.
Image credit: EZid
Alongside timeline clarity, financial contingency planning is equally important. Rather than quoting a lower budget than you can afford, set a realistic renovation budget and prepare a buffer of about 10%-20% for unforeseen works.
Hidden issues such as outdated wiring, plumbing defects or flooring problems may only surface once the renovation is underway. Having a contingency fund reduces stress and prevents financial strain halfway through your project.
7. Look at insurance, warranties and after-sales care
There are also many renovation issues that only surface after the handover, such as peeling paint, swollen carpentry or leaking fixtures. Before signing your contract, clarify whether the firm provides a workmanship warranty and how long the Defects Liability Period (DLP) lasts. Ask what exactly is covered, how defects should be reported and how long rectification typically takes.
Reputable firms usually provide written warranty terms and clear after-sales procedures. Insurance coverage and defined warranty policies signal that the company is structured and accountable.
8. Check online reputation and independent reviews
Image credit: Forefront Interior
Online research has become an essential part of due diligence. Beyond browsing a company’s own website, look at independent review platforms such as Google reviews, Qanvast, Renopedia, and Houzz, as well as local forums and community discussions.
Instead of focusing on isolated negative comments, look for patterns. Recurring complaints about poor communication, repeated delays, unexplained cost increases or unresolved defects are more concerning than a single dissatisfied review.
A balanced review profile that includes both praise and constructive criticism often feels more credible than a spotless rating with little detail.
9. Understand the difference between an interior designer, main contractor and sub-contractor
Not all renovation firms operate the same way, and understanding their structure can prevent confusion later on. An interior designer typically handles space planning, design concepts, 3D renders and coordination of works.
A main contractor may focus more heavily on execution and labour. Sub-contractors, such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters, are specialists hired to carry out specific tasks. Some firms provide full in-house project management, while others outsource supervision.
Clarifying who is accountable for daily site management, quality checks and issue resolution ensures that responsibilities are clearly delineated from the start, reducing the risk of finger-pointing if problems arise.
Choosing IDS and contractors in Singapore
Choosing the perfect interior designer can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible when you know what to look out for. From checking up their credentials to checking up their portfolio, you can prevent nasty incidents of getting kena scammed, considering that starting a new home is a blissful journey.
For more interior design articles, check these out:
- 12 best interior design firms for budget renovations under $50k
- 17 interior design themes to know before renovating your home
- What a $55k HDB reno looks like where retro charm meets simple living
Cover image adapted from: The Home Expo, Forefront Interior
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