It is always important to consider the services provided by the best HDB renovation contractor for your home improvement project in Singapore. Whether you are renovating your kitchen, bathroom or living room, you can get your dream house with an excellent contractor. So, it is very important that you are looking for a good contractor who can provide the best services. There are some things that you should consider before hiring a good contractor for your home improvement project. In this article, we have compiled some of the factors that you should consider when choosing the best HDB renovation contractor in Singapore for your home improvement project.

How do I choose a renovation contractor in Singapore?

Here are some recommendations for selecting a trustworthy contractor in Singapore as well as some advice on how to avoid making certain selections.

Plan Your Budget

Without a budget in place in advance, the hiring process could leave you feeling disoriented. There will be a range of options from different contractors. You won’t be able to identify the ideal candidate for the job if you haven’t established a fair budget for your house. You can negotiate the entire project cost your contractor has told you by setting a budget.

Review Experience and Expertise

Clearly, nobody wants to invest time and money in a subpar business that can’t deliver exceptional results. Therefore, reviewing experience and competence to assess a contractor’s suitability for the job is the first step in choosing the best restoration contractor. To find out if they are certified and licensed to conduct home improvement projects, check these documents. Few businesses excel at promoting their services and making outstanding results promises, but they are unable to back it up.

In order to build your trust and offer you an understanding of their output, a reputable organization will gladly discuss their previous works with you, unless they are confidential. The reputation of the business would be a reliable basis for choosing them or not. A contractor is frequently regarded as an expert if they have at least 5 years of consistent experience in the field and can complete your restoration project within the allotted time limit.

Ask for Quotation

One of the most important elements to take into account when planning a home renovation is the budget for the project. While the cost may vary depending on the project’s intricacy, it is imperative to obtain a quote from potential contractors to determine the likely cost. Although it is possible to find products at low prices, this does not imply high quality. There are reputable remodeling businesses out there, but they can be out of your price range. Companies frequently charge differently, so your duty is to choose the one delivering the greatest service at an affordable price. 

Before choosing which company to engage, it is wise to examine the quotes from different contractors. To assure you’ll get the results you want, put off starting your home remodeling job until you identify a trustworthy renovation contractor in Singapore. Always set up a meeting with the businesses you’ve narrowed down to evaluate them in person.

Get Multiple Estimates

Get written quotes from at least three contractors after speaking with many of them. When you receive various estimates, make sure you’re comparing like with like. Examine the building materials, construction techniques, schedules, and other elements that may differ by contractor. Be wary of estimates that are excessively high or low.

Do not choose a contractor just based on price. The “low ball bid” isn’t always the best option and may result in subpar performance. To ensure that you are comparing the price for the same set of services, it is preferable to compare the actual bids. While working within your budget, a good contractor will also be realistic about the compromises that homeowners should and shouldn’t make. Poor workmanship can result in delays, which can increase costs by increasing the cost of moving during the renovation.

The money you save on the contractor charge will be outweighed by the expense of paying a mortgage and rent on the temporary residence. It is important to communicate effectively, and it is preferable to spend a bit extra time with the individual who makes you feel most satisfied about completing the task.

Detailed Contract & Set a Payment Schedule

Get a written contract that has been signed by both sides as soon as you have chosen the best contractor for the job. The contract should clearly and completely describe the project, including labor and material costs, payment schedule, start and completion dates, insurance proof, license information, and lien releases. As a result, homeowners won’t feel misled by contractors about extra or planned change costs throughout construction, allowing them to stay inside their budget and timeframe. Contractors to make sure they don’t alter the blueprints only to raise the price on a change order and offer full assistance during construction. The greatest method to establish a good connection and a successful renovation is to insist on a written contract.

Get Everything in Writing

Make sure you have a detailed contract before the work begins. Ensure that the contract is well-written and explicit, and that everything is documented in writing. Consider having a lawyer review the proposed contract for your protection before you sign it if the project will cost a lot of money.

All parties shall recognize any changes to the Agreement in writing. Request confirmation from the contractor that all necessary building permits have been secured. You must abide by the termination provision of a signed contract if you wish to cancel it. To guarantee you have documentation of the cancellation, written notice of the cancellation should be delivered via registered mail.

Hire Local, Licensed Contractors Whenever Possible

Local contractors are simpler to get in touch with if issues arise with the work in the future and are more likely to be knowledgeable about local building codes. Request the contractor’s actual address in your area. Be wary of anyone who knocks on doors or won’t leave a contract out overnight.

Renovation Permits

Before beginning construction, the majority of home improvement projects, if not all of them, need a permit. Never let a qualified contractor carry out unapproved work. In addition to breaking local laws, this could cost you money in the long term in the form of fines and more labor. If you ever decide to sell your house, unapproved work may also pose issues for you. A qualified contractor will ensure that your project has all required permissions.

Additionally, contractors must give homeowners documentation of their liability insurance and workers compensation information. During the construction phase, it is crucial to understand what is covered by the contractor’s insurance and what is covered by your home’s insurance. If the contractor doesn’t pay, getting copies of all material receipts and a lien release from suppliers and subcontractors will safeguard you.

What is HDB Registered renovation contractor?

For your remodeling projects, it’s crucial to engage with a licensed HDB renovation contractor who has a good track record. Selecting a HDB certified contractor gives you the assurance that the work will be completed properly and correctly. Remember that cheaper does not always equate to better in the long run before choosing your final contractor or interior design company.

A HDB-approved contractor must finish the HDB training program in order to obtain a license. Additionally, they must actively participate in refurbishment and have at least three years of expertise. Both the corporation and the contractor must have owned the business for at least a year and have an ACRA registration. Finally, there shouldn’t be any complaints about the contractor’s business.

HDB approved contractors are required to follow strict rules or face a transparent demerit system and fines. For example, if they replace floor tiles without permission, they may be fined SGD500 to SGD2,000 and receive three to twelve demerit points. If a contractor’s renovation registration is suspended due to serious infractions, it can be revoked.

How much does it cost to renovate 5-room HDB?

Homeowners may anticipate spending around SGD35,000 to SGD38,000 repairing a brand-new 3-room HDB flat, SGD40,000 to SGD46,000 for a 4-room HDB flat, and SGD47,000 to SGD56,000 on a 5-room HDB flat in 2022, according to median renovation cost data compiled from over 200 BTO flat projects finished in 2021. 

Except for 5-room units, 2021’s median prices show a minor to moderate decline in renovation spending on BTO flats compared to the past; this trend may be explained by new homeowners’ more frugal spending habits and a decline in purchasing power due to inflationary considerations.

How much does it cost to renovate a HDB flat?

To determine how much money you should set aside, you need a rough estimate. But because there are so many different factors, the question is difficult to answer. The final cost of refurbishment is determined by:

• Type of home: 

Is it a HDB apartment, a condo, or a landed house? Existing fittings are there any that come with it already? 

• Its age and state: 

For a brand-new BTO and a decades-old resale apartment, the amount and type of restoration work will be considerably different. 

• How much work you want done: 

Are you generally content with the situation as it is, or do you want to start from scratch and design your ideal home? 

• Material types: 

Expect to pay more if you like parquet flooring and countertops made of atas marble. 

• The contractor/ID company you select: 

Naturally, prices vary between businesses.

Depending on all the aforementioned criteria, the cost of a 5 room renovation cost might range from $16, 950 – $139, 860. 

How long does it take to renovate a 5 room HDB? For BTOs, the refurbishment process can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks, and for resales, it can take 12 to 14 weeks.

Elpis Interior

We make use of 3D rendering and animation

Elpis Interior in 4A Pahang St, Singapore 198605 offers full service, providing complete interior design from concept to completion. We work with clients in any stages, and have provided services to private and commercial sectors. At Elpis Interior we’re all about helping you visualize your space before it’s built, saving you money and time. We make use of 3D rendering and animation to show you exactly how your space will look, before it’s even built. Get your real renovation plan with our animation and 3D visualization by contacting us here.