The 3 main types of Renovators are Interior Designers, Main Contractors, and Sub-Contractors.
Interior Designers v.s. Main Contractors
Interior Designers (ID) provides a one-stop solution of designing, providing detailed advice, and coordinating your renovation work.
Main Contractors will only perform renovation works based on your instructions.
Should I hire an Interior Designer or Main Contractor?
Unless you’re confident in your space planning and designing skills, we strongly encourage you to work with an Interior Designer.
The detailed advice that IDs provide can include material selection, pros and cons of different renovation features, cost-saving tips etc.
Main Contractors v.s. Sub-Contractors
Both Interior Designers and Main Contractors play the role of the project manager by coordinating your renovation – they then hire multiple Sub-Contractors to execute the works.
Examples of Sub-Contractors: carpenters, tilers, plumbers, electricians, painters etc.
Should I hire Sub-Contractors myself?
Don’t be pennywise but pound foolish; A misstep can result in extra costs due to rectification works.
If you’re performing a major renovation, we highly recommend working with IDs or Main Contractors unless:
1) You have the time and expertise to coordinate the renovation yourself
2) You're super confident with the technicality and sequencing of the renovation process
Warning: Most Sub-contractors aren't service oriented and may get impatient if you're unclear or fickle. In fact, most of them prefer to work directly with Interior Designers and Main Contractors as they are able to provide firmer directions. In their defence, there's literally no benefits with working directly with homeowners since they won't earn more or gain lots of referrals.
How much more does an Interior Designer cost?
Renovation Costs Interior Designer and Renovation Contractor Mark-ups in Singapore
Reasonable Renovator Mark-ups:
| Renovator Type |
Reasonable Mark-up |
| Interior Designer |
~10 - 25% |
| Main Contractor |
~5 - 10% |
| Sub-Contractor |
Little to none |
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