Managing renovation costs in Singapore can be tricky.
Some renovation costs are hidden intentionally while others aren’t. Nevertheless, it is wiser to be in the know and anticipate unpleasant surprises.
3 Types of Hidden Renovation Costs
1. 😈 Intentional Exclusions
Bad actors may deliberately exclude items from quotation to make the overall renovation costs look attractive and trick you into signing.
Types of Hidden Cost in Singapore
Examples of intentional exclusion in renovation
| Intentional Exclusions |
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Necessary charges for transporting materials and debris haulage.
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Hacking permit cost when hacking work is required.
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Mandatory waterproofing costs for wet areas like bathroom or kitchen.
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Compulsory post-renovation cleaning services.
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Quoting a low initial price for tiling and flooring work without specifying details e.g. elaborate tile layout like herringbone will require higher labour costs.
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💡 How to avoid this? Make sure to compare at least 5 itemised quotations.
2. Genuine Exclusions
Even the most experienced interior designers may unintentionally miss out on tiny details.
Types of Hidden Cost in Singapore
Examples of genuine exclusions in renovation
| Genuine Exclusions |
| Overlooking installation of curtain rods or tracks. |
| Forgetting to account for simple wall-mounted shelving. |
| Missing out to quote for mounting of a basic wall clock. |
| Accidentally omitting power sockets in less conventional areas e.g. balconies or storerooms. |
| Overlooking the cost to add door stoppers for newly installed doors. |
💡 Some renovators may cover genuine exclusions as goodwill services.
What Is Unacceptable?
Exclusions of major costly works e.g. hacking, erecting partition rooms, etc. In such cases, the onus is on the interior designer.
3. Unforeseen Exclusions
Skilled renovators may fail to anticipate certain unforeseen costs, which arises unexpectedly due to factors that couldn’t be identified beforehand.
💡 Be prepared! Have an additional 10 - 20% contingency renovation budget to be sure.
Types of Hidden Cost in Singapore
Examples of unforeseen exclusion in renovation
| Unforeseen Exclusion |
| Discover rockstone textured walls or ceilings after hacking. Plastering cost needed to smooth them. |
| Realising insufficient soundproofing in wall during renovation. Requiring fixes to maintain privacy and quality. |
| Uncovering mould or pest infestations behind walls after demolition, needing immediate treatment. |
| Overlaying flooring raises floor height. Potentially incurring cost for door length adjustment for proper functioning. |
| Older properties may hide leaks that only surface after demolition, leading to unexpected repairs. |
Avoid unfair renovation quotations with hidden cost!
Meet with CaseTrust-accredited renovators who will provide you with detailed itemised quotations with fair and transparent pricing.
Nobody Around Us Could Recommend a Good ID
It was almost like they didn’t exist - so we started our search on Google. HomeMatch came across as a no brainer for us to try because of their case trust accredited IDs, clear outline of their services and the fact that they came at no cost to us. The communication with HomeMatch were always swift, clear and helpful. From our online form, they called and clarified our needs then set about to match us with five IDs. We were able to view their profiles, portfolios and video snippets which were handy when it came to comparing meeting them in person whether they were authentic. Four of the five IDs contacted us swiftly and met with us twice - the first time to understand our requirements and floor plan and the second time to propose layout and itemized quotation. Same went for the fifth ID who was a later match because the initial match was not able to meet us. HomeMatch really came through with promptly replacing the initial recommendation such that the replacement ID was able to meet us the very next day. We were able to select an ID from the five based on all our interactions and although the process from contacting HomeMatch to signing with ID took 2 months it would have taken even longer had we tried to source IDs from the wild. HomeMatch services didn’t end with us signing the contract. HomeMatch reviewed our contract and advised us of its pros and shortcomings. They also provided critical tips that will help make our renovation journey a successful one. Although our Reno work have not begun we know that clear communication works best and we can always count on HomeMatch should we need them again.
Sit Back — Your Renovation’s in Safe Hands
No more worries. HomeMatch will recommend you trusted & suitable renovators, check your contract, and protect 100% of your deposits!
Recommend Me!Nobody Around Us Could Recommend a Good ID
It was almost like they didn’t exist - so we started our search on Google. HomeMatch came across as a no brainer for us to try because of their case trust accredited IDs, clear outline of their services and the fact that they came at no cost to us. The communication with HomeMatch were always swift, clear and helpful. From our online form, they called and clarified our needs then set about to match us with five IDs. We were able to view their profiles, portfolios and video snippets which were handy when it came to comparing meeting them in person whether they were authentic. Four of the five IDs contacted us swiftly and met with us twice - the first time to understand our requirements and floor plan and the second time to propose layout and itemized quotation. Same went for the fifth ID who was a later match because the initial match was not able to meet us. HomeMatch really came through with promptly replacing the initial recommendation such that the replacement ID was able to meet us the very next day. We were able to select an ID from the five based on all our interactions and although the process from contacting HomeMatch to signing with ID took 2 months it would have taken even longer had we tried to source IDs from the wild. HomeMatch services didn’t end with us signing the contract. HomeMatch reviewed our contract and advised us of its pros and shortcomings. They also provided critical tips that will help make our renovation journey a successful one. Although our Reno work have not begun we know that clear communication works best and we can always count on HomeMatch should we need them again.
Sit Back — Your Renovation’s in Safe Hands
No more worries. HomeMatch will recommend you trusted & suitable renovators, check your contract, and protect 100% of your deposits!
Recommend Me!
