The Horror Story Every Homeowner Fears

Imagine this: After months of anticipation, you finally step into your newly renovated home, expecting perfection. But instead, you find uneven flooring, misaligned carpentry, and a leaking kitchen pipe. The paint is peeling at the corners, and the electrical switches feel loose. Panic sets in—wasn’t this supposed to be brand new?

Unfortunately, this isn’t just a one-off case. Shoddy workmanship and endless rectifications are a frustrating reality for many homeowners in Singapore. Renovation nightmares are more common than we’d like to believe, leaving many stuck in a cycle of complaints, repair works, and additional costs.

So, how do you protect yourself from renovation disasters? Let’s break it down.

Why Does Shoddy Workmanship Happen?

Not all renovation firms are created equal. Some homeowners end up with contractors who cut corners, use subpar materials, or lack skilled workers. The result? A home that looks great at first glance but starts showing flaws within weeks.

Common Signs of Poor Workmanship

• Uneven Flooring – Gaps, misalignment, or loose tiles
• Leaking Pipes – Poor plumbing work leading to hidden water damage
• Crooked Carpentry – Kitchen cabinets that don’t close properly or wardrobes with misaligned doors
• Faulty Wiring – Exposed wires, flickering lights, or loose sockets
• Paint Issues – Bubbles, peeling, or uneven coverage

Most of these problems only surface after you’ve made full payment, making it difficult to get them rectified without extra cost.

How to Protect Yourself: Insider Tips from Interior Designers

As interior designers who have seen it all, we know how frustrating it is to deal with renovation mishaps. Here’s how you can avoid the nightmare before it begins:

1. Choose Your Contractor Wisely

• Check Their Portfolio & Reviews – Don’t just rely on Instagram pictures; read Google and Facebook reviews.
• Verify Their Credentials – Are they HDB-licensed? Do they have CASETrust or BCA accreditation?
• Ask for Real References – Speak to past clients about their experience, not just the ones the firm handpicks for testimonials.

2. Get Everything in Writing (No Verbal Agreements!)

A handshake and a “don’t worry, we’ll take care of it” won’t cut it. A detailed contract protects you.

• Scope of work (down to the last detail)
• Materials & brands (e.g., “Nippon Paint” vs. just “wall paint”)
• Project timeline & payment schedule
• Warranty period for defects

3. Set Milestones Before Full Payment

Many homeowners make the mistake of paying too much upfront. Instead:

• Pay in phases – e.g., 10% upon signing, 40% at mid-stage, and final 10% only after inspection.
• Keep a buffer – Withhold 5-10% for a month after completion, in case defects arise.

4. Inspect Work at Every Stage

Don’t wait until everything is done. Visit the site weekly to spot mistakes early.

What to check:

• Are tiles aligned and evenly grouted?
• Do all cabinet doors open and close properly?
• Is the plumbing leak-free after installation?
• Are power sockets securely fixed?

If you find something off, flag it immediately before it’s too late to fix.

What If You’re Stuck with a Bad Renovation?

If you’re already knee-deep in rectifications, don’t lose hope. Here’s what you can do:

1. Hold the Contractor Accountable

• Refer to your contract’s defect liability clause
• List all defects and get the contractor to acknowledge them in writing
• Request a firm deadline for rectifications

2. Lodge a Complaint

If your contractor is unresponsive or refuses to fix the issues:

• HDB Homeowners – File a complaint with HDB for licensed contractors
• CASE (Consumers Association of Singapore) – If you engaged a CASETrust-accredited firm
• Small Claims Tribunal – For disputes under S$20,000

3. Call in a Professional for a Second Opinion

Sometimes, it’s best to engage an independent contractor to assess the damage and get a second quote. If repairs are extensive, legal action might be worth considering.

Final Thoughts: Renovate Smart, Not Fast

Renovation should be an exciting journey, not a stressful one. Taking the time to vet your contractor, setting clear expectations, and conducting regular inspections can save you from expensive mistakes and endless rectifications.

A dream home starts with the right team. Choose wisely, inspect diligently, and always put everything in writing.