Selecting A Renovation Contractor

Selecting A Renovation Contractor
Author: Isabel Ng | Editor: Angelana


Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail
Renovation planning is the key factor to a successful renovation project. During planning, identify the constraints and challenges you forsee you will face in the renovation process. For e.g. If you need to meet a specified target completion date, identify it as a constraint, come up with a schedule way before getting the keys to your home and start on the contractor selection process. Hiring a good contractor also requires some effort and here are some of the tips to help you along the way.

1) Set a realistic budget
Everyone dreams to live in a palace but not every dream comes true. Keeping it simple can be a dream comes true too. Check what needs to go and which to stay. Spent within your means, DIY if you can.

2) Fengshui or not?
If you have the intention to get a FSM, do it right from the start and not later. Get the positions, color scheme, and dates ready to check feasibility for your renovation contractor before your sign on the dotted line in the contract.

3) Finding the right companies to quote.
Avoid running into situations asking for a quote only to find out later they are not a licensed contractor. If you are looking for a mark of assurance, go for RADAC certified and CaseTrust accredited companies. Gather for more information through reviews, forums and HDB website and shortlist at least 3 potential contractor for your selection.

4) Comparing Quotes
In order to compare apple to apple, provide consistent requirements to all of your shortlisted contractors/ID firms. When comparing the quotations, have an eye for proposed works on top of your requirements given. Consult with them further and prioritize what is necessary for you. For example in a HDB new flat, if it comes with concealed pipe, it is not necessary to redo. Also remember to ask on whether the tiles are based on a fixed price and how much it is capped at.

5) Ask
Don’t be shy to ask - something along the line “How long you have been in this industry?” How is their portfolio, past projects, license, reference, insurance.
Use them to check your contractor's work history, reliability, workmanship, service and ability to stay on budget and schedule. An experience contractor of more than 5 years is a sign of reliable and stable business. Check about their insurance if any, should there be an accident happen in your property during execution of work.

5) Agreement on dates
Set a start date, a plan of actions to be taken, Gantt chart and a target completion date.

6) Signing the contract
Check for details, hidden costs, liabilities and set a reasonable time frame to achieve completion. Never pay full upfront. It is reasonable to agree to pay in stages for each completed phase. Check and request for a warranty period and pay full upon satisfactory completion of the renovation.

Renovation is often linked with Time, Quality and Cost; more of one affects the others. A quality renovation will normally result in longer time, higher cost. So decide what matters most to you. In the time-cost-quality triangle, something has got to give. With some proper planning, it will save you a great deal of hassle to dispute with your contractor later and unnecessary costs.