THIS ARTICLE MIGHT SAVE YOU
NEVER PAY A BIG DEPOSIT UPFRONT
No matter how “low” the quoted price, never ever pay a big deposit up front. Any deposit worth more than 30% of the total price is excessive, while the industry standard is about 10%.
Do not submit to hard sell tactics, give yourself time to filter through the quote, ask if you have doubts. It’s non-obligation.
You should also never fork out a large amount of cash for a deposit, without having gone through and signed all the necessary paperwork. If no contract has been signed, you basically have zero protection, so good luck trying to get your money back. They could one day, inform you that the tiles cost 5 times the price you were previously quoted – and there would be nothing you could do.
NEVER PAY A SINGLE CENT WITHOUT READING ALL THE NECESSARY PAPERWORK
It never fails to amaze industry insiders how people could fork out hundreds or even thousands of dollars in cash for renovation works without even knowing the terms of their agreement with the renovation company.
We strongly encourage you to examine and sign a contract with the ID or reno firm before paying.
Some things to look out for before signing include the following:
- Payment terms and progress of works:
Payment after the initial deposit is usually made according to stages of completion of the works. So you might have to pay a certain percentage for purchase of materials, and then the final percentage upon completion of the works. Make sure the payment schedule is spelt out. - Cost of materials and renovations:
Some are notorious for jacking up the price of their materials once you’ve paid a deposit, so if possible you want to get proof in black and white of the prices they’re offering you for the services and finishings you want. - What is excluded from the package:
While the lump sum quoted by the company might seem low, you want to find out what extras are not included and will have to be paid for in addition to your package. - Termination clause:
It’s a must to find out how to terminate a contract before entering into it in the first place. Remember to check if there are any penalties
VISIT THE COMPANY’S OFFICE AND ONGOING SITES
In case you haven’t already realised, it’s a bad idea to sign up for packages at renovation fairs. Some of these so-called companies are actually one man shows being run in the bedroom of some guy’s HDB flat.
We strongly encourage you to visit the company’s office and request to drop by some of their ongoing sites before making a decision. Many scammers don’t even have a proper office nor evidence of design work going on, and if they earn all their money by running away from their customers, they probably don’t have any decent sites, either.
WHEN WORK HAS COMMENCED, MAKE FREQUENT SITE VISITS
The contractors are going to be spending a lot of time alone in your home. For all, you know they could be throwing wild parties or doing drugs in there.
Even if the ID is your best friend, the actual works are usually subcontracted, so make sure you drop by and supervise the workmen as often as you can. There have even been complaints of contractors stealing stuff from homes, do don’t leave the family jewels lying around.
USE A CASETRUST-ACCREDITED COMPANY
If you’re paranoid about losing money, you might be able to sleep a bit more soundly at night by using a CaseTrust-accredited company.
In theory, you’ll be able to receive compensation or get back your deposit if the company doesn’t deliver on its agreed promises. Accredited companies will always display the CaseTrust logo on their storefront.
9 Creation is affiliated to CaseTrust and we proudly showcase our affiliation tag on our showroom’s front. You will never have any qualms or worry when you decide to engage us for your home renovation. For a FREE non-obligation appointment you can schedule an appointment with us here.
