Choosing a renovation contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your renovation journey. The wrong choice can cost far more than just money — it costs you time, stress, and sometimes the structural integrity of your home.
8 Questions to Ask Before Signing Anything
1. Are you on the HDB Renovation Contractor Scheme list?
If you’re renovating an HDB flat, your contractor must be registered. Check directly on the HDB website, not just on their word.
2. Can I see your insurance certificate?
A legitimate contractor carries public liability insurance. If they can’t produce this document, walk away.
3. Is this quote itemised?
Never accept a lump sum quote. Every item — every sqm of tiling, every metre of carpentry, every light point — should be listed separately with individual pricing.
4. Who will be on site daily?
Some contractors win jobs then subcontract everything out. Ask who your day-to-day contact is and who supervises the work on site.
5. What’s your payment schedule?
A typical schedule is: 10–20% deposit, progressive payments tied to milestones, 5–10% retention on handover. Never pay more than 30% upfront.
6. What warranty do you offer?
Get this in writing. What exactly is covered? For how long? What’s the process for raising defects?
7. Can I speak to past clients?
References aren’t foolproof, but a contractor who refuses to provide any is a red flag.
8. What happens if the project runs over schedule?
The answer tells you a lot. Good contractors build buffer into their schedules and have clear processes for communicating delays.