Why checking your ID matters
In 2024, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) received 962 complaints about renovation contractors. About 97% of them were against firms without CaseTrust accreditation. Renovation also had the highest prepayment losses of any industry that year: $728,813.
The government does not set minimum qualifications or years of experience for people working in renovation firms. A friendly designer with a nice portfolio may be excellent, or may be two months into the job. The checking is up to you.
Before you meet anyone
You'll get better quotes, and spot weak IDs faster, if you walk in prepared. Bring:
- Your floor plan (from HDB, the developer or your agent) with rough measurements
- Your renovation budget, not your total funds. See our budget guide.
- A needs list: storage, work-from-home space, elderly or child safety, pets
- 5–10 reference photos of styles you like, and 2–3 you dislike
- Your target move-in date, and any date you absolutely can't move
Give every ID the same brief. If each one quotes on a different scope, you can't compare them.
6 checks before you pay anything
- HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). For HDB flats, the renovation contractor you engage must be listed. Search by company name or UEN on the HDB website.
- CaseTrust accreditation. Accredited renovation firms cap the initial deposit at 20%, protect it with a deposit performance bond, and use a standard contract. See what CaseTrust protects.
- ACRA BizFile. Confirm the company's UEN, that it is live, and how long it has been registered.
- CASE Company Alert List. Check whether the firm has been flagged for unfair practices.
- News and court search. Search the firm's name with words like “Small Claims”, “police” or “complaint”.
- Review patterns. Look for repeated themes such as delays and unanswered calls, not just the star rating. Read the 1-star and 3-star reviews.
How to run the first meeting
A good first meeting is a two-way interview. Watch for how the ID listens, not just what they show you.
| Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|
| Asks about your routine, family and budget before showing designs | Jumps straight to a package price |
| Visits or asks for photos of the unit before quoting | Quotes a “lump sum” without seeing the space |
| Explains what's not included | Says “everything included, don't worry” |
| Gives you time to compare | Pushes a promo that “ends tonight” |
| Names who will supervise your site | Can't say who manages the works |
Questions that reveal real experience
- How many projects like mine (same property type) did you complete in the last 12 months?
- Can you show me 3 completed projects similar to mine, with before-and-after photos?
- Can I speak to 1–2 past clients?
- Who will manage my site day to day, and how often will they be there?
- Which works are done by your own team, and which are subcontracted?
- Are your electrician and plumber licensed?
- What was the last project that went wrong, and how did you fix it?
- What is your workmanship warranty, and how do I report a defect?
An experienced ID answers these easily and specifically. Vague answers, or “don't worry, we handle everything”, deserve a follow-up question.
Red flags
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Deposit above 20% before work starts | CaseTrust-accredited firms cap the initial deposit at 20%. A large prepayment is the money most at risk if a firm closes. |
| “Pay to my personal account” or a discount for it | Real cases in Singapore involved designers collecting payments meant for their company. |
| Quote full of “lump sum” and “TBC” | You can't compare prices or hold anyone to a scope you can't see. |
| “This promo ends tonight” | Pressure stops you from comparing quotes and checking the firm. |
| No written start and completion dates | Without dates there is no timeline to hold the firm to. |
| Can't show past projects, UEN or an office address | You can't verify who you're dealing with. |
One red flag: ask more questions. Three or more: pause before you pay or sign. Real examples are in our renovation scams guide.
Compare at least 2–3 IDs with a scorecard
| Compare | ID A | ID B | ID C |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB DRC listed? (HDB flats) | |||
| CaseTrust accredited? | |||
| Years registered (ACRA) | |||
| Similar projects shown | |||
| Total quote | |||
| Number of “TBC” items | |||
| Deposit % | |||
| Payment stages | |||
| Start and completion dates | |||
| Warranty |
Price matters, but the clearest quote and the safest payment terms often matter more. Next, read our renovation quotation checklist.
Get the free Before You Sign checklist: every check from our guides on 2 printable pages.Download PDF ↓