Everything You Should Expect: Pre-Reno
If you are getting your BTO shortly, or need to do your renovation soon, here’s everything you need to know, and expect, before you sign with your ID.
Watch our tiktok channel if you lazy to read.
We realise that many homeowners are unsure of what the right process, and the right standards should be, when it comes to engaging an ID/contractor. So do share and forward this with all homeowners!
1) This Process takes around 2 months
From your meeting with the 1st ID, to choosing of the “right” ID, to signing of the contract takes 2 months.
This is why we always advocate for homeowners to find IDs within 6 months, or ideally 3-4 months before their renovation starts.
Too early, you might be “trapped. Too late, and things will get super rushed.
2) Prepare a Mood Board
A mood board refers to a series of photos to show the various IDs the style you are looking for. You can find them via pinterest, instagram, or really just a screenshot via google.
While you search for what you “want”, do note that it is equally important to list down the non-negotiables (i.e. things that you definitely want, and don’t want).
This clearly demarcates the boundaries that IDs can play with.
3) Meet 3 IDs
There is strong basis for the common chinese saying, 货比三家.
If you only meet 1 or 2, you can easily be taken advantaged of, especially if those IDs are unethical.
If you meet too many (some homeowners can meet 10 or 15!), you definitely will get tired and drained repeating the same requirements over and over again. Not only so, homeowners tend to have recency bias, making their judgement on the “best ID” potentially clouded.
This is why we on average refer 3 IDs/contractors to homeowners. No ridiculous spamming. Just 3 good IDs will do.
4) Meet the IDs - Don’t just ask for quote
We understand time can be tight, and its much easier to just share requirements over whatsapp, and get a quotation.
But from our experience, this is very very risky.
What you end up comparing is the final amount.
It is damn easy to have hidden costs within the quotation. Many IDs will purposely “lowball” the number, and then subsequently jack it up. Not only are you likely to pay for more, you can’t even judge that person! It’s like marrying a person without ever meeting them!
In renovation, you need to find someone you can trust, so that the subsequent 3-6 months engagement can be smooth. And the best way is to suss them out in-person.
We do understand it can be tiring, but renovation is a big ticket sum item. That’s why balancing it by meeting 3 IDs is optimal!
5) Draft Proposal should take 2 weeks max
After meeting your ID, your draft proposal should be out in 2 weeks.
If they start giving you perpetual excuses over a delayed proposal, dump them. They are not treating you seriously. It is not like your house is huge like landed, or like a commercial project. Even if they are busy, ideally it should be out in 1, if not 2 weeks.
6) Proposal will go back and forth twice
After getting the draft proposal, it is highly likely that changes will have to be made. This is why the whole process, as per point #1, takes around 2 months.
Do remember that at this point, only the 2d layout and quotation will be given. 3d renders are not available. By industry standards, this will only come after you sign the deal. So it’s a lucky bonus if they do give them to you.
7) Pick the ID
Finally, it is time to pick the ID.
When it comes to that, of course cost matters. But trust us, it cannot only be about cost. Neither should it about who has the fanciest design.
It is even more important to find an ID that you can trust, and communicate with, so that your next 3-6 months won’t be a living hell just because you wanted to save $1,000.
It is really not worth it.
Follow us below to hear more!
If you are looking to shortlist reliable IDs/contractors for your reno, feel free to enquire here, or check out our blog for other important tips!!