Just as recent as 2021, the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) received 1300 complaints against renovation contractors. While this may seem like just another statistic, it is really 1,300 families dealing with stress, financial loss, and disappointment during what should be a joyous experience.
At M2 Decor, we believe that the best defence against becoming one of these horror stories is through knowledge. By understanding the common pitfalls, you can protect yourself and ensure your renovation journey is a smooth and successful one.
1) Renovation contractors failing to meet deadlines
Interior design projects are complex, often divided into multiple phases and taking months to complete.
While it is not uncommon for firms to be handling multiple projects at once, the issue comes when some firms bite off more than they can chew, taking up more projects than they can manage.
Imagine asking Picasso to paint 10 masterpieces in a week – it is impossible to then expect quality. Similarly, good projects take time, patience, and meticulous attention to detail. Overextending leads to a slippery slope where one missed deadline leads to another, and then another, before delays compound and leaves the entire project compromised.
To make things worse, there have even been cases where projects have dragged on for so long that they had to be cancelled, with no deposit refunded!
Pro Tip:
Always opt for staggered payments tied to the completion of key milestones. This helps to minimise risk for both the client and the contractor, while also ensuring an incentive for the contractor to keep to timelines so they get paid! At M2 Decor, we use a fair and transparent payment structure that minimises risk for both parties. As a CaseTrust Accredited firm, our payment structure is broken down into 4 key milestones.
2) Slipshod work and substandard workmanship
It is rarely the case that sub-standard craftsmanship rears its ugly head from the outset. Instead, it becomes apparent with time – misaligned tiles, uneven paint, or incorrect furniture dimensions. Then you start paying attention and may realise that significant portions of the renovation do not hold up under scrutiny.
There could be many reasons for slipshod work, one of which closely related to the contractor juggling too many projects, resulting in rushed jobs. Professor Keat Ong, president of the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS), quipped:
"like if a conveyor belt can only handle 10 parcels a minute and you’re trying to stretch it to 30, when you overstretch any machine or human, things will go haywire.”
Worse yet is when the contractor lacks experience or the necessary skillsets to begin with. As this industry is not strictly regulated, it is easy for inexperienced contractors to enter the market.
There was even an actual case where a couple found out that the contractors on-site were not even from the company initially hired, but sub-contractors employed as replacements when the original team could not show up!
Pro Tip:
Let reviews speak for themselves. Look on forums, social media platforms, and websites such as Hometrust. Remember, each review comes from a homeowner who has undergone months of working closely with the company on one of the most complex and important projects to them! They have nothing to gain from writing a positive review post-project, making their feedback inherently unbiased.
Bonus Pro Tip:
To gauge the level of attention to detail an interior designer possesses, it might be better to examine their past minimalist design projects. In minimalist designs, mistakes are far more visible due to the simplicity of the style, making it difficult to get away with slipshod work as any misstep sticks out like a sore thumb.
3) Verbal agreements gone wrong
Renovation projects involve large sums of money, and we have all heard horror stories of contractors going back on their word. Verbal agreements regarding complimentary items or services often become contentious later if contractors feign ignorance or charge additional fees. Disputes over missed deadlines that were only verbally agreed upon are not unheard of too.
It gets worse. Upon confrontation, it is not uncommon for things to escalate, making the remainder of the project awkward or worse, leaving you wondering if you can trust the designer anymore to have a working relationship with.
Pro Tip:
Try to document all or most important details in a written agreement. It is also useful to highlight certain conditions that you would not compromise on, for example, the final completion date. For quick verbal agreements, it might be prudent to send a quick recap of the conversation via text immediately after to create a paper trail.
In conclusion, by being aware of these common pitfalls, you can now take proactive steps to safeguard your project from becoming a nightmare.
At M2 Decor, we are truly passionate in helping you build your dream home, as reflected in the glowing reviews of our past clients! If you are looking for a trusted interior design team to bring your dream home to life, look no further!
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