Im sorry to hear about your bad experience.
Actually we as house owners have to do due diligence of checking up on the contractor that u engage.
My friend also recommended me to my current ID/ Contractor, A&D, which I eventually engage their services.
Everything went smoothly.
Even when there is any hiccups, he gave us the assurance that he will get it done for us.
Due diligence such as, checking on the firm or speaking to a few more firms to find out how exactly does the market operate.
After which, we as house owners will not be taken for granted and ignorant of everything.
Our experience was we short listed 3 and having find out more about the company we chose A&D.
I can tell u a lot of info about the firm that we engage.
Eg: A&D was set up by 5 brothers.
The firm has 7 ID.
They own 2 carpentry factory at AMK Park 2
In AMK, there are 7 groups of carpenters working on each ID's project.
Each group of carpenter is made up of at least 3 skilled carpenters.
A&D hardly appear in advertisements, print ads, etc...they got their endless business through word of mouth which is very important to consumers.
They have done at least 100 units in the new estate Fernvale (I got his info from their worker).
They are currently working on at least 7 units at Duxton along Cantonment Road.
They have their own in-house Draughtsman.
A&D is listed under RADAC and HDB list of renovation contractors.
We also went onto a few forum to find out about them.
Renotalk and living in punggol.
Then we realise that they were among the top 3 contractor that residents in Punggol engage.
We went down to their office along Upper Serangoon Road and we manage to see a wide variety of materials, etc...
And after speaking to our ID for nearly 4 hours for 2 separate session then we sign the contract agreement with him.
I have to see we were kiasu, kiasee but it was all worth it
And that was how we eventually chose A&D
View our renovation progress here: http://kohnlee.blogspot.com/search/label/Renovation