JohnsonLim

Hi, The payment terms (50% paid upon commencement) is ridiculous and you ID probably realize that as well. I suggest you renegotiation with your ID and settle on a new payment term. If he disagree, take this issue to CASE as this is clearly unethical practice. NOTE: The new payment term should have a final withholding payment (around 20% contract value), which will be withheld even after the completion of the entire project. You will only pay the remaining 20% if you are satisfied with the work done (after moving in for about 1 month). I hope this helps.

Hi, I would recommend you to start early. You do not actually have to began contacting ID/Contractors right now, but instead focus on getting to know more about interior renovation in general, such as the tips for dealing with renovation contractors, industry accreditation, and even ask you friends about their own experience. However, you should began contacting contractors 3 months prior to the planned start date of the renovation. Also note that extensive renovation can take up to 2 months to complete. I hope this helps =)

Hi, If you are not looking to conduct fancy design for the entire house, a contractor may be what you need. Note that this is because if you hire a designer, he/she will not need to do extensive designer work and can simply pass the whole project to a contractor instead. You may as well skip the designer (and the mark-ups) and approach the contractor directly. An experienced contractor will be able to hire a freelance designer (at a discounted price) to do up the 3D perspective for the more special area (build in wardrobes) if needed. I hope this helps =)

Hi, I am sorry to hear about what happened. Have you made full payment to the errant contractor? If no, then you should withheld it from him until he rectify the defects. If yes, then your best chance is to ask him to rectify for you. If he refuse to do so, you should take legal action against him and claim for the full cost of re-laying the tiles (ask for quotes from other contractors) and other expenses incurred as a result (e.g.legal expenses). I hope this helps.

Hi JingXuan, Sorry to heard what happened to you. However, may I suggest a solution to your problem? Step 1: Withheld enough payment from the contractor to cover your losses (E.g. Loss of income from taking leaves off work to monitor the site, rental expense if you are currently renting your old accommodation or living in a hotel) Step 2: Document all your losses from the delay (e.g receipts, etc) as well as evidence of all communication between you and the contractor Step 3: Ensure that the work is done up properly and all defects rectified (Tell the contractors that you will release the payment only when the defects are rectified) Step 4: Deduct your losses from the payments withheld accordingly. (Or you can choose to not pay them at all) Note that even if no completion date was stated, the courts will determine a reasonable date of completion for your particular case and "imply" (implied term) it into the contract. And if you can prove that the contractor has knowledge of your deadline (through SMS, e-mails), you may still have a case against them. I suggest you get legal help if the disputed amount is large.