Can't Find Contractor's Licence On Hdb Website

[anting 0]

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of finding IDs/contractors to reno my place. However, I've also realised that some of the contractors companies can't be found on the HDB licensed contractors website. Is it an offence to engage such contractors or rather any consequences of any sort? Even some of the more commonly used contractors companies cant be found on HDB website.

[homvir 0]

I would like to know too. Many contractors said they will tag on to a HDB approved company. Is this considered legal?

[BetterSociety2gether 0]

HDB website says "You are required to engage an HDB registered contractor to renovate your flat including works that do not require a renovation permit." Hence the contractor /ID you sign the renovation contract with will have to be a HDB licensed holder.

Majority of the shoddy workmanship and abandoned works reported or contractor scam that happened has its root problem in that the Main contractor/ID with whom homeowners sign contract with are non HDB licensed themselves. They will tell you they hire HDB licensed contractors, actually meaning sub contractors to carry out the work. You also expose yourself o abandonment of works. The Main Contractor if not HDB licensed is not accountable to HDB/RADAC/BCA. in case he abandon works, he may be liable to you but he is not accountable to any authorities including CASE. In a dispute, he w have the upper hand and and no one will be able to help you.Simply put, IDs and Contractors who know they are not allowed to carry out renovation works in HDB flats without a HDB license tellou they can by hiring HDB licensee subcontractors or any other means ..the probability he is going to be honest in his dealings with you is going to be very low.

[BetterSociety2gether 0]

The following is an example of what can happen if the ID or Main Contractor you sign your renovation contract with is non HDB registered. Many of the renovation contractor scams, ID/contractors abandoning works and blatantly refuse to rectify defects had the root of the problem in that they make you believe they can renovate your HDB flat for you coz they hire HDB licensed su b-contractors. https://m.facebook.com/suzannah.fazli/posts/4218477195052

[BetterSociety2gether 0]

Dear all,

Great news! from next year, contractors working on HDB renovation would not only need to be accredited but also possess trained workers.

http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10296p.nsf/PressReleases/EA48B46FFA2B187648257B9000177036?OpenDocument

[beankurt 0]

What if the homeowner only realise that the contractor engaged is not HDB licensed after signing the contract?

Any way to solve the issue?

[BetterSociety2gether 0]

Dear beankurt

Has the renovation started? If not, it will be less messy. You can try to come to an agreement with your contractor to terminate the contract.

He will have to refund you the deposit or monies you have paid him so far.

There is actually no contract between you and him because only HDB licensed contractor can carry out renovation in HDB flats.

Because he does not have the license to do so, he is unable to perform the contract. The contract is also illegal hence you have a right to rescind (or cancel)it.

Once you know that he is not a licensed contractor but insist to carry through with the contract, the tables would be turned - he can delay, display attitude, give you lousy workmanship, etc. You would be at his mercy and you will have a hard time justifying yourself with the authorities to help you if he abandons your renovation or gives you lousy workmanship. Besides, if found out, you could be fined up to $5000 for knowingly hiring a non-HDB licensed contractor. Since you are innocent and have been cheated into entering a contract, so better to act fast now before you lose more money and your right to get what you paid for.

Just ask him one simple question - How is he going to submit application for renovation permit if he has no license? Borrow the license of his sub-contractor? - we know this is not legal.

You will need to put your notice of termination of contract to him via registered mail. If he refuse to refund you, then go to CASE or Small Claims Tribunal. Don't think you have paid him any large amount yet so let's hope he does not need all that trouble and will refund you without much struggle. But hopefully you are able to track him, that he does not disappear. Actually, homeowners should be allowed to take photocopy of the IC of their contractors to prevent "Take $ and Run" situation from happening.

You can read the following on the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and find out more on your rights as a consumer:

http://www.mti.gov.sg/legislation/Documents/app.mti.gov.sg/data/pages/84/doc/frm_LEG_CPFTA_Act_Canc_Reg.pdf

http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;ident=2f20efdd-4881-41b2-9ec7-09f5697e9113;page=0;query=DocId%3A403774c5-3764-4c57-bf79-ceb0a3b5ba5d%20%20Status%3Ainforce%20Depth%3A0;rec=0#pr11-he-.

http://www.case.org.sg/cpfta.html

I find the following link very useful so here's sharing it with you:

http://www.wikihow.com/Terminate-a-Contract

All the best!