Our Reno Process

[macuser77 1]

Hi,

we're planning to do a renovation for our Pasir Ris 5I flat.

My wife and I had been told that contractors quote approximately 30% lower than those cut-and-paste "IDs" (not the professional IDs though).

After browsing through the T-blog, we realised that it is pointless paying a premium for most IDs for their typical kind of design, when contractors (especially Mr.K) can do a much better job.

Our search for the ideal ID / contractor is frustrating, and we have even approached a professional ID who quoted us $20k for design fee.

Anyway, is the 30% price difference true ?

Thanks in advance.

[angmoh 0]

In my opinion, I.D was paid to

1) give you some ideas on the home design, space planning

2) coordinate contractors, make sure everything is in order

I think their pricing is about 10-20% higher than general contractors.

[Pesadelo 0]

Contractors also not "Bao" everything one.. we've gone through some, his own workers etc can do tiling, hacking etc but carpentry, electrical works he also outsource one, so he also earn a portion from it, no different from ID. Perhaps tiling part a bit cheaper, that's all.

Still.. to me end of the day things get done best by 1 co-ordinator. I've done a mistake to sub my door/window out, end up i've to make calls here and here to co-ordinate between my ID and the window contractor and when there's issue, lagi sianz...he wait for him, he wait for him to finish this 1st etc...

[macuser77 1]

Thank you both

It is indeed a very frustrating journey....we have met possibly 8 and unfortunately have not met "the one".

If this continues, we may just go down the contractor route...Doesnt make sense to pay a premium for "designs" when we have a pretty clear idea of what we want.

SIGH!!

[DavidPoon 0]

Thank you both

It is indeed a very frustrating journey....we have met possibly 8 and unfortunately have not met "the one".

If this continues, we may just go down the contractor route...Doesnt make sense to pay a premium for "designs" when we have a pretty clear idea of what we want.

SIGH!!

there are good responsible contractors, there are bad irresponsible contractors. same for IDs. there are good responsible and bad irresponsible ones.

if you know exactly what you want, get a contractor. they will do what you want. if you want to make your home fabulous, get a designer. they can suggest improvements to your idea.

usually designers has access to a wider spectrum of design ideas and material selection. regardless, get a reputable renovation company, reputation takes time to build and effort to maintain.

Edited October 18, 2012 by DavidPoon