Daniel and Cheryl were like many first-time homeowners in Singapore, excited, optimistic, and ready to turn their newly purchased flat into their dream home. They started their renovation journey with what they thought was a solid plan: a budget of $25,000, lots of Pinterest inspiration, and a recommendation for a “friendly” contractor from a friend. What could possibly go wrong? Well… almost everything.
The Verbal Quote Trap
During their first consultation, the contractor gave them a ballpark estimate of $20,000. There were no drawings, no written scope, and no real breakdown of what was included. Everything sounded reassuring, but nothing was formally documented. So they proceeded. Demolition started quickly. But shortly after the works began, the couple received their first official quote, and it was already $10,000 over the verbal promise. “We felt trapped,” said Cheryl. “We had already started work and didn’t want to pull out halfway.”
Upsell After Upsell
What followed next is what many homeowners sadly experience, upsells and unexpected “urgent” additions. The contractor told them the electrical wiring wasn’t up to standard, and rewiring would cost an extra $5,000. Then came waterproofing issues, followed by additional carpentry that they “should really consider” for better functionality. Each request made sense at the time, but together, they added up fast, over $12,000 in extras.
The Hidden Costs That Broke the Budget
The couple also faced a series of hidden costs that no one had warned them about:
- HDB permit fees for hacking
- Debris and waste disposal
- Labour costs for installing their own purchased lights and fixtures
- Final painting that was not included
By the time everything was tallied, their renovation had cost them over $38,000, more than 50% above their original plan.
What You Can Learn From This
Renovating your home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Here’s what you can do to avoid what happened to Daniel and Cheryl:
- Always get a written, itemized quote before any work starts.
- Clarify what’s included and what’s not—from painting to plumbing.
- Request samples of materials (laminates, tiles, finishes).
- Ask about the progress payment schedule in advance.
- Compare at least 2–3 quotations to benchmark fairly.
Why Match My Reno Exists
We built Match My Reno because we kept hearing stories like these. Homeowners want a beautiful home—but they also want to feel secure, informed, and confident. Match My Reno helps you get matched with the right interior designer or renovation vendor, based on your budget, needs, and design preferences. We only connect you with verified professionals, and we help you understand quotations and scope clearly, before you commit.
Ready to Renovate with Confidence?
Don’t walk into your renovation blind. Start with a team that will guide and match you right from the start. Submit your renovation request through Match My Reno and get connected to verified, reliable, and style-aligned professionals. Click here to get matched now Or message us directly on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/6587783810
