How to select the suitable interior renovation contractor

Selecting the suitable contractor to carry out the requirements for your property renovation is a decision as important as having a talented architect to construct your office renovation ideas. The contractor is the one to transform your on-paper interior renovation ideas to the real deal. With the right choice of interior contractor, you would be less worried about the overall renovation process and extra-costs incurred. In other words, quality contractor would see your project on schedule and on budget.

In this article, Trends Interior introduces you with some simple steps to help you hire the right contractor for your project.

1. Seek and check references. 

There are two sources of reference you might want to check out: (1) from your acquaintances and directories; and (2) from the contractor’s previous clients.

(1) From acquaintances and directories:

Ask for experience of people you know and trust. If you think that your architect is reliable, you can ask him to introduce you a few of his “favorite” contractors, and sure he would have someone on his hand. Otherwise, talk to other sources such as your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, real estate agents, etc. or whomever you think that have got some similar renovation works done on their properties.

Search within your area for relating professional directories, you are likely to find some well-known contractors around. Then check out their websites, their reviews and their previous work to see if that information aligns with the expectations on your mind. If they are, you should get in touch with them for an initial consultation on their projects status and evaluate their potentials.

Above are the two examples of Singaporean company listings.

Are there recently completed or under-construction projects in your area? Ask the owners about their contractor and the working relationship they have with him or her.

(2) From the contractor’s previous clients:

When you contact each contractor, ask for their list of previous clients. Get in touch with these clients. If they are comfortable with you, you can ask them about their past experience working with that particular contractor. These are the some suggestions on what you may need to know:

• Was the working relationship delightful?
• How did the information exchange go? Did they communicate well enough to get the clients’ idea? 
• Was the contractor fair and honest?
• Did they manage to keep the project’s timeline and cover all requirements within planned budget? 
• Were there unpleasant surprises regarding the process, the workers, the extra-costs, etc.? And how did they handle those issues?
• How was the quality of the final deliverables and follow-up maintenance (if any)?

2. Verify contractors’ business licenses. 

Ask the potential contractors to show you their licenses, and make sure that those documents are valid. If you can, ask to see the contractor’s legitimate pocket license, picture I.D. and also insurance certificate.

The HDB Registered Renovation Contractors' Scheme (RRCS) was introduced to regulate and control the activities of Registered Renovation Contractors (RRCs)

A valid license would indicate that the company is trustworthy and is able to handle their legal issues (if any incurred). This license is also a guarantee on their responsibilities compliance to you. For instance, workers’ compensation insurance falls in the contractors’ responsibility, but if the contractor does not possess a license, he may deny the responsibility of carrying out proper insurance.

3. Check out the portfolio. 

Ask the contractor for their portfolio, go check out some of the completed and under- construction projects that are similar to yours in size and in style. Refer to these following criteria for assessment:

• How do the construction sites look?
• How do the completed projects look? Still prevailing or diminished in quality?
• Does the work carry a warranty, and are problems corrected?

Check out the under construction sites of the potential contractors to see how they process the projects and how they organize the location.

4. Understand the contract. 
After you have selected the contractor of your taste and your plans are already in permit-review, start looking into different contract agreements. Discuss all the terms in the contract. Pay special attention to the costs anticipated and spare about 5% to 8% on additional costs. With good planning and management, these costs can be minimized. Do not sign the contract until you get the permit and finalize all the categories and expected costs.

With decent research and planning at the beginning, you may save thousands of dollars of unexpected costs when your project is under construction.

There are far more reputable, honest and hardworking contractors than there are the slapdash, fly-by-night operations we read about in the news. With proper planning and research, you will find the perfect contractor for your project. Invest the time and remember that spending a few extra dollars in the beginning could save you thousands of dollars in the end.

Ready to get on board with a professional interior designer and contractor firm for your office renovation, shop renovation orfactory renovation? Contact us at +65 9023 4335 for a free initial consultation now!

Read more on Office Renovation!

Source: Trends Interior.