3 Types of Hidden Renovation Costs
1. 😈 Intentional Exclusions
Bad actors may deliberately exclude items from quotation to make the overall renovation costs look attractive and trick you into signing.
Types of Hidden Cost in Singapore
Examples of intentional exclusion in renovation
| Intentional Exclusions |
|
Necessary charges for transporting materials and debris haulage.
|
|
Hacking permit cost when hacking work is required.
|
|
Mandatory waterproofing costs for wet areas like bathroom or kitchen.
|
|
Compulsory post-renovation cleaning services.
|
|
Quoting a low initial price for tiling and flooring work without specifying details e.g. elaborate tile layout like herringbone will require higher labour costs.
|
💡 How to avoid this? Make sure to compare at least 5 itemised quotations.
2. Genuine Exclusions
Even the most experienced interior designers may unintentionally miss out on tiny details.
Types of Hidden Cost in Singapore
Examples of genuine exclusions in renovation
| Genuine Exclusions |
| Overlooking installation of curtain rods or tracks. |
| Forgetting to account for simple wall-mounted shelving. |
| Missing out to quote for mounting of a basic wall clock. |
| Accidentally omitting power sockets in less conventional areas e.g. balconies or storerooms. |
| Overlooking the cost to add door stoppers for newly installed doors. |
💡 Some renovators may cover genuine exclusions as goodwill services.
What Is Unacceptable?
Exclusions of major costly works e.g. hacking, erecting partition rooms, etc. In such cases, the onus is on the interior designer.
3. Unforeseen Exclusions
Skilled renovators may fail to anticipate certain unforeseen costs, which arises unexpectedly due to factors that couldn’t be identified beforehand.
💡 Be prepared! Have an additional 10 - 20% contingency renovation budget to be sure.
Types of Hidden Cost in Singapore
Examples of unforeseen exclusion in renovation
| Unforeseen Exclusion |
| Discover rockstone textured walls or ceilings after hacking. Plastering cost needed to smooth them. |
| Realising insufficient soundproofing in wall during renovation. Requiring fixes to maintain privacy and quality. |
| Uncovering mold or pest infestations behind walls after demolition, needing immediate treatment. |
| Overlaying flooring raises floor height. Potentially incurring cost for door length adjustment for proper functioning. |
| Older properties may hide leaks that only surface after demolition, leading to unexpected repairs. |
Avoid unfair renovation quotations with hidden cost!
Meet with CaseTrust-accredited renovators who will provide you with detailed itemised quotations with fair and transparent pricing.
