A fair payment schedule helps protect you from unnecessary upfront payments and puts more power in your hands.
Payment Schedule Rule-of-Thumbs
Progressive Payments
Check if your ID is proposing a payment schedule that is made progressively so that you only pay what is essential at each major renovation milestone.
Avoid Huge Upfront Deposits
In general, you should never pay more than 20% in upfront deposits before work starts for major renovations that are progressive in nature.
Exceptions: An upfront deposit of more than 20% might be reasonable for minor renovations e.g. kitchen cabinets only.
Negotiate for a withholding payment
Ensure that final a 5-10% of payment is withheld till satisfactory completion for all works. This will incentivise your renovator to complete rectification works and perform pre-handover checks promptly.
Important: Please keep in mind that while withholding payment can give you leverage over your renovator, we urge homeowners to exercise fairness. Reciprocity plays a role – treating your renovator with respect will ensure their willingness to assist with post-sales services and future rectifications, even long after the project's completion.
Example of a proper payment schedule
Renovation Payment Schedule
Example of Renovation Payment Schedule with Progressive Payment
| Amount |
Milestone |
| 15% |
Deposit upon signing renovation contract |
| 25% |
Upon commencement of renovation |
| 25% |
Upon commencement of masonry works |
| 30% |
Upon commencement of carpentry works |
| 5% |
Withheld till satisfactory completion and rectifications of all works |
CaseTrust-accredited Renovators are required to propose a fair payment schedule
Renovators with the CaseTrust mark undergo rigorous assessment which verifies that it has good business practices.
Working with Renovators with the CaseTrust mark ensures that you’re protected before, during, and after the renovation.
You can check if a Renovator is CaseTrust-accredited here.
