The 3 main types of Renovators are Interior Designers, Main Contractors, and Sub-Contractors.
Interior Designers v.s. Main Contractors
Interior Designers (ID) provides a one-stop solution of designing, providing detailed advice, and coordinating your renovation work.
Main Contractors will only perform renovation works based on your instructions.
Should I hire an Interior Designer or Main Contractor?
Unless you’re confident in your space planning and designing skills, we strongly encourage you to work with an Interior Designer.
The detailed advice that IDs provide can include material selection, pros and cons of different renovation features, cost-saving tips etc.
Main Contractors v.s. Sub-Contractors
Both Interior Designers and Main Contractors play the role of the project manager by coordinating your renovation – they then hire multiple Sub-Contractors to execute the works.
Examples of Sub-Contractors: carpenters, tilers, plumbers, electricians, painters etc.
Should I hire Sub-Contractors myself?
Don’t be pennywise but pound foolish; A misstep can result in extra costs due to rectification works.
If you’re performing a major renovation, we highly recommend working with IDs or Main Contractors unless:
1) You have the time and expertise to coordinate the renovation yourself
2) You're super confident with the technicality and sequencing of the renovation process
Warning: Most Sub-contractors aren't service oriented and may get impatient if you're unclear or fickle. In fact, most of them prefer to work directly with Interior Designers and Main Contractors as they are able to provide firmer directions. In their defence, there's literally no benefits with working directly with homeowners since they won't earn more or gain lots of referrals.
How much more does an Interior Designer cost?
Renovation Costs Interior Designer and Renovation Contractor Mark-ups in Singapore
Reasonable Renovator Mark-ups:
| Renovator Type |
Reasonable Mark-up |
| Interior Designer |
~10 - 25% |
| Main Contractor |
~5 - 10% |
| Sub-Contractor |
Little to none |
Looking to meet Renovators? We can help you get it right the first time 👇
Nobody Around Us Could Recommend a Good ID
It was almost like they didn’t exist - so we started our search on Google. HomeMatch came across as a no brainer for us to try because of their case trust accredited IDs, clear outline of their services and the fact that they came at no cost to us. The communication with HomeMatch were always swift, clear and helpful. From our online form, they called and clarified our needs then set about to match us with five IDs. We were able to view their profiles, portfolios and video snippets which were handy when it came to comparing meeting them in person whether they were authentic. Four of the five IDs contacted us swiftly and met with us twice - the first time to understand our requirements and floor plan and the second time to propose layout and itemized quotation. Same went for the fifth ID who was a later match because the initial match was not able to meet us. HomeMatch really came through with promptly replacing the initial recommendation such that the replacement ID was able to meet us the very next day. We were able to select an ID from the five based on all our interactions and although the process from contacting HomeMatch to signing with ID took 2 months it would have taken even longer had we tried to source IDs from the wild. HomeMatch services didn’t end with us signing the contract. HomeMatch reviewed our contract and advised us of its pros and shortcomings. They also provided critical tips that will help make our renovation journey a successful one. Although our Reno work have not begun we know that clear communication works best and we can always count on HomeMatch should we need them again.
Sit Back — Your Renovation’s in Safe Hands
No more worries. HomeMatch will recommend you trusted & suitable renovators, check your contract, and protect 100% of your deposits!
Recommend Me!Nobody Around Us Could Recommend a Good ID
It was almost like they didn’t exist - so we started our search on Google. HomeMatch came across as a no brainer for us to try because of their case trust accredited IDs, clear outline of their services and the fact that they came at no cost to us. The communication with HomeMatch were always swift, clear and helpful. From our online form, they called and clarified our needs then set about to match us with five IDs. We were able to view their profiles, portfolios and video snippets which were handy when it came to comparing meeting them in person whether they were authentic. Four of the five IDs contacted us swiftly and met with us twice - the first time to understand our requirements and floor plan and the second time to propose layout and itemized quotation. Same went for the fifth ID who was a later match because the initial match was not able to meet us. HomeMatch really came through with promptly replacing the initial recommendation such that the replacement ID was able to meet us the very next day. We were able to select an ID from the five based on all our interactions and although the process from contacting HomeMatch to signing with ID took 2 months it would have taken even longer had we tried to source IDs from the wild. HomeMatch services didn’t end with us signing the contract. HomeMatch reviewed our contract and advised us of its pros and shortcomings. They also provided critical tips that will help make our renovation journey a successful one. Although our Reno work have not begun we know that clear communication works best and we can always count on HomeMatch should we need them again.
Sit Back — Your Renovation’s in Safe Hands
No more worries. HomeMatch will recommend you trusted & suitable renovators, check your contract, and protect 100% of your deposits!
Recommend Me!
