Renovating a home is an exciting process—at least, in theory. You start with a vision, hire an HDB registered contractor, and look forward to seeing your space transform. But in reality, things don’t always go as smoothly as planned. Delays happen, costs add up, and miscommunication can lead to frustration. At the same time, contractors have their own challenges, like last-minute changes or payment issues.
With so much that can go wrong, what are the biggest frustrations on both sides? More importantly, how can homeowners and contractors work together to make renovations smoother and less stressful?
Let’s take a closer look.
Common Homeowner Complaints Regarding Contractors
Hiring a government-approved contractor is an important step for homeowners planning renovations in HDB flats in Singapore. While many have positive experiences, some homeowners have shared common concerns about their renovation process, including:
Unsatisfactory Workmanship: When it comes to home renovations, quality and precision really matter. Yet, there are cases where homeowners end up with projects that just don’t meet expectations. Issues like errors that go uncorrected and patchy repairs can leave a home looking unfinished and shoddy. This kind of work can damage the trust in contractors, reminding us why it’s key to hire professionals who pay attention to the details.
Source: Facebook Post
Project Delays: Delays in project completion are a frequent grievance. Contractors may extend timelines beyond the agreed schedule, causing inconvenience and additional costs for homeowners. In one notable case, a homeowner engaged a contractor in July 2021 for renovations expected to be completed in a few months. However, due to numerous delays and defects, the project extended beyond six months, significantly disrupting the homeowner’s plans.
Source: Hardware Zone
Unclear Pricing and Hidden Costs: Buying an HDB flat comes with more costs than just the purchase price, and agent fees can be a major expense. While some buyers report paying around 1%, others have encountered agents charging as much as 3–4%, which many consider excessive given the straightforward HDB resale process. Some buyers opt to DIY the transaction, saving on fees by handling paperwork themselves through HDB’s portal.
Source: Reddit
Poor Communication: When it comes to housing issues, good communication is everything. But many homeowners have shared their frustration over HDB and The Ministry of National Development (MND) taking ages to respond—or worse, not responding at all. Imagine dealing with a ceiling leak for years and getting nowhere despite countless follow-ups. It’s no surprise people feel ignored and frustrated when urgent problems are left unresolved, leading to even bigger headaches down the line.
Source: Facebook Post
Abandonment of Projects: Imagine paying most of your money upfront, only to see your dream renovation turn into a half-finished project, forcing you to hunt for new help and manage mounting expenses. It’s no wonder people feel misled and stressed when their projects are abandoned, turning what should be a smooth upgrade into an ongoing source of inconvenience and worry.
Source: The Straits Times
How to Avoid This
To avoid these problems, take the time to research contractors—check reviews, past projects, and credentials. Always have a clear, written agreement covering costs, timelines, and what happens if things go wrong. Stay in regular contact to track progress and sort out any issues early. Instead of paying a large sum upfront, go for milestone-based payments to keep things on track. Be wary of vague pricing—ask for a detailed breakdown to avoid hidden costs. Most importantly, stick with reputable professionals and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Common Contractor Complaints Regarding Homeowners
Homeowner complaints about renovation projects in Singapore often get a lot of attention, but contractors face their fair share of challenges too. Renovations are a two-way street, and renovation experts sometimes deal with issues that make their jobs harder, including:
Unclear or Changing Project Plans: Homeowners sometimes provide vague instructions or frequently change their renovation requirements. This lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and extra costs when completed work needs to be redone.
Delayed or Withheld Payments: Contractors rely on timely payments to keep projects moving and pay their workers and suppliers. However, some homeowners hold back payments over minor disputes, causing cash flow issues and slowing down progress.
Unrealistic Budget Expectations: Some homeowners expect top-tier finishes and materials without budgeting enough for them. This can lead to disagreements when costs add up, forcing contractors to either compromise on quality or deal with disputes over extra charges.
Excessive Micromanagement: While homeowner involvement is important, too much interference can disrupt workflow. Constant changes or attempts to oversee every detail can slow things down and extend project timelines.
Ignoring HDB Regulations: Some homeowners push for renovations that don’t comply with renovation guidelines, like structural modifications or using non-approved materials. When contractors refuse to do such work, it can lead to disputes and frustration.
Lack of Trust and Poor Communication: A successful renovation relies on good communication and trust. Contractors often struggle when homeowners are overly suspicious or unwilling to listen, making it harder to resolve issues smoothly.
While these challenges don’t always make the headlines like homeowner complaints, they’re well-known in the industry and can make contractor-client relationships difficult.
How to Avoid This
For a smoother renovation experience, homeowners and contractors should focus on clear communication, realistic expectations, and sticking to agreed-upon terms. It’s best to work with a certified HDB renovation specialist and put everything in writing through a detailed contract to prevent misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Renovations can be stressful, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. A little planning, open communication, and clear expectations can go a long way in making the process smoother for both homeowners and renovation professionals. When both sides work together and understand each other’s challenges, renovations become less about frustration and more about creating a home you’ll love.
