S’pore interior designers share 6 things to know before you start home renovations

Your new house is almost ready, and you’re just months away from getting the keys.

Having a space to call your own is no longer a faraway reality.

But if you’ve been reading the headlines, you’d know that home renovation in Singapore can be a minefield.

How do you go from a bare unit to a dream home without turning your home renovation journey into a nightmare?

Well, interior designers (IDs) from six firms have some tips to share.

Here’s what they wished homeowners knew before they leapt into things (handy checklist at the end, I promise).

Know what you want (& what you don’t)

You don’t need to have your entire home mapped out from day one, but showing up with some idea of what you like helps a lot.

Think mood boards, Pinterest folders or reference photos.

What’s more important? Know your non-negotiables and be clear about details like your budget and needs.

The folks at Ovon Design suggest asking yourself, “How long do I plan to stay in this home?”

“The answer to that question can help guide priorities such as your budget, choice of material, and even how bold or safe you go with your design,” they said.

For example, if you’re only planning to stay in a home for three to five years, you might want to go with clean, timeless choices that appeal to future buyers.

However, if it’s a home you’ll be staying in long-term, customising it to fit your lifestyle would be well worth the investment.

Beyond aesthetics, it’s about livability

It’s not just about looking pretty, but about knowing how your home design can make your life better.

Here’s how IDs at Flo Design put it:

“Too often, people chase trends from Pinterest or Instagram without considering practicality. Do they cook often, work from home, or need more storage? Renovation should be about improving your quality of life, not just achieving a ‘showroom’ look.”

The team suggests adopting a zen-like approach to figure out what your needs are – notice what frustrates you and think about what brings you ease.

After all, the best kind of homes are the ones that tailor the best to your needs.

Scrimp, but not on the important stuff

A strong building rests on a solid foundation, and this is also true for the interior design of your home.

Carpentry, electrical works, and plumbing are foundational and should not be scrimped on. These should take priority over spending on cosmetic fittings and finishings.

“Poor workmanship in these areas can result in expensive repairs or dangerous situations down the road,” the IDs at U-Home Interior Design pointed out.

The IDs added it might be tempting to splurge on fancy finishes or designer fittings, but “solid bones matter most”.

Folks at Yang’s Inspiration Design had another reminder: “The lowest quotation does not necessarily guarantee the lowest overall cost for your renovation. If one designer's bid is significantly lower than the others, it may indicate underlying issues that should be considered.”

Hiring contractors yourself = cheaper?

We get the temptation — sourcing your own contractors seems like a way to save.

But hiring your own subcontractors may not always be cheaper than going with an ID as the team at Yang’s Inspiration Design cautioned.

Put it simply, each contractor still needs to earn a profit, and so do subcontractors. These margins can quickly add up.

On the other hand, ID firms consolidate all tasks, and may lead to more competitive overall costs.

At Jesigns Interior Design, their advice is that finding a reliable company that is transparent on pricing is the most important.

Stay safe out there

We know it can all feel like a lot, especially when all of these aren’t exactly small amounts.

That’s why when it comes to payment, the IDs at Quad.R Design suggest homeowners request a detailed breakdown of each payment milestone, clearly laying out deliverables at each payment due date.

“Most importantly, avoid large upfront sums,” the IDs shared.

Not all that glitters is gold

Often, the way the IDs interact with you can also clue you in to their trustworthiness.

“A reliable ID will listen carefully, offer realistic suggestions, and provide a detailed quotation with itemised costs,” the team at Flo Design pointed out.

IDs at U-Home Interior Design echoed the same. “A reliable ID won't pressure you into making fast decisions or paying large sums upfront without documentation,” their team added.

A verified portfolio can be a good indicator of the quality of service you can expect from an ID firm.

Another source of verification are online reviews on websites such as Qanvast, IDs at Quad.R Design mentioned.

Only contact firms that are accredited with CaseTrust, HDB, or Qanvast SuperTrust.

Having such accreditations is a sign that the firm meets industry standards for reliability and transparency.

IDs you can trust with Qanvast

Here’s what the IDs shared, distilled into six brief points:

• Prepare a list of your needs and wants prior to meeting with IDs.
• Mood boards, reference photos, and a list of your budget, needs, and non-negotiables will be helpful.
• Don’t just chase trends. Know what you want out of your home. Balance practicality with aesthetics.
• Never pay large sums upfront without documentation. Agree on a timeline with your ID and tag deliverables to payment dates.
• Meet with several ID firms before committing to anything. Reliable IDs are often reactive and receptive to your feedback.
• Research ID firms by viewing their portfolio and reading reviews online.

If it’s of any help, with Qanvast, you can easily source reliable ID firms that suit your needs.

While you figure out the mood board, budget, and vision for your home, let Qanvast do the heavy lifting when it comes to finding reliable ID firms.

For an even greater peace of mind, look out for these 37 firms with the SuperTrust badge.

First launched in 2016, the Qanvast SuperTrust badge serves as an indicator of quality and reliability for IDs in Singapore.

It’s only awarded to the top-rated firms on Qanvast, based on multiple factors, including reviews from homeowners.

Not sure where to start? Fill up this form and Qanvast will match you to the best SuperTrust firms that’ll suit your budget and design requirements for free.

This sponsored article made the writer think about his dream home.

Top image via Ovon Design and U-Home Interior Design on Qanvast