Should you hire an interior designer or a contractor?

Interior designer vs contractor: the short answer

Hire an interior design (ID) firm if you want a full renovation or a new layout and would rather hand over the planning and coordination. Hire a renovation contractor directly if the scope is already clear, such as repairs or partial works, and you are happy to make the decisions and keep the work on schedule yourself.

A designer firm usually produces the design and 3D plans, then coordinates the trades. A contractor usually builds what you specify, so you need to know the layout, materials and finishes before you ask for quotes.

These are general patterns, so ask each firm what its service includes. In an HDB flat, both routes must meet the same contractor rule below.

The HDB rule both must meet

HDB says you need to engage a contractor listed in the DRC for all renovations in your flat (HDB: application for a renovation permit). You authorise your renovation contractor to submit an electronic renovation application on your behalf, with an acknowledgement form signed by you.

If you hire a design firm, ask whether the firm itself is listed in the DRC or which listed contractor will carry out the work in your flat. Get the answer in writing before you sign.

HDB notes that DRC contractors are aware of its requirements and of protecting the building's structural integrity, but it does not endorse or vouch for the quality of their works (HDB: looking for renovation contractors). A listing is a requirement, not a mark of quality. Look at past projects and ask for references as well.

How each one charges

Designer firms often fold the design and project management into one package, with the building work inside it. Contractors usually quote by item or by area for the work you describe. So when you ask an interior designer or contractor for a price, the two totals may not cover the same things.

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) published a guide on fair trading practices for the renovation industry in 2022. It says quotes should be accurate, clear and itemised, with mandatory charges stated at the outset, and that contract changes should be made only with your express agreement (CCCS guide on fair trading practices).

Ask a designer firm to break its package into items, so you can see what design and management add, and ask a contractor to list every item and area it has priced. Then line the quotes up side by side with the quote comparison tool.

Deposits and payment stages

In the same CCCS release, the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) advises you to research the firm's credibility and track record, insist on a written contract that says how delays are handled, negotiate the deposit as low as possible and pay progressively by project milestones (CCCS release with CASE's advice). It also advises photographing defects and making sure they are fixed before you make full payment.

The same release states that CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses must use the CaseTrust Standard Renovation Contract and protect deposits with a deposit performance bond (CCCS). If a firm says it is CaseTrust-accredited, ask how your deposit will be protected.

Use the same milestone approach with a designer firm or a contractor: tie each payment to a stage you can see, such as hacking done, carpentry installed or final handover. The guide to a renovation payment schedule covers how to set the stages.

Which to choose

The renovation contractor vs ID decision usually follows the size of the job.

A new BTO full renovation

A designer firm is often the simpler route here. You get a layout, 3D plans and one firm coordinating carpentry, electrical works and finishes. Work through the pre-renovation checklist before you meet firms, so you know what to ask.

Replacing a kitchen in a resale flat

The scope is clear, so a contractor quoting by item can work well once you have chosen the cabinets, finishes and appliances. Confirm the contractor's DRC listing first, as above.

Repairs only

For a loose cabinet hinge, a door that sticks or similar small fixes, a handyman is often enough. See handyman or contractor for where the line sits.

If things go wrong

Your renovation contract is a private agreement, and HDB is not privy to it. If you cannot settle a disagreement privately, HDB says you can seek help from CASE, the Singapore Mediation Centre or the Small Claims Tribunals, or go to court (HDB: looking for renovation contractors). The guide on a dispute with a contractor covers what to do next.

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