How do you check if a contractor is legitimate?

How to check a company UEN on Bizfile

Bizfile is the portal of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA). ACRA says its Entity search lets you check basic information about registered entities, such as their live status and registered address. An ACRA check takes these steps:

1. Open the Entity search. On Bizfile, select the Entity tab.
2. Enter the name or UEN. Type the business name or UEN.
3. Set the UEN filter. To search by UEN, choose "UEN (including previous UEN)" under the keyword match type filter.
4. Open the profile. Click More information to view the entity profile.
5. Compare the details. Check that the status is live and the registered address matches your quote and invoice.

What a UEN does and does not tell you

A UEN and a live status show that the business is registered with ACRA. No official source says registration proves a licence, skill or a good track record. When you verify a contractor in Singapore, treat registration and licensing as two separate checks.

Also check that the company on the quote is the same entity that will invoice you. If the names or UENs differ, ask which business you are contracting with before you pay a deposit.

Match the licence to the job

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) says electrical work at home should be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). EMA says electrical work in an HDB flat needs a Licensed Electrician, the class of LEW approved for loads of up to 45kVA. You can search licensed workers on EMA's ELISE portal; see what work needs an LEW.

PUB says all regulated water service and sanitary plumbing works must be done by PUB Licensed Plumbers, except the simple plumbing works a handyman may do. Since 2018 it has been an offence to engage a plumber not licensed by PUB for regulated works. Find Licensed Plumbers through PUB's listings or your Town Council, and see what needs a licensed plumber.

City Energy says gas installation work, such as work on gas pipes and gas appliances, may only be carried out by City Energy or a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW), and that EMA keeps the list of LGSWs.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) says replacing windows needs an approved window contractor and a trained window installer. HDB says you need a DRC contractor for all renovations in your flat, and a BCA approved window contractor listed with HDB for windows; HDB's e-Service lets you search both. Some works also need an HDB permit; see HDB renovation permits.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) says businesses doing domestic cleaning at a private residence do not need a cleaning business licence, so there is no NEA licence to ask a home cleaner for.

GST and the price you are quoted

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) says only GST-registered businesses may charge GST, and it has an e-Service to check registration. GST-registered businesses should display final, GST-inclusive prices and may not quote prices without GST. So if a quote adds GST, look the company up on the IRAS e-Service before you pay. The price itself depends on the job, so compare quotes for the same scope.

Red flags before you pay

• The name or UEN on the quote does not match Bizfile, or the status is not live.
• No licence for regulated work, which EMA, PUB and BCA rules require for electrical work, regulated plumbing and window replacement.
• An HDB renovation contractor not listed in the DRC, which HDB requires.
• GST charged by a business that is not GST-registered on the IRAS e-Service.
• A quote that is not itemised; see how to compare quotes.

HDB also notes that the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) keeps a Company Alert List of businesses that have had complaints lodged against them.

When to walk away or get help

Walk away if a company will not give its UEN, or licence details for regulated work. For regulated jobs, you can start from licensed electricians and licensed plumbers, then run the same checks on the company you pick.

If you cannot settle a disagreement on pricing, schedule or quality privately, HDB says you can seek help from CASE, the Singapore Mediation Centre or the Small Claims Tribunal, or go to court. If a dispute arises, CASE explains your options.

Questions