Know What You’re Paying For in Renovation

Know What You’re Paying For | Singapore Renovation Cost Comparison by Rinnovate

Renovating your home in Singapore can be exciting but also overwhelming. Many homeowners struggle to understand why renovation quotations vary so much. Some pay premium rates to interior design (ID) firms for a full-service experience, while others prefer working with direct contractors for better cost control.

Both options are common in Singapore’s renovation scene, but they differ greatly in structure, transparency, and overall value. This article explains what you’re really paying for and why engaging Rinnovate’s network of direct contractors can deliver high-quality results at fair, transparent prices.

Contractors vs Interior Designers: Understanding the Price Gap

Direct Contractors

Direct contractors in Singapore focus on the essentials such as construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and finishes. Their quotations usually reflect actual labor and material costs with minimal markups.

By working directly with contractors, you eliminate unnecessary middleman layers, which keeps costs lean. However, homeowners must make design decisions, coordinate scheduling, and oversee progress. With Rinnovate’s project management support, you can enjoy the same cost savings without the stress of managing the entire renovation alone.

Interior Design Firms

Interior design (ID) firms offer concept planning, 3D design, and turnkey services. While convenient, these firms typically include multiple markups in their pricing to cover design fees, profit margins, and subcontractor coordination.

According to Singapore renovation platform Qanvast, an ID firm’s total quotation can be 10% to 100% higher than a direct contractor’s for similar work. For example, if a contractor charges S$50,000, an ID may charge between S$55,000 and S$100,000.

You are essentially paying extra for creative direction and hands-off management, but not necessarily for better quality. With Rinnovate, homeowners gain both professional oversight and transparent cost control, bridging the gap between ID firms and contractors.

Hidden Markups You Should Watch Out For

One major issue in Singapore’s renovation industry is non-transparent pricing. Many homeowners are unaware that ID firms often mark up every component of their project.

These hidden markups can include:

• Subcontractor services such as carpentry, painting, or tiling billed with added profit margins

• Material sourcing where tiles, lighting, and fittings are sold above supplier cost

• Furniture and appliances with additional markups

As noted by StackedHomes, an ID could negotiate a 10% discount from a subcontractor, then mark it up by 20%, earning a 30% profit on that task. These costs are rarely visible in your quotation.

By contrast, Rinnovate’s direct contractor model gives homeowners full transparency. You see exactly where your money goes, with itemized breakdowns for materials, labor, and project management. No hidden fees, no inflated pricing, only honest costs and milestone-based payments.

Consumer Safeguards in Singapore

To protect homeowners, Singapore’s renovation industry promotes CaseTrust and HDB licensing standards.

Homeowners should:

• Engage HDB-licensed contractors for regulated works

• Look for CaseTrust-accredited firms for added security

• Avoid paying more than 20% upfront, as reputable contractors like those on Rinnovate’s platform use milestone-based payments to reduce risk

• Demand written, itemized quotations with clear scope and timelines

Rinnovate simplifies this process by connecting you only with pre-vetted, licensed contractors who adhere to Singapore’s regulatory standards and transparent pricing practices.

When Paying More Isn’t Worth It

Whether a higher renovation price is justified depends on your needs.

Hire an ID firm if you want a fully managed design service and are willing to pay a premium for convenience.
Engage a direct contractor if you want to control your renovation budget and focus on value-for-money results.

With Rinnovate, homeowners enjoy the best of both worlds: cost savings from direct contractor pricing and professional project management to ensure quality delivery from start to finish. This balance makes it a smarter, safer, and more economical choice for Singapore homeowners.

Final Thoughts: Transparency Equals Value

In Singapore’s renovation market, many homeowners unknowingly overpay due to hidden markups and bundled fees. Understanding what you are paying for is the first step toward achieving real value.

Interior design firms often include higher markups for coordination and profit. Direct contractors, on the other hand, charge for actual work done and materials used.

At Rinnovate, we make renovation pricing transparent, efficient, and risk-free. Homeowners can skip inflated design fees, compare real contractor quotes, and enjoy guided project management every step of the way.

Ready to find out what your renovation should really cost?
Contact Rinnovate today to get transparent quotations from verified contractors in Singapore and start your renovation with confidence today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does a home renovation cost in Singapore?

The cost of a home renovation in Singapore varies depending on property type, size, and scope of work. On average, HDB flat renovations range from S$30,000 to S$70,000, while condominiums can range between S$40,000 and S$100,000.
Working directly with contractors through Rinnovate often helps homeowners save 10% to 30% compared to interior design firms, as you avoid hidden markups and inflated coordination fees.

2. Why do interior design (ID) firms charge more than contractors?

Interior design firms in Singapore charge more because their quotations include design consultancy, 3D rendering, and project coordination. However, most ID firms subcontract the actual renovation work to direct contractors and apply a markup of 10% to 100%.
Homeowners essentially pay for convenience and design direction, not necessarily for better workmanship or material quality.

3. What are the advantages of hiring a direct contractor in Singapore?

Engaging a direct contractor allows homeowners to:

• Save costs by avoiding middleman markups

• Get transparent, itemized quotations

• Directly choose materials and finishes

• Have better control over the renovation budget and timeline
  Through Rinnovate, you still enjoy professional project management to coordinate works, ensuring that your renovation is cost-efficient and stress-free.

4. How can I tell if a renovation quotation is fair?

A fair renovation quotation should include:

• Detailed breakdowns for each trade (carpentry, electrical, plumbing, etc.)

• Clear material specifications and quantities

• Labor cost transparency

• Defined payment milestones and completion timeline
  Avoid vague “package” quotations with lump-sum prices. Rinnovate helps homeowners compare verified contractor quotes so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

5. Are direct contractors reliable in Singapore?

Yes, as long as they are HDB-licensed and CaseTrust-accredited, direct contractors are just as reliable as ID firms.
Rinnovate only partners with vetted, licensed contractors who comply with Singapore’s renovation regulations and provide milestone-based payment schedules to protect homeowners from financial risk.

6. How can Rinnovate help homeowners save on renovation costs?

Rinnovate connects homeowners directly with verified contractors, cutting out ID firm markups while maintaining quality control. You get:

• Transparent, itemized pricing

• Professional project management support

• Milestone-based payments for peace of mind
  This approach allows Singapore homeowners to achieve their dream homes without overpaying or dealing with non-transparent pricing.