CASE reports 25% rise in Complaints against Renovation Contractors

CASE reports 25% rise in Complaints against Renovation Contractors

I just stumbled across another news article from Channel News Asia, titled "CASE reports 25% rise in complaints against renovation contractors".

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What to do if your Renovation really goes wrong?

Despite your very best efforts and good intentions, I am sure there are times when things still go wrong. Sad but true. :(

So what should you do then?


1. Access the Impact

First of all, access the impact of the mistake with your Interior Designer (ID) or Contractor immediately. Find out whether does the mistake impact the renovation schedule and cost. The longer you wait, the more costly the mistake will be.

2. Perform Rectification Works

After that, find out what rectification works can be done to rectify the problem.


3. Set a Deadline

By setting a deadline, it allows for both parties to come together at a date and review the resolution together.

4. Review Proposal and revise Contract

Review the proposal with the ID and Contractor and revise the Contract and document the impact and rectification works

However, during the course of problem resolution disagreements may surface. Unfortunately when that happens, you should the following, in order of importance to prevent WWIII from erupting:

1. Withhold Payment until Dispute is Resolved


Never pay the ID or Contractor until the situation has been resolved.


2. Resolve with the ID or Contractor directly

Obviously this is the least costly method.


3. Keep a record of all Conversations and Communications

Keeping a book record helps to keep track of what is agreed and decisions made.


4. Take photos of your Concerns

Photos servers as undisputed proofs of unsuitable workmanship, materials etc.


5. File complaints with the Relevant Authorities

Contact the Renovation and Decoration Advisory Center (RADAC) or Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for advise.


6. Find an Attorney

As the last resort, speak to a lawyer when a mutual resolution can’t be reached. However, this will be rather costly and time consuming.

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Council for Estate Agencies (CEA)

Some of you may be new to CEA, which is a newly established statutory board under the Ministry of National Development in Oct 2010.


CEA is empowered to administer the new regulatory framework for the real estate agency industry.
 
It aims to raise the professionalism of the real estate agency industry through collaborative efforts with the industry on industry development programmes and protect the interests of the consumers through targeted public education schemes.
 
I have extracted the following most relevant information from CEA for easiler reading. :)

Consumer Resource

(1) Consumer Guide

Consumer Tips for Engaging a Real Estate Salesperson" is CEA's first educational brochure that provides introductory information and practical tips to consumers who wish to engage the services of real estate salespersons in property transactions. The guide is part of CEA's public outreach efforts to equip consumers with essential knowledge that would help them experience a smooth property transaction. Please click here to download the consumer guide.

(2) Public Seminars/Talks  

CEA participates in public educational seminars/talks organised by our partners:  

• HDB - Monthly Resale Seminars
• CPF Board - "Buying Your Next Home" Talk
• CASE - "Considerations for the Purchase of a New Home" Consumer Seminar.

 (3) Advisory for Consumers

A 53-year-old man who is believed to be involved in at least two cases of rental scams was arrested by the Police in October 2011. Please see media release issued by the Police.  

You are advised to:-   

• Verify the identity of your salesperson using the Public Register
• Respond only to advertisements that provide the salesperson's details and registration number
• Report to CEA if you encounter any persons who are carrying out estate agency work but who are not listed on the Public Register.

(4) Reference Information  

• For information on registered salespersons and licensed estate agents, please check Public Register
• For information on engaging the services of a real estate salesperson, view presentation slides here
• For information on buying, selling, renting and financing of HDB flats, please visit the HDB InfoWEB.
• For information on purchase of private residential properties, please visit the URA website.

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