Renovating your home is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking, especially with the horror stories of renovation scams in Singapore. While most interior designers are legit professionals, a few bad eggs can turn your dream home into a costly nightmare. In this article, we'll show you ways to avoid getting scammed by an interior designer.&nbsp;<h3>Scan socials and snoop through reviews</h3>One of the easiest ways to suss out an interior design firm these days? Social media. It's often your first peek into who they are and what they are about. You can scroll through their portfolio, get a feel for their design style, and even see how they respond to public comments and DMs. A well-maintained account also shows they are active and invested—something scammers usually aren't.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1128/1340;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b57dc6cf-f696-47b2-b199-65f3b4f86361-blob" width="1128" height="1340"></figure>Yang's Inspiration Design's social media feedOnline reviews are your next stop. If a firm has no reviews or barely any online presence, that could mean they're brand new—or purposely flying under the radar. Maybe they've scrubbed negative feedback, or maybe they're dodging accountability. Either way, it's worth digging deeper before committing.And don't just rely on one platform when reading reviews. Cross-check reviews on Google, Facebook, forums like Reddit or HardwareZone, Telegram groups, and renovation platforms. For instance, Renonation.sg verifies quotations and contracts before posting reviews, so you know those are vetted once through at least.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1113;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/dcf39720-5001-4127-bb97-db700fdb8be2-blob" width="1920" height="1113"></figure>Screen grab of an interior design firm's reviews on Renonation.sg&nbsp;Start with the one-star reviews. Are they due to serious issues like delays, ghosting, or poor workmanship? Or just the occasional fussy customer? Reviews can be fake though, as there are services where businesses can buy reviews at a cost. Some IDs also provide incentives to homeowners that provide them with a “genuine” review.How to spot fakes then? If the five-star ones all sound eerily alike without too much depth on the services, that's something to be wary of. This does not just apply to reviews seen on the interior designers individual portfolios or websites, but also to similar renovation portals like us.&nbsp;Also, look at how the firm responds to negative feedback. A calm, professional reply (even to a rant) says a lot about how they handle conflict. If a bad review is followed by a suspicious flood of positive ones, that might be an attempt to bury it.Bottom line: reviews and socials are more than just marketing, they are tools to help you spot red flags early. A bit of online sleuthing could save you thousands later.&nbsp;<h3>Double check their creds</h3>You've seen some IDs flash badges like CaseTrust, RCMA, HDB-licensed, or SIDAS-accredited. These accreditations are meant to give you an extra layer of security. Let's break down what they actually mean.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/898;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/203c12ab-8696-440e-8cb8-b02407e4ec80-blob" width="1920" height="898"></figure>Screengrab of CaseTrust's website&nbsp;CaseTrust and CaseTrust-RCMA accreditations both involve audits covering business policies, transparent pricing, proper documentation, and dispute resolution procedures. They also require firms to purchase a deposit performance bond—protection if the company shuts down mid-reno. They are required to use the CaseTrust Standard Renovation Contract, which spells out payment milestones, warranties, and clear obligations on both sides.You can search for CaseTrust or CaseTrust-RCMA businesses <a href="https://casetrustapplication.azurewebsites.net/Home/casetrustlist">here</a> (just type “renovation” in the search bar).If you’re renovating an HDB flat, your contractor must be HDB-licensed. That is, they have to be listed in HDB's <a href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BN31AWERRCMobile/BN31PListingContractor.jsp">Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC)</a>). These firms are supposed to follow HDB's safety and structural guidelines. But note that licensing doesn't guarantee quality—it just means the firm meets basic criteria like being in the business for at least 3 years (1 year if they are also CaseTrust-accredited). You can also check their demerit points on the DRC site to see if they've racked up any penalties.Then there's BCA registration, which applies to firms carrying out actual renovation or construction work under specific categories. For interior firms, look for them under the <a href="https://www1.bca.gov.sg/bca-directory/registered-contractors/construction-related?workhead=CR06&amp;grading=All">Interior Decoration &amp; Finishing Works</a> category. They are graded from L1 (entry-level) to L6 (top-tier) based on things like financial standing, project history and staff qualifications. The higher the grade, the more stringent the checks.SIDAS is the newest scheme in town. It ranks individual designers based on experience and education. A Class One designer, for example, has either a degree and 5+ years of experience, or at least 8 years of proven work. Once accredited, designers have to keep their skills sharp by attending workshops, trainings, and seminars regularly. You can search for SIDAS-accredited designers <a href="https://sidac.org.sg/">here</a>.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1151;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/02b23c7b-320a-4e5c-9ce5-575b5691af76-blob" width="1920" height="1151"></figure>Screengrab of SIDAC's website&nbsp;Now, while all this sounds solid, none of these accreditations are foolproof. Most are based on paid memberships. As long as firms follow the rules and don't rack up complaints, they get to keep their badges. So yes, credentials help weed out the shady players, but they are not a golden ticket.&nbsp;Pro tip: double-check that the company name on your contract matches exactly with the name listed in the accreditation directories. Some firms create “sister companies” under similar names, and only one might be certified.&nbsp;<h3>Shop around and compare different designers</h3>Don't settle on the first ID you meet—this isn't Tinder. Get quotes from at least three firms. That way, you get a better feel for the range of styles, prices and personalities out there.When you meet just one designer, you are only getting one version of what your home could look like. But with more consults, you'l start spotting what's reasonable versus what's overpriced, and who really listens to your needs versus who's just pushing a sales package.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/800;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/0f07af54-6d04-4d70-a18c-e1b708134bf1-blob" width="1200" height="800"></figure>Get a greater sense of what's out there by shopping aroundPay attention to their presentation style. Are they asking smart questions or just breezing through a sales pitch? Are their quotations clear and detailed, or vague and filled with generic terms?Also, a bonus of seeing multiple IDs? You’ll also get fresh ideas. One ID might propose a layout tweak or storage hack you never considered. Even if you don't pick them, you leave the process with a sharper vision for what you home can be.&nbsp;Tips to get the most out of these meetings? Bring the same floor plan and reno brief to every firm for a fair comparison. Ask about project timelines, payment schedules, and scope, and not just the aesthetics! You'll also want to take notes, especially when things get a bit technical. Don't be afraid to question vague estimates or bundled packages.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1824/1216;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/2bf9c041-fefe-4595-a3b8-6f7d04caf6c4-blob" width="1824" height="1216"></figure>A floor plan will definitely make discussions easier&nbsp;If you want an easy way to get started, you can reach out to us at Renonation.sg. Since 2012, we've helped thousands of homeowners (like yourself!) connect with up to five carefully matched interior design firms—each one screened based on their credibility, design expertise, and compatibility with your&nbsp; style and budget. You can even specify if you are looking for firms that are HDB-licensed, CaseTrust, SIDAS, or BCA accredited. Just fill in <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">this form</a> and we'll take care of the rest—no obligations, just options.&nbsp;<h3>Look closely at your renovation contract</h3>Once you've narrowed down your top pick, don't rush to sign. The contract is where things can go sideways if you aren't careful.Compare not just the final price but what's included. A $50k quote might sound better than $65k—until you realise the cheaper one uses lower-grade materials and doesn't include plumbing, electrical works or even soft-closing hinges.Vague or generic quotations are a red flag. If the quote just says “carpentry works – $8,000” without details like dimensions, material, brand of material, or hardware options, there are a lot of wiggle room that can be used against you later. Small things like ABS trimming for inner shelves, the choice between open shelves or drawers, or even soft-closing mechanisms might be conveniently left out and later chalked up as “extras.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1280;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/80c679fc-ee84-4373-907c-30f8b80f6892-blob" width="1920" height="1280"></figure>Interior design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/indoor-art-studio">Indoor Art Studio&nbsp;</a>As for payment terms, don't cough up everything upfront. A fair structure usually starts with a 10–25% deposit. CaseTrust-accredited firms cap this at 20%. The rest should be tied to milestones, like after tiling is done or carpentry installed. That way, if work stalls, your money isn't all gone.Managing director Louis Chia from Awesome Creation recommends a four-stage payment plan:<ol><li>Deposit</li><li>Upon materials purchase and labour mobilisation</li><li>Specific midway milestone (e.g. tiling or M&amp;E completion)</li><li>Final payment only after the whole project is completed</li></ol>And if something's agreed upon verbally, make sure you get it in writing. No exceptions.Lastly, do some research on typical reno rates. If a quote feels suspiciously cheap, be wary. Or you might be in for a rude shock when the add-ons start rolling in.&nbsp;<blockquote>Want to compare different quotations with ease? You've come to the right place. Just fill out the form <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">here</a> and we'll connect you with up to 5 recommended interior design firms that'll fit your needs.&nbsp;</blockquote>&nbsp;<h3>Drop by the site often</h3>Once reno works start, try not to ghost your own project. Make it a point to check in weekly—or at least every other week. It's not about breathing down your ID's neck, but about making sure the workmanship holds up, the materials match what you picked, and nothing fishy's going on. Catching issues early saves time, money and heartache.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1440/1800;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/8c244ffb-f26e-4c72-969b-a30c2217eded-blob" width="1440" height="1800"></figure>Image courtesy of Studio AbbyWhen you're on-site, keep an eye on the quality of work, not just the progress. Are the tiles aligned properly or laid out according to your desired tile pattern? Is the carpentry sleek and precise? Are the materials being used the same ones you picked out in the showroom? Are the outlets in the right locations?&nbsp;Take photos or videos during each visit. They are useful for documentation and helpful if disputes arise. If something seems off, flag it to your ID immediately, and follow up in writing (email, text, WhatsApp). Make sure your ID documents the changes and provides you with new change orders.&nbsp;Your presence also reminds your ID and contractors that you are keeping tabs, which helps keep them accountable. Just don't overdo it. You are there to check—not to hover.&nbsp;<h3>Finally, trust your instincts</h3>You can research, compare, review, and scrutinise—but sometimes, the biggest checker is your gut.Watch out for pushy sales tactics—like pressuring you to sign on the spot with “limited time promos” or dangling massive discounts that feel too good to be true. That sense of urgency is often meant to cloud your judgment. Also be wary of designers who overpromise or say “yes” to everything without asking questions. That's really not a sign of amazing service, it could just mean they don't fully understand what they're committing to. A good designer won’t just nod along—they'll advise, push back when needed, and make sure your decisions make sense for your space and budget.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/720;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/f64a0b39-0693-4606-9d64-8c7a389c98e3-blob" width="1080" height="720"></figure>A good designer knows when to say ‘no’&nbsp;Yes, it's tempting to go with someone who seems really nice or whose firm has a good rep—but remember, you're working with a person, not just a brand. Even top firms can have inexperienced or overworked IDs on their roster. Watch for signs like slow replies, vague answers, missed follow-ups, or showing up late to meetings. These little things can signal bigger issues down the line.At the end of the day, you want someone who's not just talented, but also communicative, dependable, and honest. Renovating your home is a big deal. The last thing you want is to second-guess your ID after the work has started.

How to Avoid Getting Scammed by an Interior Designer

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