Many of us spend months poring over moodboards and interior inspo, but when it comes to hiring an interior designer, the decision’s often made after just a couple of meetings. Maybe you clicked with them, the quote looked good, and then boom, the contract’s signed. Sometimes you get lucky and the reno goes smoothly. But sometimes, making one mistake during the hiring stage can result in a big headache down the road. Here are five commonly overlooked ID hiring mistakes homeowners often make and our tips on how to avoid them.<h3>1. Hiring your ID solely based on price</h3>Okay, I know it’s tempting to pick the ID with the lowest quote, especially when renovation budgets already feel sky-high. But a cheap quote can sometimes conceal expensive surprises later.Homeowners often compare quotes by that final sum at the bottom, but it’s important to read between the lines. Some IDs quote vaguely to win the contract first. They use broad terms that don’t specify materials, fittings or finishes. You’ll only find out later that Blum hinges cost extra, or that the “kitchen carpentry” listed didn’t include your shaker-style cabinet design. And then there’s the dreaded “TBC” pricing, which can end up costing an arm and a leg.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1280;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/183a32e6-4557-4c58-a66e-4bb6b15bbb0a-blob" width="1920" height="1280"></figure>Renonation.sg’s Tips: Always ask for full breakdowns as much as possible before signing the contract. This way, it will give you a proper apple-to-apple comparison between the different IDs you’ve met as well. Never accept verbal agreements and get every promise in writing. If something feels unclear, ask for an explanation before you sign.CaseTrust-accredited firms are required to use a standardised, transparent contract vetted by CASE. It’s designed to prevent vague pricing, unfair refund terms, and other hidden traps, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.&nbsp;<h3>2. Choosing your ID based entirely on their portfolio</h3>We’re visual creatures, and a beautiful portfolio can be seductive. While it’s important to like your ID’s design style, a nice Instagram page tells you nothing about how they manage timelines, budgets or site work.Having creative chemistry is great, but project discipline is what keeps your reno on track. You’ll want someone who can manage schedules, contractors and permit applications responsibly, and not just one who designs a pretty moodboard.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1732/1155;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/bf99c2ad-d329-4310-9268-3d35ff6cd811-blob" width="1732" height="1155"></figure>Renonation.sg’s Tips: At the first meeting, communicate your budget and non-negotiables clearly. Ask about their workflow. How often do they update you? How do they handle changes? Pay attention to documentation habits too. Did they follow up when they said they would? Did they note down discussions accurately before preparing the quote?CaseTrust-accredited firms are audited for service processes and dispute-handling frameworks. That means they’re required to keep proper documentation, maintain accountability, and manage changes transparently. These may all sound unglamorous, but they are crucial stuff that you don’t see in a portfolio.&nbsp;<h3>3. Relying on reviews alone</h3>Many of us rely too heavily on online reviews, assuming five stars mean great work. But reviews can be misleading. Some are incentivised or even fake. A wall of glowing praise can be just as suspicious as a few bad ones.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1100;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/ea9df60e-5d4f-4f39-b3a3-362c17ff8818-blob" width="1920" height="1100"></figure>Renonation.sg’s Tips: Don’t just scroll Google. You’ll want to cross-check across multiple platforms like Facebook groups, Telegram chats, forums, or interior design portals (like Renonation.sg, where reviews are vetted against actual contracts.) You’ll often find uncensored discussions that give a more balanced view.Focus on detailed reviews that mention communication, project handling, and how issues were resolved. Take blanket compliments with a pinch of salt, and note how IDs respond to criticism. Reviews are a great starting point, but they really aren’t the full picture.&nbsp;<h3>4. Paying a big deposit before any work begins</h3>This one’s more common than people realise, especially when IDs frame it as “standard practice.” Some homeowners hand over 30 to 50% deposits upfront, thinking it’s normal. But that’s risky. If the ID disappears or fails to deliver, that chunk of money’s likely gone and with little legal recourse unless you’re protected.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1280;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/010c54fe-8a47-455f-87ba-69b7427eb0c2-blob" width="1920" height="1280"></figure>Renonation.sg’s Tips: A safer benchmark is to stick with firms that keep deposits around 10–15%, with the rest tied to project milestones (e.g. after carpentry, after tiling, etc.).CaseTrust-accredited firms follow a strict three-stage payment scheme and offer deposit protection insurance, meaning your deposit is safeguarded even if the firm closes down mid-project.&nbsp;<h3>5. Forgetting to check the aftercare warranty</h3>Most of us think the renovation handover means your renovation is done and dusted. But it’s really just the start of real-world testing. A few weeks in, and your laminate may start to peel, there’s water seepage and there are misaligned drawers. At this stage, maybe your ID starts to ghost you and you realised there’s actually no warranty policy to protect you.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1280;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b77b594a-5bbe-416b-8dd7-37a0d1069bcd-blob" width="1920" height="1280"></figure>Renonation.sg’s Tips: Before hiring your ID, check what your warranty covers, how long it lasts and how claims are made. Make sure it’s all clearly stated in the contract. Look for firms with structured after-sales support, not vague verbal promises.CaseTrust-accredited firms must provide clear warranty policies and handle rectifications within set timelines. It ensures you don’t have to chase your ID endlessly for defects they’re responsible for.This post was brought to you by CaseTrust.&nbsp;

5 ID Hiring Mistakes to Avoid

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