Hiring a renovation contractor or interior designer in Singapore: HDB DRC, CaseTrust and payment milestones
For an HDB flat, renovation works must be carried out by a contractor listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC), and some works need an HDB permit first; condo renovations need management (MCST) approval under the by-laws. Many homeowners also look for CaseTrust accreditation for renovation businesses, which includes standards on contracts and deposit protection. Get an itemised quotation and written contract, and tie payments to completed stages rather than paying most of the cost upfront.
Last updated 13 November 2026 · 🧰 Services rankings →
Interior designer or contractor?
An interior designer (ID) firm handles design, drawings and project management and usually engages contractors for the trades. A renovation contractor carries out the works directly and may offer simpler design help. Either way, the company doing works in an HDB flat must be HDB-registered. Browse our ranked interior design and renovation firms; for structural or A&A works on landed homes see architects.
Registrations to check
- HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors: required for renovation works in HDB flats. Check the contractor's listing on the HDB website; the contractor typically applies for any permits needed.
- HDB renovation permits and guidelines: some works (for example, hacking walls or changing flooring in certain areas) need a permit, and some are not allowed at all. HDB also sets permitted working hours and bars noisy works on Sundays and public holidays.
- CaseTrust accreditation: a scheme by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) for businesses that meet standards on fair practices; the renovation scheme includes requirements around contracts and deposit protection. Check the business on the CaseTrust website.
- Condo MCST approval: condo managements set their own renovation rules, deposits and hours.
- Licensed electricians, plumbers and gas workers: electrical, sanitary and gas works must be done by appropriately licensed workers.
Quotations and contracts
- Ask for an itemised quotation with materials, brands, dimensions and quantities, so quotes from different firms can be compared line by line.
- Agree on a written contract covering scope, timeline, payment schedule, variation orders, defects liability period and warranties.
- Record any changes as signed variation orders with prices before the work is done.
Staging payments
A common approach is a modest deposit on signing, then progress payments as each stage is completed and inspected (for example after hacking and masonry, after carpentry installation, and at handover), with a final portion held until defects are rectified. Avoid paying most of the contract value before work starts. CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses have requirements on deposit protection; ask how yours is protected.
If a dispute arises, CASE offers mediation and the Small Claims Tribunals hear claims up to a set limit.
FAQ
Does my renovation contractor need to be HDB-registered?
Yes, for renovation works in an HDB flat the contractor must be listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors. You can search the directory on the HDB website.
What is CaseTrust for renovation?
CaseTrust is an accreditation scheme run by the Consumers Association of Singapore for businesses that commit to fair trading practices. Its renovation scheme includes standards on contracts and deposit protection; check a firm's status on casetrust.org.sg.
How much deposit should I pay a renovation contractor?
There is no single legal rule for private contracts, but paying a small deposit and staging the rest against completed work reduces your risk. Ask CaseTrust-accredited firms how deposits are protected.
What renovation hours are allowed in HDB flats?
HDB sets permitted renovation hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with tighter hours for noisy works and no works on Sundays and public holidays. Check the current rules on hdb.gov.sg.
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Sources
Editorial guide by Best Singapore. Not legal, financial or medical advice; check the sources for current rules and figures.