We thought if we were to engage an ID to help us to oversee the renovation, it would lessen our load and stress. However, we were proven wrong. We were asked to make a deposit even before the quotation and design was release. We were fine with this at first but realize we should not have done so.
A month later, we consulted with the ID with the design etc, we were surprise, the design was not what we expected and the options for flooring, table top etc, was not extensive. We just made do with what was on offer. The ID brought us to a store at Oxley Bizhub to purchase lighting, kitchen and toilet fixtures and assured us we can get the items we needed there. When we arrived, we were shock that the store did not have any price tag and we were quoted based on the salesperson price. Can you imagine paying $40 for a bidet spray? Only for the spray and not with the other accessories. We found it ridiculous and were very unhappy after that day. We decided to purchase items online which were much much cheaper and work just as well. When we told the ID, he warned us that if we don't get from the store his contractor might not be able to fixed it which is ridiculous and nonsense. We trusted our gut and decided to just purchased it online.
When we started the renovation, our ID seems inexperienced with a resale project. At the start all seem fine. We had some trouble with the permit, but I had to personally chase HDB to get it approved in time. At the start things were done very smoothly. Three, four weeks in, problems started to arise. We had to pay to change the existing pipes to stainless steel pipes. Water also started to leaked through the vinyl flooring. We asked our ID what was going on and the ID assured us that it was fine (but in truth it was not). Puddle of water started forming up and the contractor did not rectify. The ID attitude started to change and he started to push the blame to us for not closing the window, which could be the cause for the leak. But in the end, the leak was from the toilet and not from the window.
We also found a can of beer in our renovation site, we informed the ID to inform the contractor to not drink at the site as respect to us as Muslims. The ID told us off and informed that the contractors did not drink. We were very unhappy regarding this issue, as to us this is an integrity and professional issue.
Ultimately, all this issue could have been solved if the ID would have supervise the project personally and not just let the contractor work without supervision. We only saw the ID when we had to make payment, only two or three times in 8 weeks.
WorkmanshipTiling and carpentry was pretty bad. Tiler choked our bathroom drainage pipe, water started to flow out of the toilet. They had to cut out a new hole. Carpentry was below standard. The carpenters had to change the doors umpteenth times due to bloated doors.
Customer ServiceNot satisfied with the service rendered.
Value for MoneyNot value for money. Expected better.