Renovating a home is an exciting step—but in Singapore, many homeowners only realise their mistakes after the renovation is completed.
From unexpected costs to impractical layouts, these renovation regrets often come from decisions made too early or without the right guidance. At Dreamakers Interior, we’ve worked with countless homeowners over the years and many come to us after experiencing renovation frustrations elsewhere.
Here are the most common renovation mistakes Singapore homeowners regret, and how you can avoid them.
1. Choosing Price Over Experience
One of the biggest regrets homeowners share is selecting an ID or renovation contractor based solely on the lowest quote.
While budget is important, unusually low prices often mean:
- Incomplete scope of work
- Lower-grade materials
- Rushed workmanship
- Add-on costs included later in the project
How to avoid it:
Always compare quotations line by line, not just the final price. Most importantly, go through the proposed quotation with your renovation contractor. A transparent quote reflects proper planning—not hidden costs.
2. Over-Designing Without Considering Daily Use
Many homeowners focus heavily on aesthetics or what’s in trend and forget how they actually live in the space.
Common issues include:
- Insufficient storage
- Poor kitchen workflow
- Awkward furniture placement
- Lighting that looks good but doesn’t function well
How to avoid it:
Design should support your everyday lifestyle. Good renovation planning balances visual appeal with practicality (see how we advised our client on practical kitchen design) especially in BTO layouts where space is limited.
3. Ignoring Electrical & Storage Planning Early
Electrical points and storage solutions are often finalised too late, leading to:
- Visible extension cords
- Insufficient charging points
- Cluttered living spaces
These are difficult—and costly—to fix after completion.
How to avoid it:
Plan storage and electrical needs together at the design stage, based on how you use each room day-to-day.
4. Underestimating Renovation Timelines
Some homeowners assume renovations can be rushed, especially when moving dates are fixed.
In reality, delays can happen due to:
- Material lead times
- Coordination between trades
- Design changes or add-ons during the renovation process
How to avoid it:
Work with a team that provides realistic timelines and manages the entire process professionally. Proper scheduling prevents stress and last-minute compromises.
5. Not Clarifying After-Sales Support
Renovation doesn’t end at handover. Small adjustments and fixes are normal after moving in but not all firms provide reliable after-sales support.
How to avoid it:
Before confirming your renovation contractor, ask about warranty coverage and post-handover support. This reflects how confident a firm is in their workmanship.
Renovating Right Starts With the Right Guidance
Most renovation regrets are preventable with proper planning, honest advice, and an experienced team guiding the process.
At Dreamakers Interior, we believe renovation should feel clear, structured, and stress-free. Our role isn’t just to design beautiful homes but to help homeowners make informed decisions they won’t regret.
Planning Your Renovation?
Whether you’re a BTO owner preparing ahead or a resale homeowner ready to renovate, an early non-obligation design consultation helps avoid costly mistakes.
