Why do I only get 3D drawings after signing of contract instead of before?

It wasn’t always like this.

There are always 3 documents before the renovation works commenced - (i) a quotation (ii) a 2D layout plan (iii) a 3D drawing of the proposed plan.

Sample 2D proposal (Source: Deconstruct)

Sample 3D proposal (Source: Deconstruct)

In your parent’s era, you used to get all 3 documents before u signed the renovation contract with the firm.

This allows homeowners to have a full view of what they are getting before they commit.

Fast forward a few many years later, you only get the quotation and 2d layout proposal, without the 3d drawings, before you commit to the firm. Only in a few extraordinary scenario will you get the 3d drawings before committing.

The reason for this? Abuse. Or rather, the fear of abuse.

Over the years, homeowners have become “smarter”. With the 3d drawings and their design settled, they go around asking other IDs or contractors if they can do the same for a lower price. And of course, many will say yes. At most, they earn a little lesser.

As a result, the ID that has spent countless of hours conceptualising and drawing the 3d look out the house ends up with nothing. Over time, as this become more common, the IDs, understandably, refuse to put in the additional hours just to let someone else take the fruits of his/her labour.

That being said, we are seeing a “semi-perfect” solution, where the design-centric IDs charge a small fee for their drawings. In the event that the customer chooses not to engage, at least they are not left with nothing. If the customer does engage, this fee might even be net off from the eventual quotation, resulting in a win-win scenario.

However, all in all, will we ever go back to the previous “ideal” renovation process? Unlikely, as we have opened this pandora’s box.

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