If you’re new to renovation quotes, buckle up — because there’s a lot to unpack here. What are some checks and red flags to look out for in a renovation quotation?

This is a modified version of a quote sent to us by a homeowner from another ID firm (we tweaked it so we don’t get sued), but honestly, it has so many red flags that we can learn from.

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1. Missing Dimensions

First off, under “Dimensions” in the header, there’s nothing. Nothing.

With no dimensions written, how are we supposed to know if this $1.6k is for 1 foot of work? Or for 20 feet?

Dimensions are critical for carpentry works.

Without any length stated, they can easily turn around later and say, “Oh, we meant 4 feet only”, which is a pretty common way to up-charge homeowners.

2. Height Trickery

Next, we spotted, they did include the height — 8 feet.

8 feet is standard for HDBs and some condos, but here’s the catch: full height doesn’t stop at 8 feet.

For some homes, ceilings can go up to 10 or even 12 feet. So by capping the quote at 8 feet, they can make the price look “cheaper” upfront and tell you to top up afterwards, quoting that your “ceiling is higher”.

Sneaky right? But technically, it’s “written” there.

3. Inconsistent Carpentry Lines

Here’s where it gets juicier. For the next carpentry line, they actually gave you a length (6 feet).

So why couldn’t they state the length earlier?

And wait, look at this extra line below: “Price based on minimum 4 feet length.”

Let us explain the implications of this.

For small carpentry works, carpenters charge IDs a lump sum because the effort to make the carpentry is still there. So by setting a minimum length, the ID is protecting themselves from having to pay that lump sum, in the event you (owner) decide to make something smaller.

4. Suspiciously High Price

Now let’s talk money.

Kitchen cabinets, which are the most basic, commonly quoted item, are listed at $260 per foot run (top) + $260 per foot run (bottom). Total? $520 per foot run.

There’s only one type of carpenter or firm that charges this price, and that’s the 10/10 flawless workmanship group. To the normal homeowner, you can’t tell the difference between a 8/10 or a 10/10 workmanship. Hence, this group is rarely used (think landed houses or architectural showflats).

In reality, the more common price range sits between $300–$380 per foot run.

The reason we are sure the given quotation is not the above carpentry group is due to point 5 below.

So no, we’re not being harsh here. This price is simply a massive red flag.

5. The “Charity” Discounts

Here’s how we triple confirmed that this quotation is dodgy. Look at the final two lines:

“$3,000 GST waived”
“$5,000 complimentary discount”

Since when did IDs become so philanthropic? You’re telling us they’re casually giving away $8,000 in discounts?!

It is more likely that these “discounts” are there to trick you into thinking you’re getting a deal when, in reality, they’ve already inflated the prices elsewhere.

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The Bottom Line

If you ever see a quotation like this, run.

Missing details, inconsistent measurements, capped heights, sky-high prices, and “charity discounts” are all signs of a quotation designed to confuse you and make it harder for you to compare costs.

Renovations aren’t cheap, so don’t let anyone take you for a ride. Always check the details, ask questions, and if something smells fishy, trust your gut.

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