Action Plan & Resources
Your step-by-step response protocol when things go wrong, plus all emergency contacts and templates.
Your Renovation Protection Action Plan
When things go wrong, swift and correct action makes the difference between recovery and total loss. This is your emergency response protocol.
The 10 Commandments of Renovation Protection
- Never pay more than 20% upfront - No exceptions, no excuses
- CaseTrust contractors only - Your S$30,000 insurance policy
- Everything in writing - WhatsApp counts as legal documentation
- Specify exact models - Brand and model number for everything
- Progressive payments only - Pay for completed work, not promises
- 10% final retention - Your leverage for defects rectification
- Document daily - Photos are your legal evidence
- Variation orders in writing - Verbal agreements don't exist
- Liquidated damages mandatory - S$100/day minimum for delays
- Trust but verify - Check everything, assume nothing
When Things Go Wrong: Response Protocol
Critical items: 0/5
Document issue immediately (photos, descriptions)
CRITICALNotify contractor in writing via WhatsApp/email
CRITICALSet reasonable deadline for response (7 days)
CRITICALIf unresolved, send formal complaint letter
CRITICALWithhold relevant payment if justified
File CASE complaint if no response
CRITICALAttend mediation if offered
Small Claims Tribunal if mediation fails
Consider legal action for large claims
Share experience to warn others
Emergency Contacts
| Organization | Contact | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| CASE Hotline | 6100 0315 | Complaints and mediation |
| Small Claims Tribunal | 6435 5946 | Legal claims up to S$30,000 |
| HDB Branch | 6490 1111 | HDB renovation issues |
| ACRA | 6248 6028 | Company verification |
| Law Society Pro Bono | 6536 0650 | Free legal advice |
| Community Justice Centre | 6557 4100 | Legal clinic |
Online Resources
- ACRA BizFile: bizfile.acra.gov.sg - Verify company registration
- HDB Directory: hdb.gov.sg/directory - Check HDB licensing
- CaseTrust Directory: case.org.sg/casetrust - Verify accreditation
- Small Claims Filing: cjts.judiciary.gov.sg - File claims online
Document Templates Available
RenoTake provides free templates to protect homeowners:
- Formal Complaint Letter Template
- Variation Order Form
- Defects Inspection Checklist
- Payment Schedule Calculator
- Contract Review Checklist
- Daily Site Inspection Form
- Evidence Organization Guide
When to Hire a Lawyer
Legal action should be your last resort, but sometimes it's necessary:
- Claims exceeding S$30,000 SCT limit
- Criminal fraud suspected (forged documents, identity theft)
- Multiple victims identified (class action potential)
- Company assets need freezing
- Complex contractual disputes
- Contractor has substantial assets worth pursuing
Cost Reality Check
Final Words: The Psychology of Protection
The biggest mistake homeowners make isn't choosing the wrong contractor—it's trusting too much and verifying too little. Contractors aren't your friends during renovation; they're business partners with different interests.
Keep it professional, document everything, and never let emotional decisions override contractual protections. Your dream home is absolutely achievable. But dreams without protection become nightmares.
This guide is your protection. Use it. With this knowledge, you have more protection than 95% of homeowners. You're ready.