50K Reno From a Main Con - Is It Reasonable?
Hello 🍋! This wasn’t even supposed to be my first post up here on Lemon8 (I’ve got 8 drafts waiting 🥹🤣), but I just wanted to check in with the community and see if our 50K quote from a main-con is actually okay.
We decided to go with a main-con route because, like most people:
1. We already knew the kind of designs and feel we were going for (plus, I’m a designer by day, so it made much more sense to come up with the design ourselves).
2. We’re not going for extravagant designs that require the expertise of an ID.
3. Save cost (most important!).
We met up with this guy whom we got the contact recommended by 2 lovely home accounts on 2 separate occasions (what are the odds!) and they both raved about him. So we decided to reach out. He was actually the only one we contacted 🤭
During our first meeting, everything went great! He offered suggestions we hadn’t thought of and gave input on certain mechanisms (like doors, shower screens, etc.). It definitely added a lot of value, considering his role was just as a main-con.
The quote he provided included some of these big items:
* Overhaul of HDB vinyl and replacing it with tiles (we couldn’t even opt out of this 🙁)
* Overhaul of toilet tiles, addition of half shower screen, half glass partition
* Custom carpentry for living area storage
* Filling up the recessed TV wall
* Kitchen carpentry, backsplash, table top
* Island
* Hacking one side of the study wall
* Provision of sliding glass doors for toilets, service yard, wardrobe
* Smaller master wardrobe carpentry (we’re going to have a bigger wardrobe in the study using IKEA’s Boaxel system, so no carpentry needed there—will share more on this in the future!)
Anyway, for the quote he provided, I admit it does make sense given the scope of work. There are still some aspects up for consideration, and this of course isn’t the finalised quote.
Let me know what you think?
When considering a renovation budget of around $50K for a 5-room BTO flat, several factors come into play beyond just the quoted price. It’s important to evaluate the scope of work carefully. For instance, major renovations like changing flooring from vinyl to tiles, overhauling toilets, installing custom carpentry, and hacking walls can quickly add up in costs. From my experience, opting for a main contractor (main-con) can be cost-effective if you have a clear design vision and want to save on interior designer fees. A main contractor often provides practical suggestions that add value, such as improving door mechanisms or offering efficient layouts. This was a factor in our decision because we had a strong design concept and didn’t require extravagant customizations. Also, when reviewing a quote, consider what is included and what options may be mandatory (for example, in our case, the vinyl floor replacement couldn’t be skipped). Discuss any concerns openly with the contractor to clarify if certain items can be adjusted or omitted to reduce cost. Another key tip is to get multiple quotes if possible. Although we reached out to only one contractor recommended by trusted accounts, comparing different contractors can help confirm if $50K is a standard market price or if you can negotiate better terms. Lastly, keep in mind that budgeting for renovation includes allowances for unforeseen expenses and adjustments during the process. A detailed breakdown of costs helps avoid surprises and ensures you’re getting value for your money. In conclusion, a $50K renovation for a 5-room BTO by a main contractor can be reasonable depending on the renovation scope and quality. Make sure to thoroughly discuss design and materials, seek advice from others who have undergone similar projects, and consider obtaining multiple quotes for confidence in your investment.
Seems pretty ok to me. I got quoted similar as you, similar Reno works I overlay my kitchen and bathroom tiles, hacking half my study wall + custom wardrobe frame. This is excluding electrical but everything else all in about 50k