We bought a 5-room resale flat and would like to do up the whole house with about $40k budget. Our intention is to change everything new, and not too much into fancy design. We only asked for quotes from 2 ID firms in our neighbourhood (Woodlands). We have 2 young kids so we want to choose a company that is near so that it is easier for us to meet up, also from our understanding, neighbourhood ID firms quote cheaper.
So, we have decided which firm to engage from the 2 we got a quote from. This firm is cheaper by $2-3k (quote $42.5k), but only provides 2D hand sketches, no 3D drawing (although available at additional cost - $80/drawing). The ID guy addresses himself as a contractor, but he will design, suggest color and oversee the whole project. We saw 2 of his project houses and also brought him to our new house. Basically, he is an experienced "contractor" who is capable of simple design. We are comfortable with his work attitude, workmanship and quality of materials, and decided to sign up today.
Today, I met him at his office, and told him we are ready to sign up. He asks if we want to consider signing up with him under another a different company. His current Woodlands company gives us $840 discount, and he said the boss of the other company in Red Hill (IN-LOOKZ PTE LTD) can give $1k discount and they have a designer there. The main advantage, according to him is that the Red Hill company gives better "support" in that there is a designer and they provide 3D drawings for free. The additional discount ($160) is not a big draw to us, but the designer and 3D seem attractive. He says he will use the same "workers" even if we sign up under the different company, and workmanship is the same. He also says it is normal for a contractor to work for multiple companies and they can even work on their own.
Our concern is we are not sure if there is any hidden catch (maybe he earns more commission there, or the quality will be compromised by using some cheaper alternatives that we do not know, or whether the Red Hill company is financially stable). To be fair, we also think maybe he is genuine in giving us the advice, maybe the designer can indeed help the project. Has anyone encountered situation like this before? What are the things we should look out for?
Appreciate your comments. Thanks.
