Hidden Costs

Found a list compiled by some forumer.. might be useful.. heheh
Hidden Cost List Update


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1. Charge for each additional electrical power point



*** Take note each additional electrical power point in the market nowadays is between $60-$70. Pls be ensure 2 way switch installation only costs $40 for lighting and pls ensure that the contractor has indicated everything clearly. This is what I have checked up before agreeing my electrician to go ahead with the work. My electrician did a good job and the price is reasonable.



*** Take note also each installation of new lighting point is between $30-$40, some contractor may quoted more than $50 per point. Also pls do not ask the contractor to disconnect the power point when it has been done, as this also incurred costs and losses.



2. Cost of aircon wiring, re-wiring



*** The cost of aircon wiring and rewiring is always inclusive together with the air con equipment depends on the model you buy. For instance, a standard LG model costs around $1600 with installation. Pls do not be happy with the free gift the contractor provided together with the air con as the free gift is also one of the hidden costs in it. Nothing is free, pls bear in mind.





3. Quotation at time of signing does not included detailed specs of all materials used eg. acceptable price range for floor tiles given budget



**** You must always ask your contractor to state everything as clear as possible. The dimension as well as the type of floor tiles given. This is important. My contractor did that for us and all are quote accordingly.



4. Cost of clearing of debris and haulage



**** As per conversation with HDB council, the standard cost for clearing of debris and haulage is always at the cost of $215 inclusive of GST. Do not be surprised when contractor quote you more than $500 and do not get convinced by them when they told you the reason why it is so expensive. Some contractor will tends to tell you that they have rented a lorry to collect debris, this is not true. The lorry is provided by HDB who will do the clearing up. The contractor only needs to pay them $215 and everything will be done properly. Reason: HDB pay outsiders to do the clearing and this is liaise with the contractor and the HDB third party, when only a single receipt will be given.



HDB bay contractors will tends to quote more in their hauluge fees, pls take note.



5. Renovation permit costs



*** Renovation permit costs is always provided free when the contractor apply to HDB. There is no costs at all. You may check with HDB itself. Last time HDB used to charge around $200 for permit fees but not now. Policy has changed.



6. Cost of chemical wash



*** Pls take note chemical wash also can be called acid wash is between the cost of $95-$150. This done once or twice depends between contractor and owner. This only done after painting and flooring has completed and before the completion of kitchen cabinet.



7. Remember to check all water hole for any cement or sand. Some contractors may just throw the cement onto the pipe, which in the long run will cause leakage. This is important.



8. Cost of gas piping.



The contractor will liaise with City gas contractor for work to be done and this only incurred the cost of $70 per trip. As for the connection of gas piping to the cooker hood will be done separately on another day. The billing of gas piping will be send to your house by the PUB people and not the contractor .



9. Cost of painting.



The cost of painting is between $1100 - $1600. It normally consists of 5 colors Nippon and colors can be selected and adjustable.

Type and brand of paint, no. of coats and no. of colors. ** Shall always make them state clearly what brand, how many coats, how many colour u are choose etc



10. Installation of bathroom accessories & electrical point.



*** This can be negotiable. You can discuss with the contractor to install these items free of charge at your house. When the contractors said they will bring you to the shop to buy bathroom items, do not agree and follow them. This is another way of hidden costs appearing, as contractors may earn commission from there. Take note. The same goes with the lighting points and bulb. Get these items yourself and ask the contractor to install for you.



For bathroom accessories and lighting, you may go to Jalan Besar or Geylang area to get it. Balestier can be considered but not all. Some places in Balestier tends to quote higher.



11. Low price for kitchen cabinets can mean no frills like stainless steel dish racks etc.



12. When hacking walls, make sure contractors include touching up with tiles i.e. on the area that is being left exposed by the wall that is being hacked off.... otherwise some will charge u separately for those tiles.



13. If you are installing instant heater or ceiling fan, contractor will charge you around $60 each. But can be negotiated and get it FOC.



HDB only collect debris fees on behalf of the town council cost won't be more than $250. you can get the print out copy by HDB from your contractor .

The haulage and buying of sand from the appointed contractor ( you can find their contact pasted at the lift lobby for new flats )should be paid by the contractor or the ID firm engaged .

Some contractor or so call " ID " firm will say the haulage fees is home owner should pay ( bout $ 800 or more )Don get CON . all these should be quote inside the contract under the tiling works .

Resale flats Town concil don't charge haulage fees as there is no more haulage contractor appointed by HDB station there .