A recent report by CNA Today on 13 June has sparked a public outcry after detailing cases of homeowners losing tens of thousands of dollars to rogue renovation contractors and unlicensed interior designers.
Victims shared experiences of companies defaulting on agreements or becoming unreachable after collecting large prepayments.
These cases spotlight the persistent problem of renovation fraud in Singapore, a leading source of consumer grievances in recent years.
Netizens have since urged authorities to introduce stricter regulations for the interior design and renovation industry.
Homeowners recount heavy losses and failed follow-ups
One affected homeowner, Wong Noorina May, a homemaker, paid S$45,000 to Icon Design & Build Consultants in 2023 to renovate her resale flat.
Reassured by its listing on Renopedia and her cousin’s positive experience, Wong proceeded with the engagement.
Although initial updates showed some progress, communication ceased by May 2023. The office was later found vacated.
Wong filed a police report and lodged a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), but authorities cited insufficient evidence to classify the incident as fraud.
Another case involved musician Jeremiah Lim, who claimed to have lost more than S$100,000 to Studio Kalasan.
Despite signing repayment agreements following the cancellation of his contract, the company allegedly defaulted.
Lim resorted to hiring debt collectors and eventually filed bankruptcy proceedings against co-founder Tursina Bte Dhashahrudin.
Tursina acknowledged poor business decisions and told CNA Today on 13 June that S$24,000 had been repaid to Lim. She added that she was undergoing personal bankruptcy.
Lim later countered these claims via a Facebook post, stating that the repayments were partial and inconsistent and that the accused had opened new ventures while avoiding outstanding debts.
Lim described the ordeal as emotionally and financially draining.
He emphasised that the group of affected clients sought only repayment and agreed rental compensation, disputing any suggestion of overreach.
Tursina—also known as Nina or Moya—and her partner, Izzan Zaharuddin, have also been named in other accusations.
Businesses linked to them, including House of Garis, Fieldhouse, and The Spillover Project, have reportedly been associated with multiple allegations involving scams, mismanagement, unpaid debts, delayed salaries, and misleading contracts.
Escalating complaints and limits of legal options
CASE reported receiving 962 complaints related to renovation contractors in 2024, with consumer losses totalling S$728,000.
A staggering 97% of these complaints involved firms without CaseTrust accreditation.
Legal options remain limited for victims. The Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) only covers disputes under S$20,000, leaving higher-value cases in a legal grey zone—too costly for civil court but too large for SCT resolution.
As a result, many affected homeowners abandon attempts at legal recourse.
However, some have succeeded.
Entrepreneur Shasha Malik managed to claim a partial refund through SCT by thoroughly documenting damages and contract breaches.
Others, like a client affected by the closure of Love Nest bridal studio, secured refunds via credit card chargebacks after proving non-delivery of services.
Online voices call for government action and systemic change
Following CNA Today’s report, netizens on Facebook expressed frustration over repeated incidents of renovation fraud.
Many proposed that the government should step in to regulate the industry more closely.
Some comments suggested establishing an escrow system managed by the authorities, releasing payments to contractors only upon verified completion of work.
Others proposed a professional regulatory board, the Singapore Accredited Contractors Association, made up of licensed engineering and construction professionals.
Another idea floated was the formation of a Construction Design Build Industry Ombudsman to hear and mediate industry disputes.
Netizens demand tighter oversight and qualification standards for renovation industry
Some highlighted how some companies outsourcing work without proper quality checks, while others criticised the current model where homeowners pay in advance, arguing that payment should only be made upon satisfactory delivery.
They also urged the government to enforce qualification standards, as many so-called designers lack proper credentials or portfolios, resulting in poor workmanship and financial loss for consumers.
Broader concerns in the renovation industry
Several netizens highlighted broader concerns surrounding the renovation industry in Singapore, particularly the high costs involved and the lack of adequate consumer protection.
Some recounted frustrating experiences with dispute resolution, noting that avenues like CASE and the Small Claims Tribunal often yield little outcome.
Others criticised the limitations of progressive payment schemes, as firms typically demand upfront payments, placing homeowners at a disadvantage.
Additionally, there were strong calls to regulate the industry more stringently, with many pointing out how unlicensed
CaseTrust and SIDAS outline protective measures and upcoming campaigns
According to CNA Today, Melvin Yong, President of CASE and MP for Radin Mas Single Member Constituency, stressed that all consumers should patronise CaseTrust-accredited renovation firms.
He stated that prepayment losses have been “entirely attributed” to companies lacking such accreditation.
He highlighted that accredited firms adhere to CASE’s consumer-centric practices, including progressive payment schedules, deposit protection, and mandatory mediation in case of disputes.
“Setting up a renovation company in Singapore does not require a licence,” Yong noted.
“The ease of creating and dissolving such businesses makes it difficult for consumers to recover their monies from non-CaseTrust-accredited firms.”
Yong also revealed that CASE has urged the Housing and Development Board (HDB) to require CaseTrust accreditation as a condition for listing in its directory of renovation contractors. This move would provide an added layer of protection for HDB homeowners, who form the majority of property owners in Singapore.
The Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS) echoed this call. A SIDAS spokesperson said the scheme serves as a benchmark for professionalism, accrediting designers based on their qualifications, experience, and ethical standards.
SIDAS also offers a formal grievance process for disputes with accredited designers. “To support more informed decision-making,” the spokesperson added, “we will be launching public education campaigns in Q3 and Q4 of 2025 to raise awareness of interior designers’ responsibilities and empower consumers to make confident choices.”
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