Consumer watchdog issues warning on 3 related renovation firms after 21 complaints in 5 months

SINGAPORE — The consumer watchdog has issued a warning regarding three related renovation firms after receiving a total of 21 complaints in five months over issues such as unfinished work despite full or partial payment and increased project costs.

In a statement on Wednesday (April 13), the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) advised consumers to research the track record of renovation firms and to avoid making substantial payments upfront.

Case received nine complaints against Sense Construction Werkz, seven against Sense Visual and five against K & L Interior between Nov 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

The consumer watchdog added that records from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority showed that Sense Construction Werkz and K & L Interior share the same director, secretary and registered office address.

Sense Visual has the same contact person and contact details as the other two firms, going by complaints received and contracts signed by consumers.

Most of the complaints against the three firms were about contractors failing to complete home renovation projects according to committed timelines despite customers having paid substantial payments upfront.

Other complaints made against the firms included the firms increasing the project cost without the customer’s consent, mistakes in the renovation, electrical and paint works done and being unresponsive to requests to complete unfinished renovation work or rectify outstanding defects.

There were reports that the companies had asked for advance payment to continue the renovation work, despite not completing the outstanding renovation work according to schedule.

The total contract value of the renovation works that were subject to the complaints amounted to an estimated S$580,000, Case said.

The contractors said that there was a shortage of manpower and staff members contracting Covid-19 as reasons for delays in the work.

Case has since issued warning letters to the three firms and urged them to fulfil their contractual obligations to their customers.

“Case is monitoring the renovation contractors closely and will not hesitate to refer them to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore for further investigation of possible unfair practices under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act,” it added.

Consumers with unresolved disputes may approach Case for assistance by calling its hotline at 97958397 or via its website. Consumers who suspect that the renovation company has committed fraud are advised to file a police report.