How to Tell If a Renovation Quote Is Overpriced (and What’s Fair)

When you start collecting renovation quotes, one thing becomes clear pretty quickly: the numbers are all over the place.

One renovator quotes $45K. Another quotes $70K. A third quotes $55K all for what seems like the same work on your 4-room flat.

It's confusing. And it's completely normal to wonder: "Which one is actually fair? Am I being overcharged?"

Here's the truth: quote variation isn't necessarily a sign that someone's trying to overcharge you. More often, it's because different renovators are quoting different things even if it doesn't look that way at first.

Let me explain why this happens, and how to compare quotes in a way that actually makes sense.

Why Renovation Quotes Vary So Much

Renovation isn't like buying a fixed product. It involves dozens of variables, and small differences in assumptions create big differences in price.

Here are the main reasons quotes vary:

1. Different Scope Assumptions

Even when you brief the same requirements to multiple renovators, they might interpret your needs differently:

• One assumes full rewiring; another assumes partial

• One includes hacking old tiles; another assumes overlay

• One plans for ceiling works; another doesn't mention it

• One factors in painting; another lists it as an "add-on"

  
  

This isn't dishonesty, it's just different interpretations of what your project needs based on their experience and assumptions.

2. Different Material Specifications

"Carpentry" or "countertops" can mean very different things:

• Laminate vs solid wood cabinets

• Quartz vs marble countertops

• Standard vs premium hardware (hinges, drawer slides)

• Local vs imported tiles

  
  

One renovator might quote standard materials to keep costs down. Another might assume you want premium finishes. Unless the quote specifies exact materials and brands, you're comparing different quality levels.

💡 Not sure what your budget can realistically cover?

Try our [Renovation Cost Calculator] see what different price ranges include for your property type.

3. Different Levels of Service

Are you comparing:

• A contractor (execution only) vs an interior designer (planning + execution)?

• A budget-tier renovator vs a boutique firm?

• Someone who provides basic oversight vs full project management?

These aren't the same service level, so they won't have the same price.

From what we've seen across thousands of projects:

• Budget-tier renovators typically add 15–20% margin

• Mid-tier interior designers typically add 20–25% margin

• Boutique interior designers typically add 25%+ margin

  
  

This isn't markup for no reason it reflects different levels of design service, project management, and business overhead.

4. Labour and Compliance Costs

Labour costs vary based on:

• Property type - Condos with 9am–5pm work restrictions cost more (lower efficiency)

• Project complexity - Custom carpentry requires more skilled labour than standard packages

• Timeline - Rushed projects cost more due to overtime and coordination pressure

• Compliance requirements - HDB permits, BCA approvals, MCST submissions all add cost

  
  

5. What's Included vs "Extra"

Some quotes look lower because they exclude things you'll likely need:

• Electrical works listed separately

• Painting as an add-on

• Hacking not included

• Carpentry quoted per piece (so final cost unclear)

These items appear later as "extras" and often cost more than if they were included upfront.

🎨 Want to see what's actually possible in your space?

Try our free AI 3D Render Tool.

What to Look For in Renovation Quotes

Instead of trying to spot "overpriced" quotes, focus on understanding what you're actually comparing. Here's what makes quotes easier to evaluate:

1. Clear Itemization

A good quote breaks down:

• Hacking and demolition (if applicable)

• Masonry and tiling

• Carpentry (with specifications)

• Electrical works (number of points, type of fittings)

• Plumbing

• Painting and finishing

• Project management fees (if applicable)

  
  

When everything is itemized, you can see:

• What's included vs excluded

• Where the bulk of the cost is going

• Whether you're comparing similar scopes

  
  

2. Specific Material Details

Vague descriptions like "premium finish" or "high-quality material" don't help you compare.

Better quotes specify:

• Brand names or equivalent standards

• Material types (laminate, solid surface, quartz, marble)

• Hardware quality (Hafele, Blum, or standard)

• Tile specifications and quantities

  
  

This lets you compare apples to apples.

3. Realistic Timeline

The timeline should match the scope:

• Full 4-room renovation: typically 8-12 weeks

• Kitchen and 2 bathrooms: 6-8 weeks

• Minor works: 2-4 weeks

  
  

If someone promises much faster completion, ask how you might be sacrificing quality or coordination. If it's much longer, ask why.

4. Warranty Coverage

At minimum, CaseTrust-accredited firms provide 12-month workmanship warranty.

This matters because:

• Defects sometimes only appear after you move in

• Without warranty, you pay to fix issues yourself

• Warranty signals confidence in workmanship

How to Actually Compare Quotes

Here's a practical approach:

Step 1: Check if You're Comparing the Same Scope

Before looking at price, verify:

• Is hacking included or excluded?

• What's the carpentry scope (linear feet, number of pieces)?

• Are electrical points the same across quotes?

• Is painting included?

• What about project management?

If the scopes are different, the prices won't be comparable.

Step 2: Understand Quality Differences

Ask specifically:

• What materials are you using?

• What brands for hardware and fittings?

• What's included in carpentry (soft-close hinges, drawer organizers)?

• What tile quality and origin?

Sometimes higher quotes reflect genuinely better materials which might be worth it, depending on your priorities.

Step 3: Look at Industry Benchmarks

For 2026 in Singapore, realistic full renovation ranges are approximately:

HDB 4-Room:

• BTO: $40,300 – $62,300

• Resale: $55,700 – $80,400

  
  

HDB 5-Room:

• BTO: $44,700 – $69,800

• Resale: $64,300 – $92,600

  
  

3-Bedroom Condo:

• New: $32,200 – $68,500

• Resale: $60,400 – $84,100

  
  

If a quote is significantly outside these ranges (either higher OR lower), ask why.

Step 4: Meet 3–5 Renovators

From what we've seen, 3–5 quotes gives you:

• Enough perspective to understand realistic pricing

• Pattern recognition (what's standard vs unusual)

• Options without overwhelming yourself

  
  

Less than 3, you risk not knowing if pricing is fair.More than 8, you're just exhausting yourself comparing.

When "Cheap" Quotes Cost More

Here's something important: the lowest quote isn't always the best value.

We've seen homeowners choose the cheapest quote, only to discover:

1. Missing items appear as "extras"Initial quote: $35KFinal cost after add-ons: $52K

   
   

2. Lower quality materials than expected"Standard carpentry" turned out to be particleboard, not plywood

   
   

3. Poor workmanship requiring fixesNo warranty meant paying another contractor to fix issues

   
   

4. Timeline delays due to coordination problemsSingle-trade contractors didn't coordinate, causing months of delays

   
   

The goal isn't to find the cheapest quote, it's to find fair pricing for the scope and quality you actually need.

When Higher Quotes Make Sense

Sometimes higher quotes reflect genuine value:

• Better materials - Solid wood vs laminate, premium tiles vs standard

• More comprehensive scope - Includes items others listed as extras

• Project management - Saves you time coordinating trades

• Design services - Layout planning, 3D visualization, material guidance

• Stronger warranties - 12+ months vs no warranty

• Experience with your property type - Familiar with HDB permits or condo MCST requirements

If a quote is higher but includes these things, it might be worth it depending on what you value.

How Network Helps You Compare Fairly

We redesigned the process so you're comparing actual scope, not just numbers:

1. You Brief Once, We Match Based on Fit

Instead of repeating yourself to 10 different renovators, you tell us about your project once.

We connect you with 3–5 verified renovators who:

• Have experience with your property type

• Work within your budget range

• Match your design style and needs

  
  

2. Everyone Quotes the Same Scope

Because we brief all renovators on your actual requirements, their quotes are based on the same understanding, not different assumptions.

This makes comparison meaningful.

3. You Get Context to Decide

We help you understand:

• What typical pricing looks like for your project

• Where cost differences come from

• What quality levels different quotes represent

  
  

You're not just picking a number, you're making an informed decision.

4. You're Protected When You Proceed

When you move forward with a renovator through Network, you're automatically covered by complimentary renovation insurance (up to $10K) through Singlife.

This covers fire, flood, theft, damage to your renovation work, and temporary accommodation if needed.

Why does this matter?

Renovators who are confident in their work are comfortable being accountable. Coverage represents reliability, not just protection.

Coverage via Singlife. 14-day waiting period applies. Terms and conditions apply.

Final Takeaway

Quote variation is normal, it doesn't automatically mean someone's overcharging you.

More often, it means:

• Different scope assumptions

• Different material specifications

• Different service levels

• Different inclusions vs exclusions

  
  

The smartest approach isn't to hunt for the lowest number. It's to understand what you're actually comparing, then choose based on fair value for the scope and quality you need.

👉 Ready to compare quotes with clarity?

Get matched with 3–5 verified renovators who understand your project.

Tell us what you're planning, and we'll connect you with renovators who quote based on your actual needs not guesswork.

Completely free. No obligation. No pressure.