ID vs Contractor

All along we knew we wanted to engage an ID for the following reasons:-

• Both myself and hubby are working full time and we simply do not have the time to oversee a renovation project. We prefer to engage an ID to coordinate and be the main contact point for our renovation.

• We also prefer what I would say a ‘one-stop service center’ whereby we could select our all materials, painting, bathroom and kitchen accessories from one source.

• Last but most importantly for me….is the 3D drawing! I absolutely have to see how my apartment will turn out in 3D drawing before proceeding with the actual renovation. I know for some others this may not be important but as this is my first home renovation, I would like to have the re-assurance that everything will be exactly like what I wanted and that the designer completely understood my vision.

I can’t help being a perfectionist….hubby commented since the planning of our wedding in 2011 that I have an obsessive, compulsive disorder…lol!! I was a bridezilla (as he said)…obsessing over every little details…doing all the planning and sourcing myself as I do not trust anyone doing a better job than me ;) Of course in the end I was extremely overwhelmed...fussing about stuff right up to the moment of my actual day wedding banquet. Lesson learnt...I should have engaged a wedding planner....does it makes sense now why I chose an ID?

ID also comes with a higher price tag as you know they will obviously take a cut out of everything. If you select doors for your rooms through your ID the price will be more expensive than you buying direct from the source...for example though Yontat doors (apparently this supplier is widely talked about on forums). But the pro is that all coordination will be done by your ID....if they deliver the wrong door (in our case we got the wrong door a couple of times!) your ID will handle to make sure they change it. If you order direct then you will have to liaise with them to get it changed. I read of a case on forum whereby the door maker keep sending doors which doesn't fit and they had to keep changing up to 3 times!! As the owner ordered direct...he had to be there each time they changed it! It depends on your luck...

I am not trying to promote ID services but it's merely personal preference...as it is after all my first renovation project. For my next home I will most definitely consider to engage a contractor as I am more aware now on the process of renovation and later on in my blog I will elaborate further on the difficulties I encountered with my ID and some important tips for future home owners.