Renovation Warranty: What Is Covered and What Is Not

Understanding Your Renovation Warranty Every renovation should come with a warranty. Knowing what is covered helps you handle issues confidently after your contractor completes the work. Standard Warranty Periods Most renovation companies offer these warranty periods: General workmanship: 1-3 years Waterproofing: 5-10 years (sometimes up to 15 years for premium contractors) Carpentry: 1-2 years (covering warping, peeling, hardware failure) Electrical and plumbing: 1 year (covering installation defects, not wear and tear) Painting: 6-12 months (covering peeling, bubbling, uneven coverage) What Is Typically Covered Defects in workmanship such as tiles cracking due to poor installation, cabinet doors misaligned, paint peeling within the warranty period, plumbing leaks from faulty joints, and electrical faults from improper wiring. What Is Usually Not Covered Normal wear and tear such as paint fading, minor scratches on surfaces, and hardware loosening over time. Damage caused by the homeowner or misuse. Issues from modifications made by another contractor. Appliance warranties are separate from the renovation warranty. How to Handle Defects Step 1: Document the defect with photos and videos. Note when you first noticed it. Step 2: Contact your contractor or interior designer in writing (email or message). Include photos and reference your warranty terms. Step 3: Give them reasonable time to respond (7-14 days) and schedule a repair. Step 4: If they are unresponsive, send a formal letter via registered mail referencing your contract and warranty clause. Step 5: If still unresolved, you can file a complaint with the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or the Singapore Mediation Centre. Protecting Yourself Always get the warranty terms in writing as part of your renovation contract. Take thorough photos and videos during the handover walk-through. Create a defects list immediately and get the contractor to acknowledge it. Keep all correspondence and receipts related to the renovation.