Singapore has a hot and humid tropical climate with frequent periods of heavy rainfall throughout the year. The combination of heat, humidity and rainfall can contribute to moisture, water seepage and paint deterioration in buildings. Heavy rainfall and moisture can lead to water leakage, peeling paint, damp walls and mould when waterproofing problems are not repaired. Property owners may need waterproofing or painting contractors to inspect and repair these problems.
When hiring a contractor, check the scope of work, quotation, experience, warranty and the repair method proposed for the property. The contractor should also understand the requirements that may apply to HDB flats, condominiums and landed properties.
This guide explains what property owners should check before hiring a waterproofing or painting contractor in Singapore. It also covers waterproofing problems, contractor checks, property requirements and quotations. These checks can help you compare contractors before starting waterproofing or painting work.
How Does Singapore's Climate Affect Buildings?
Singapore has a hot and humid tropical climate with regular rainfall throughout the year. These conditions can expose roofs, external walls, balconies and other building areas to repeated moisture. Two monsoon periods and two inter-monsoon periods occur throughout the year. Temperatures are consistently high, and locals can experience average daily maximums ranging between 27 and 31°C.
High humidity can affect painted surfaces and may contribute to dampness, mould and peeling paint when moisture is present behind the surface. It can also affect paint drying and curing. Waterproofing helps reduce water penetration when cracks, failed membranes or other leakage points are present. Waterproofing helps prevent water from penetrating building surfaces and should be repaired when cracks, failed membranes or other leakage points are found.
How Can Heavy Rain in Singapore Cause Water Leakage?
The average annual rainfall in Singapore is 2,739mm. Singapore receives frequent rainfall throughout the year, including periods of heavy rain.
Heavy rainfall can expose cracks, damaged waterproofing membranes, joints and drainage problems that allow water to enter homes and commercial buildings. Additionally, the ongoing humidity affects the overall longevity of outdoor paint and may require homes and fences to be repainted more frequently.
The source of the leakage should be inspected before selecting the waterproofing or repair method.
Why Is Waterproofing Important for Properties in Singapore?
Waterproofing helps prevent water from penetrating roofs, walls, balconies, toilets and other parts of a building. A waterproofing system provides a barrier that helps reduce water penetration and seepage. Where water leakage is present, the source should be repaired before repainting damaged surfaces.
Water leakage can cause peeling paint, damp patches, mould and damage to surrounding finishes. A waterproofing contractor can inspect the affected area and recommend a repair method based on the source and condition of the leakage.
Waterproofing Services for Different Areas of a Property in Singapore
The waterproofing method depends on where the leakage occurs and the condition of the affected area. WaterproofingGuy provides leakage repair and waterproofing for areas such as balconies, roofs, car porches, kitchens, toilets and swimming pools in Singapore.
Arrange an inspection if you are unsure where the water is entering or which repair method is suitable
Which Authorities May Be Relevant to Contractor Work in Singapore?
Several authorities may be relevant depending on the property type and contractor work involved:
- URA: The Urban Redevelopment Authority is the national authority responsible for land-use planning and conservation. Its goal is to guide Singapore’s physical development through long-term strategic plans.
- HDB: The Housing and Development Board is the statutory board responsible for public housing in the country. HDB provides affordable, well-designed flats through its public housing programme.
- BCA: The Building and Construction Authority is a statutory board under the Ministry of National Development responsible for developing and regulating the building and construction industry. The goal is to ensure a safe, sustainable, and liveable built environment.
What Questions Should You Ask Before Engaging a Singapore Contractor?
Before hiring a waterproofing or painting contractor, ask about the contractor’s experience, scope of work, quotation, warranty and the repair method recommended for the problem.
We’ve listed a few of the top pointers that you should assess and confirm before employing any type of contractor:
- Licensing and accreditations: Check the contractor’s business registration and relevant contractor credentials.
- HDB compliance: Check whether the proposed work is subject to HDB, MCST, BCA or other property requirements.
- Portfolio: Ask for examples of similar waterproofing or repair work.
- Insurance: Check whether insurance is required for the project or property.
- Experience: Check whether the contractor has experience with the type of leakage or waterproofing problem.
- Quote: Ask for an itemised quotation showing the scope of work, materials and payment terms.
- Permits: Confirm whether any approvals or permits are required before work starts.
- Warranty: Ask what warranty applies to the waterproofing or repair work.
How Do You Check a Contractor in Singapore?
Check the contractor’s business registration, relevant contractor credentials, previous work and customer reviews before appointing the company.
If you’re going to hire a contractor, it’s essential to verify credibility. Here’s a quick way to do this:
- Check the contractor’s registration on the ACRA BIZFile + portal
- Search for official licenses and directories (such as the HDB renovation contractor directory, BCA directory)
- Review online presence for professional websites, social media pages, reviews, and check for unresolved issues and “too good to be true” offers
- Check for the companies’ CASE alert (Consumer Association of Singapore) to confirm compliance information
Be wary of contractors that cannot provide relevant business information or supporting credentials.
How Do You Compare Waterproofing Contractors in Singapore?
In addition to reviewing each contractor’s business credentials and expertise in the required field, you will also need to compare different options. This will ensure that you find the best contractor for the work you need done and will go a long way to helping you remain within your budget.
There are a few key factors to help you compare contractor services:
- Credentials: Check the contractor’s business registration and any relevant contractor registrations or credentials.
- Experience: Check whether the contractor has completed similar waterproofing or leakage repair work.
- Scope of Work: Compare the affected areas, repair method, materials and work included in each quotation.
- Price: Compare quotations based on the same scope of work and repair method.
- Warranty: Check the warranty period, what work is covered and any conditions that apply.
How Can You Avoid Hidden Costs and Disputes in Singapore?
Before waterproofing or repair work starts, ask for an itemised quotation showing the agreed scope of work, materials, payment terms and any work that may be charged separately.
- Do your best to find transparent and credible contractors
- Read contracts thoroughly and pay careful attention to the fine print
- Document all communications to ensure that you have proof of what has been arranged
- Request itemised contracts that give you a breakdown of what you’re being charged for each service
- Request confirmation in writing that all costs have been discussed and agreed on
What Red Flags Should You Watch for When Dealing with a Singapore Contractor?
During the review process, you may come across contractors that appear too good to be true or even display clear signs that their businesses are not above board. Some of the key red flags to look out for include the following:
- Cannot provide relevant business registration or contractor credentials where required
- Refusal to supply you with a written contract or an itemised quote
- Requesting a large upfront payment without a clear payment schedule or written scope of work
- Vague or unclear contract terms
- Poor communication
- Many bad reviews
- Questionable reputation
What Safeguards Can You Put in Place When Dealing With a Singapore Contractor?
You can also safeguard your interests when dealing with a Singapore contractor. Here are a few suggestions to make this easier:
- Ask for written milestones, which should highlight the date by which each phase or section of the job should be finished.
- Check and confirm insurance coverage.
- Insist on a clear contract outlining the scope and expectations.
- Be clear about payment schedules and methods.
- Review progress and address discrepancies immediately.
How Do Property Types Affect Contractor Work in Singapore?
Property requirements can differ depending on the property type and the work being carried out. This means that you will need to review these before you sign your contract. The contractor should check the requirements that apply to the proposed work before it starts.
There are several pointers to keep in mind in this regard, and the most common are listed as:
- HDB flats, condominiums and landed properties may have different renovation, access, approval and working-hour requirements.
- These requirements may cover matters such as safety, noise, access, working hours and renovation approvals.
- The requirements that apply depend on the property type and the work being carried out. Check the relevant HDB, MCST, BCA or URA requirements before work starts.
- The property owner and contractor should check the applicable requirements before work starts.
What HDB Requirements Should You Check Before Contractor Work?
HDB renovation requirements depend on the type of work being carried out. Before starting waterproofing, hacking or renovation work, check whether an HDB permit or an HDB-registered renovation contractor is required for the specific work.
The contractor should confirm the applicable working hours, renovation conditions and approval requirements before work starts.
What About Condominiums and Landed Homes in Singapore?
Homeowners looking to renovate their condominiums and landed homes should keep the following in mind:
- Condominiums: Check with the MCST or managing agent whether approval, access arrangements, deposits or working-hour restrictions apply before waterproofing or repair work starts.
- Landed Properties: Requirements depend on the type and extent of work. Structural changes or other regulated works may require additional approval.
Check the safety, access and working-hour requirements that apply to the property before work starts. This is an effective way to ensure that your renovation and maintenance work doesn’t interfere with your neighbours.
How Do You Manage the Contractor Relationship During the Project?
It’s important to stay involved in the maintenance or painting work throughout the project. This includes requesting weekly updates so that you can ensure that work is happening at the agreed-upon pace and time frame. Performing milestone checks also enables you to review the work that has been done so far, and request changes or improvements where necessary.
What Should You Do After the Project is Completed?
After the work is completed, inspect the repaired area and keep the quotation, invoice and warranty documents. Ask the contractor what to do if water leakage appears again during the warranty period.
Where Can You Find Trusted Contractors in Singapore?
If you don’t have any experience with hiring contractors, you may be wondering how you can be sure you’re going to end up choosing a trusted contractor. Fortunately, there are a few tips to help you with this:
- BCA Directory: Check whether the contractor is listed under a relevant BCA registration or workhead where this is applicable to the work.
- CASE: Check the CASE Company Alert List and consumer information where relevant.
What Should You Check Before Appointing a Contractor in Singapore?
Ensure that you engage with your Singapore contractor with confidence. You can do this by following the basic tips and guidelines that we’ve shared. The main checks include business registration, relevant contractor credentials, scope of work, quotation and warranty.
It’s also essential to compare quotes and insist on a transparent contract. Be clear about the work you need done and the time frame you have to work with. Perform regular reviews of the work to ensure that everything is going according to plan.