October 23, 2026
Protect your hard-earned money.
You've finally found an interior designer you like, agreed on the renovation quotation, and are ready to turn your dream home into reality. But before any renovation work begins, there's one more thing to settle: the deposit.
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After hearing all the horror stories of homeowners losing their renovation deposits when interior design firms abruptly shut down, became insolvent, or simply went uncontactable, you might be wondering how much you should actually pay upfront and what you can do to protect your hard-earned money.
To help you avoid paying too much, too soon, here's what you should know about renovation deposits and progressive payment schedules in Singapore.
*Photos in this article are for illustration purposes only
View this project by The Local INN.terior 新家室
Generally, you can expect to pay an initial deposit of around 10% to 20% of your total renovation cost, although the exact amount varies between interior design firms.
Some firms may first collect a smaller booking or confirmation fee to secure their services, which may subsequently be counted towards your renovation bill. Others may require you to pay a percentage of the total contract value upon signing, followed by another payment before renovation works commence.
View this project by Fifth Avenue Interior
Before handing over any money, be sure to clarify whether the deposit is refundable, whether it will be deducted from your total renovation cost, and what happens if you decide not to proceed.
As a reference, firms accredited under the CaseTrust Accreditation Scheme for Renovation Businesses are required to cap their initial deposit at 20% of the contract value.
While a larger upfront payment isn't necessarily a red flag, it does mean having more money at stake should the firm run into financial difficulties or fail to deliver on its promises. That's why it's important to understand the payment terms before committing, rather than simply agreeing to whatever schedule is presented to you.
View this project by The Interior Lab
Rather than paying for your entire renovation upfront, most interior design firms in Singapore collect payments progressively as renovation works move along.
This is known as a progressive payment schedule, where your renovation bill is split into several installments tied to different stages of the project.
While the exact percentages and milestones vary between firms, here's an example of what a progressive payment schedule for a $50,000 renovation could look like:
| Stage | Example payment | When it's paid |
| Contract confirmation | 10% | Upon signing the renovation contract |
| Renovation commencement | 20% | When work is ready to begin |
| Mid-renovation | 30% | After agreed major works are completed |
| Substantial completion | 30% | Once most renovation works are completed |
| Final handover | 10% | After final inspection and agreed rectifications |
*Note: This is an illustrative example, not a standard payment schedule that all renovation firms follow.
View this project by Jialux Interior
Ideally, each payment should be tied to a clearly defined milestone, such as the completion of tiling, electrical works, or carpentry installation, rather than simply being due on a particular date.
This way, you can check that the agreed works have been completed before making the next payment, instead of paying for work that has yet to be carried out.
It's also worth negotiating to retain a small percentage of the total payment until the final inspection and any outstanding defects have been rectified. This gives you some leverage to ensure that the renovation is properly completed before settling the full bill.
View this project by The Interior Haus
Even with a progressive payment schedule in place, you shouldn't automatically transfer money whenever your interior designer asks for the next installment.
Before making each payment, here are a few things to look out for:
| What to check | Why it matters |
| Are the agreed works completed? | Check that the renovation works tied to each payment milestone have been completed. If unsure, arrange a site visit with your ID. |
| Is everything documented? | Ensure payment terms are stated in your contract, and any additional works and costs are recorded in an agreed variation order. |
| Are you paying the right account? | Transfer money to the renovation firm's official business account, not your ID's personal account, and request a receipt. |
| Are there outstanding defects? | Before making the final payment, inspect your home and ensure defects are rectified according to the agreed contract terms. |
| Are you being pressured to pay early? | Be wary of requests for unusually large payments or additional installments ahead of the agreed schedule without a clear explanation. |
Remember, a progressive payment schedule isn't just about spreading out your renovation expenses. It's also about protecting your money and ensuring you're paying for work that's actually being done.
Beyond being mindful of your renovation payments, choosing a reliable interior design firm is just as important.
For added assurance, look out for firms with the Qanvast SuperTrust badge, which recognises top-rated firms based on their service quality and reliability.
When you engage an eligible ID through Qanvast, you can also opt in for the free Qanvast Guarantee, which offers protection against renovation deposit losses should your ID firm become insolvent, with coverage of up to $150,000, subject to its terms and conditions.
Ready to get started? Find your ideal ID by submitting the form below!