What Do the Different ID/Contractor Accreditation Schemes Mean?

A good-to-read overview before deciding on an ID/contractor.

Growing up, it’s ingrained in us to err on the side of caution and take the well-trodden path. In the case of home renovations (definitely not a cheap endeavour), this usually means looking out for signposts like accreditations to identify trustworthy interior professionals.

Does this mean that firms/professionals without accreditations are unreliable? Not at all, since accreditations alone can’t give you the full picture. However, they are a good starting point, so we did the legwork to lay out all you need to know about the different types of accreditations and how they differ.

Read on for all the essentials, and for a handy summary at the end!

1. HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC)

If you weren’t already aware, it’s illegal to renovate your HDB flat with a contractor who isn’t registered in the DRC. This directory lists all Registered Renovation Contractors (RRCs) who are recognised as being aware of the HDB’s requirements for carrying out renovations and protecting the structural integrity of the building.

All RRCs undergo a mandatory training course conducted in partnership with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Academy and have at least 3 years of experience with renovation works.

However, note that HDB does not endorse or guarantee the quality of their works and that the contract is ultimately one between yourself and the interior designer (ID)/contractor.

Does that mean you should only reach out to ID firms that are HDB-registered? Not necessarily! Since IDs often outsource actual renovation works to sub-contractors, it’s not a requirement for ID firms to be HDB registered. That is, you can still engage a non-registered (and trustworthy) designer/firm as long as the subcontractors they work with are HDB-registered.

2. BCA Directory of Registered Contractors and Licensed Builders

Managed by the BCA, this directory lists all registered contractors providing construction (and related) services for the public sector.

For interior firms that are BCA-registered, you can find them under the “Interior Decoration and Finishing Works” category in the directory. This covers interior design, planning and the decoration of buildings, which includes works like ceiling panels, partitions and built-in fitments.

To be registered, firms must meet a number of stringent criteria covering financial requirements, management certifications, a track record of completed projects and personnel with technical qualifications.

Apart from being BCA-registered, some firms may also have a General Builder license; this licensing scheme is part of BCA’s long-term plans to raise professional standards, and to upgrade the safety and quality of the construction sector. You can also find these firms in the BCA’s directory.

While it’s not a requirement for an ID firm/contractor to be BCA-registered or to have a General Builder license, these accreditations are indicative of the quality you can expect.

3. CaseTrust Accreditation for Renovation Businesses

Established by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), the CaseTrust Accreditation for Renovation Businesses scheme aims to raise the industry standards and the level of professionalism for the renovation sector, as well as to provide homeowners with more assurance when renovating.

In 2016, CaseTrust also jointly developed the CaseTrust-RCMA Joint Accreditation scheme with the Singapore Renovation Contractors and Material Suppliers Association (RCMA) to encourage more industry players to adopt fair-trading practices.

Under these two schemes, accredited firms are required to purchase a deposit performance bond. This ensures that your deposits are safeguarded in situations when the firm faces closure or liquidation.

You can be assured that CaseTrust-accredited firms are recognised for their cost transparency, comprehensive dispute resolution framework and good business practices.

As an official CaseTrust partner, we’ve made it that much easier for you to find over 60 CaseTrust-accredited firms on Qanvast: just check the filter for ‘CaseTrust’ and continue browsing!

4. Singapore Interior Design Accreditation Scheme (SIDAS)

A more recent accreditation scheme in the scene, SIDAS is an initiative spearheaded by the Society of Interior Designers, Singapore (SIDS) in order to elevate the level of interior design professionalism in the country by bridging the gap between education and practice.

Unlike the previous schemes we’ve covered, SIDAS accredits individual designers instead of the entire firm.

Existing interior designers can get accredited following a review of their job experiences, relevant practising licences and academic certifications. They’re then categorised under a three-tier framework based on relevant work experience:

• ID Class 1 – minimum 8 years
• ID Class 2 – minimum 3.5 or 4.5 years (if without relevant academic qualifications)
• ID Class 3 – minimum 3 years

With such an accreditation, you can better qualify an individual designer before engaging them.

Summary: comparing the different accreditation schemes in Singapore

Here’s a quick round-up you can refer to when you’re looking up IDs/contractors:

Renovate with peace of mind

Besides keeping an eye out for accreditations such as the above which demonstrate that IDs/contractors have sufficient experience and are held accountable for meeting the minimum industry standards, you can also look out for firms with the Qanvast SuperTrust badge.

These are firms that are recognised for their excellent service quality, rated based on verified reviews by homeowners.

As with most things, however, take accreditations with a pinch of salt: they’re just one aspect of choosing your ID among others like whether IDs you approach have minimum budgets, or those who specialise in a specific type of property like condominiums.

If you need a headstart on finding reliable IDs, get in touch and we’ll shortlist local interior design firms for you, based on your requirements!

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