Hi all, I'm in the midst of renovation. Still keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well. I find the idea of putting a 'deposit' for a drawing annoying. I guess it is really up to you to decide if the ID is capable of producing such a great drawing/idea for your home that deserves payment.
It's almost like putting a deposit for a quotation.
Secondly, I've heard of IDs offering huge discounts if you put in a deposit immediately! This happens at Reno Fairs. Think about it, if he gives you an upfront discount, he'll probably want to earn it back other ways. e.g. halfway through the renovation, you discover you need to rebuild something in your home. You'll probably get the same ID to do it. He'll probably charge you a higher price.
Mind you, I've already added quite a few items to my original reno list. If my contractor isn't honest, he/she will markup by alot.
Case in point: I decided to change my windows after renovations started. My contractor said it is best to do it before plastering and painting or else it will be a mess when we do it later. She quoted me a price and then a discount a day later. I'm sure I could've done it cheaper if I looked around for quotes, but I didn't.
So, at the end of the day, I think honesty is the best thing to look out for in an ID/contractor. If he can suddenly give such a huge discount when you're about to walk away, then, he couldn't be that honest with his initial pricing.
Also, don't be pressured by discounts and 'today only prices'. Girls love these words and melt ever so quickly. [tic]
Case in point: I went shopping for lights. Finally, after a long day, this shop quoted us $680 for a batch of lights. We said we'll think about and come back. His next words were, "I give you a discount - $600. I just need to make my quota. I am not making much. If you come back later, I can't give you the same price." I felt uncomfortable with his attitude. Even his words sound very Ah Beng. But my wife persuaded me to take the offer. So we did and made a $300 deposit.
Sure enough, I tried calling the next day to confirm delivery date but couldn't get through the whole day. *panic* I drove back to the place the next day and when I walked in, the salesmans first words were, "Yes? What's your problem?" Anyway, I keep cool and said I'll self collect in four days. When I returned four days later, nobody bothered to serve me pushing me from one person to another. Finally, I managed to get my stuff. I wanted to check through all the lights, but, it would have taken an hour. So, I did random items check. After I brought it home, I check each item and found a chip on one of the glass lights and scratches on the cover of another plastic lamp.
The chip on the glass can be forgiven as it is small. The scratches on the plastic lamp can't because they definitely would have seen it. They probably gave it to me in hopes I wouldn't see it when I take delivery.
Again, the moral of the story is honesty. We got it 'cheaper' but at a price.