Free homeowner checklist
21 questions before you sign
Use these questions with your contractor and keep the answers beside the quotation. Open this page whenever you need it, or use your browser's Print option to print it or save it as a PDF. No account or email is needed.
This is a preparation checklist, not legal advice or confirmation that a quote, contractor or proposed work is approved. Requirements depend on the home and work. Check current official guidance and seek qualified advice where needed.
Scope and specifications
- Which rooms and work items are included in this price?
- Are quantities, dimensions, brands, models and finishes written down?
- Which work, materials and services are excluded?
- Which prices are allowances or estimates, and how will the final amount be agreed?
- Are all contractors quoting against the same written brief and assumptions?
People, permissions and timing
- Who is my named contact, and who coordinates subcontractors?
- Which permissions or professional checks may be needed, and who will obtain them?
- Have we checked the current HDB or building-management requirements that apply to this home?
- What are the proposed start, milestone and completion dates?
- What happens if access, materials or approvals delay the work?
Price, payments and changes
- Does the total show taxes and every agreed charge clearly?
- What amount is due at each payment stage, and what agreed work or records support that stage?
- How will I receive invoices and receipts for payments made directly to the contractor?
- How will a proposed change show its scope, cost and timing before I agree?
- Who may approve a change, and where will that approval be recorded?
Checks, handover and follow-up
- When can I review progress and raise questions before work is covered up?
- What photographs, specifications and decisions should we keep together?
- What will we inspect together at handover, and how will unfinished items be recorded?
- What defect or warranty terms does this particular contract provide, including exclusions and reporting deadlines?
- Who will provide appliance manuals, warranty documents and relevant completion records?
- What does the contract say about cancellation and resolving disagreements, and which unclear terms need independent advice?