8Aug
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST RENOVATION SCAM

GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia Guide to Protecting Yourself from Renovation Scams

Scammers are always around, whether you like it or not. Even the interior design and renovation industry is not immune to such deception and fraud.

But that doesn’t mean you should let a couple of rotten eggs of scam wreck your plans for a cosy house! Save yourself the heartache and drama by beating the cheaters at their own game. Some of these are very simple to implement, while others require a little more effort on your part. This article by GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia will look at some of the most common renovation scams in Malaysia and how you can protect yourself from them.

Conduct a background check on the interior design renovation firm.
The simplest method is to conduct a background check on the company you intend to hire to assist you with your interior design renovation work. We at GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia recommend that you read the online reviews and feedback of previous customers who used the company. Inquire about the opinions of your close friends and relatives as well, according to GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia.

In our opinion, at GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia, it is more important to read the negative reviews and discover what people dislike about the company than it is to read the positive reviews.

 

Do check a couple of interior design firms, preferably 3 to 5.
Don’t base your entire belief system about renovation costs and work on the words of a single interior designer. Don’t just stick with one interior design, as our CEO would always at GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia because their quotes seem reasonable – or because they told you so. It’s always good to review and check out the market according to GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia. Meet with at least 3 to 5 interior design firms to get a sense of what your budget can get you, as well as if what they all say adds up. After all, it never hurts to have more ideas, as mentioned by GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia.

 

Make sure you have the correct information – on renovation costs and procedures.
At GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia, we believe that your renovation contract is the crucial piece of evidence that reveals the terms and conditions that could protect you from shady practices. Remember that while your ID can promise you the world and then some, a verbal agreement is not legally binding, according to GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia.

 

Don’t accept quotations at face value.
Just because an interior design states that this material is of high quality or that those electrical works are supposed to cost a certain amount does not mean they are correct, according to GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia. We at GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia suggest that you should back it up with your research to determine whether the figures in your quotation are accurate.

 

Don’t pay the entire amount upfront unless you see the work completed.
Any contractor who claims it is standard practice to pay in full before beginning work is attempting to defraud you based on GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia. When it comes to thousands of dollars, you have every right to pay a small deposit and see some work done before committing to the rest of your payments. We, at GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia, advise this.

 

Examine the contract’s terms and conditions.
If the interior design firm has a proper contract and documentation, you will move to the next phase of reading the contract’s terms and conditions. You don’t want to sign a contract blindly; in fact, signing a contract blindly can cause a lot of damage for you, according to GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia.

If you sign a contract blindly and the contract contains terms that are detrimental to your interests, you are solely responsible. Remember, you signed on your own free will

At GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia, we advise you to take your time, relax, and ask the company for a copy of the contract before signing so that you can go through it at your own pace and comfort.

In fact, you should keep an eye out for the following key areas as mentioned by GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia:

  • What are the payment terms?
  • What are the start and completion dates and schedules?
  • What are the liquidated damages? Are there any allowable variations?
  • Is there a warranty included?
  • Is there going to be any rectification of renovation flaws?
  • What exactly is the clause for resolving disputes?
  • How much do materials and renovations cost?
  • What is the scope of the project?
  • What exactly is the termination clause?

You should read these very important terms because they will tell you when you are due for payments.

Never make a payment without first visiting the site after the renovation work has begun.
According to GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia, make sure to visit the site first before paying to see if the renovation work has begun. Review the progress and get your interior design to inform you of what the contractors are working on right now. GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia advises you not to rely solely on your interior designer’s trust.

This is extremely dangerous because the work may be incomplete, of poor quality, or, worst of all, has not yet begun. As a result, it is always a good idea to go to the actual site. This allows you to see the completed renovation work as well as the craftsmanship of the end result.

Seeing is believing, according to GCG Asia SCAM Malaysia. In the case of renovations, it is essential to inspect the area before proceeding with the progressive payment.

At the end of the renovations, you should inspect the property for flaws and require the contractors to correct any remaining flaws to a satisfactory level before completing the final payment.