What evidence do I need for a renovation dispute?
The signed quotation or contract and any drawings; every variation and approval in writing, including WhatsApp messages; payment records; dated photographs and videos of the work at each stage; defect notices and replies; any expert or inspection report; and third-party records such as MCST or landlord correspondence. Organise them by date. The Small Claims Tribunals ask for supporting documents in PDF form when you file.
From the RRD Field Guide, checked against the sources cited in Resolving Renovation and Construction Disputes in Singapore: CASE, Mediation, Small Claims, SOPA Adjudication, Courts and Arbitration. General information, not advice for your project.
The fuller picture
Choose the route by who you are, the dispute type and the amount. Consumers usually start with CASE. Claims up to S$20,000 (S$30,000 by consent) filed within 2 years can go to the Small Claims Tribunals, without lawyers. Contractors owed progress payments under written contracts can use SOPA adjudication. Larger claims go to mediation, the Magistrate's Court (to S$60,000), District Court (to S$250,000) or arbitration.
More questions on this topic
- Can I take my renovation contractor to the Small Claims Tribunals?
- Can a contractor use the Small Claims Tribunals to recover an unpaid renovation bill?
- Does CASE mediation cost anything?
- Can a renovation contractor use SOPA against a homeowner?
- My neighbour's renovation is causing noise and damage. Where do I go?
- What happens if my contract has an arbitration clause?
- Do I need to send a letter of demand before going to court?