Singapore family sleeps in car for 2 weeks after renovation dispute over executive HDB flat
A Singapore family of three was left effectively homeless for weeks after renovation works on their newly purchased executive HDB flat ran into serious disputes over costs and scope, forcing them to sleep in their car while seeking temporary shelter and legal recourse.
- A Bukit Panjang family was forced to live in their car for two weeks after renovation delays and cost disputes prevented them from moving into their new executive HDB flat.
- The homeowner claims renovation costs ballooned far beyond the agreed sum, eventually exceeding S$20,000 (about US$15,500), and has lodged a police report and filed a Small Claims Tribunal case.
- The contractor disputes the claims, insisting there was no fixed price agreement and has applied for a Protection from Harassment Order against the homeowner.
SINGAPORE: Madam Li (47) and her husband, Mr Huang (52), purchased a two-storey executive HDB flat at Block 408 Fajar Road in Bukit Panjang last year and collected the keys in June 2025.
As the unit was in relatively good condition, the couple planned only limited renovation works such as replacing floor tiles, removing some walls and upgrading the kitchen.
Madam Li said she found a contractor through Facebook in May and agreed on a renovation cost of S$13,916 (about US$10,800), paying a deposit of S$1,688 (about US$1,300) on 28 June.
The tiles were purchased separately by the homeowner and transported from Malaysia, while the contractor was engaged mainly for installation work.
Costs Escalate, Work Halted
Renovation work began on 5 August and was scheduled for completion by 4 September.
However, Madam Li said the contractor requested additional payments and introduced at least six new work items during the renovation, including dismantling parts of the wall between the living room and kitchen.
When she realised the total renovation cost had risen significantly beyond the original agreement, she decided to stop the work.
By then, the family had already sold their previous home and could not move into the new unit as planned.
Left Without a Home
The couple, their 18-year-old daughter and their pet cat initially rented a temporary room from 19 July.
They moved out after more than a week due to a bedbug infestation.
With no alternative housing, the family ended up sleeping in their car for two weeks, storing their belongings in the corridor of their unfinished flat and travelling back and forth daily.
Eventually, Madam Li shared her situation online and found an elderly man willing to rent out a master bedroom.
The family paid S$1,500 (about US$1,160) for a three-month stay. She later paid an additional S$8,000 (about US$6,200) to another contractor to complete the tiling work.
Payment Discrepancies and Police Report
Madam Li said she only realised the total amount paid had exceeded S$20,000 (about US$15,500) after noticing rapid withdrawals from her bank account.
Upon reviewing the contract, she found some charges were far above market rates, including tile installation priced at S$24 (about US$18.60) per square foot, compared to the usual S$7 to S$11 (about US$5.40 to US$8.50).
She lodged a police report on 20 August and has filed a claim at the Small Claims Tribunal seeking compensation of more than S$20,000 (about US$15,500). The case is still ongoing.
Contractor Rejects Allegations
The contractor, Ms Hong, denied that there was any agreement for a S$13,000-plus (about US$10,100) renovation package, saying earlier discussions were only quotations and that the S$1,688 (about US$1,300) payment was merely a booking deposit.
She said a formal contract was later signed without objections and claimed the homeowner repeatedly changed her requirements during the renovation.
Ms Hong also alleged that Madam Li refused to recalculate costs and accused her of acting in bad faith. She has since applied for a Protection from Harassment Order.
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