Reasons Why CaseTrust Accreditation For Interior Design Company In Singapore Matters
New and future homeowners are not unfamiliar with renovation nightmares. Burst pipes, misaligned cabinets, uneven floor tiles, dishonest contractors - unfortunate mishaps like these add unnecessary stress and frustration to the already- intimidating process of home refurbishment. Finding a suitable, trustworthy interior design company in Singapore might seem almost impossible, but those with a CaseTrust accreditation can ease a load off your shoulders, and help you avoid a home renovation ordeal.
What is the CaseTrust accreditation?
Did you know that the industry ranks among the top ten with the most complaints received by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) in the past decade? Most of these grievances revolved around poor service standards and failure to honour contractual agreements.
In order to tackle these common misconceptions of the renovation and interior design industry, CASE collaborated with the Singapore Renovation Contractors and Material Suppliers Association (RCMA) to roll out the CaseTrust-RCMA joint accreditation scheme in 2016. The accreditation is awarded to businesses over a 4- year period, on the premises of successfully passing an audit carried out by CaseTrust.
As the accreditation arm of CASE, CaseTrust provides industry standards for companies committed to fair trading and business practices. Founded in 1980, the RCMA is a trade association for renovation businesses and material suppliers. Its members are admitted based on a proven track record and positive reviews from both consumers and suppliers.
Here are five reasons why you should look out for accreditation when sourcing modern interior design companies for your next big project.
1. Assurance of consistent service quality
Renovation and interior design firms applying for the CaseTrust-RCMA Joint Accreditation are assessed based on a stringent set of criteria, ranging from feedback management to external communication. Even after obtaining the accreditation, these companies are subject to regular bi-annual audits to ensure that they uphold reputable service levels and are accountable for agreed project deliverables.
2. Insures against company wind-ups
As one of the prerequisites of the accreditation, companies are required to purchase a deposit performance bond, which protects your deposits should a company cease operations unexpectedly and/or undergo liquidation. This is the business’ display of commitment to you, a paying customer, practising open and fair trading.
3. Cost transparency and clear fees
With the CaseTrust Standard Renovation Contract implemented for accredited businesses, every renovation project’s deliverables are agreed upon and clearly laid out. Policies on fees and refunds are properly documented and clearly articulated to customers, so you don’t have to worry about undisclosed hidden charges cropping up during the renovation process.
4. Fair and comprehensive framework for resolving disputes
One of the benefits for CaseTrust-accredited companies and their customers is access to a structured redress system, where systematic conflict resolution mechanisms are available in times of a dispute. Mediation sessions conducted by the CASE Mediation Centre can be arranged to resolve disagreements in a professional and impartial fashion.
How can I file a CaseTrust report?
If the dispute with a CaseTrust-accredited business remains unresolved, you can reach out to CASE and request for assistance through the following channels:
a. Phone hotline
CASE’s Consumer Relations Officers can be reached at 9795 8397, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
b. Walk-in consultation
If you prefer to speak to CASE’s staff in person, you can visit the CASE office from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. They are located at 170 Ghim Moh Road, #05-01 Ulu Pandan Community Building, Singapore 279621.
c. Online submission
CASE has a platform that allows customers to lodge a complaint online, where a response can be received in 3 working days. To facilitate the processing, relevant supporting documents and invoices should be attached in the submission.
If you wish to leave a record of a business without further evaluation or investigation from CASE’s end, you can simply write to casetrust@case.org.sg. CASE takes every piece of feedback seriously; firms with CaseTrust accreditation will be evaluated accordingly in their following audit assessment.
5. Credible and competent personnel
Renovation, interior and bedroom design firms with the CaseTrust mark of quality pride themselves on fair and open trading. This means their staff and contractors steer clear of unethical sales practices and provide accurate, factual information.
What does it mean to be a CaseTrust-accredited interior designer?
Fairness, transparency and customer-centric - these are in sum the defining attributes of an interior design company bearing the CaseTrust accreditation. When you choose to engage a CaseTrust-accredited interior designer, you can expect to work with a trusted company that sees you through every step of the renovation journey. You can definitely be assured as your interests are well-protected.
Home renovation in Singapore can be one of the biggest investments you make in your lifetime, so don’t be fooled by renovation businesses whose prices or renovation packages are too good to be true.
Whether you are looking for modern interior design for your 4-room HDB flat or interior design inspirations such as Eclectic, Japanese Zen or Bohemian, it is crucial to look for a CaseTrust-accredited interior design film to handle your home renovation.
Awarded the CaseTrust-RCMA Joint Accreditation For Renovation Businesses, AC Vision is your interior design expert of choice. Trusted by countless customers to take charge of their living space, no renovation project is too big for our passionate team of designers and consultants. Our expertise in HDB interior design, Condo interior design, interior design styles such as Scandinavian design, Minimalist design, Modern design and commercial spaces are bound to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Reach out to us today and transform your dream space into reality!
Conclusion
AC Vision brings a comprehensive approach to interior design and renovation in Singapore, catering to HDB, condo, and commercial properties. Our extensive packages range from 5-room HDB interior design to modern condo interior design and custom commercial interior design solutions. With AC Vision, each project is a step towards creating a space that’s as functional as it is visually appealing, reflecting the unique character and needs of its occupants.
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