FAQ
Before you start
Q1
How do I start arranging a renovation quotation?
You can submit the "Free On-site Quotation" form online, or contact CoDECO via our mobile app, Facebook, WhatsApp or hotline. Our Renovation Consultant will generally contact you within 24 working hours of receiving your information to understand your initial needs, such as your flat, project type, budget, design direction and expected start date.
Our Renovation Consultant will then provide profiles and past projects of renovation companies, contractors or interior design teams that suit your project, for you to compare and choose. Once you have chosen the teams you would like to know more about, CoDECO will help arrange on-site measurement and project discussion based on your project needs and the teams' availability.
Our Renovation Consultant will then provide profiles and past projects of renovation companies, contractors or interior design teams that suit your project, for you to compare and choose. Once you have chosen the teams you would like to know more about, CoDECO will help arrange on-site measurement and project discussion based on your project needs and the teams' availability.
Q2
When should I start looking for a renovation company?
We recommend contacting us one to two months before your expected start date, allowing time to understand your project needs, compare renovation companies, arrange on-site measurement and confirm the quotation. The actual time needed depends on the scope of works, whether design services or custom furniture are required, team availability, building management arrangements and other site conditions.
If your schedule is tight, we will do our best to arrange for renovation companies to understand your project needs, based on the project type, district, team availability and your availability.
If your schedule is tight, we will do our best to arrange for renovation companies to understand your project needs, based on the project type, district, team availability and your availability.
Q3
Can I get a rough idea of the renovation budget first?
You can use CoDECO's renovation cost estimator: enter your flat's saleable area and select the renovation items you expect to need, to get an initial budget reference range.
The estimator gives a preliminary estimate based on the items you select and relevant past project data on our platform, which is updated from time to time. The result is for preliminary budget reference only and does not constitute a quotation, offer or renovation contract.
Actual project costs are affected by the flat's layout, existing condition, scope of works, choice of materials, design requirements, building restrictions and site conditions. The final scope of works, cost, schedule and payment arrangement are subject to the quotation and renovation contract confirmed by both parties after the renovation company's site visit.
The estimator gives a preliminary estimate based on the items you select and relevant past project data on our platform, which is updated from time to time. The result is for preliminary budget reference only and does not constitute a quotation, offer or renovation contract.
Actual project costs are affected by the flat's layout, existing condition, scope of works, choice of materials, design requirements, building restrictions and site conditions. The final scope of works, cost, schedule and payment arrangement are subject to the quotation and renovation contract confirmed by both parties after the renovation company's site visit.
Q4
Can I request a specific contractor whose project I have seen?
Yes. You can tell our Renovation Consultant which renovation company, contractor or project you are interested in; we will do our best to arrange it, depending on their service scope, project type, district and availability.
If that team is unavailable, our Renovation Consultant can provide other options for comparison based on your project needs. Past projects are for reference only; actual arrangements and results are affected by the flat's condition, scope of works, materials, dimensions and budget.
If that team is unavailable, our Renovation Consultant can provide other options for comparison based on your project needs. Past projects are for reference only; actual arrangements and results are affected by the flat's condition, scope of works, materials, dimensions and budget.
Q5
Can renovation companies provide floor plans, construction drawings or 3D renderings?
Drawing services vary among renovation companies, contractors and interior design teams. Some teams can provide floor plans, construction drawings or 3D renderings within their service scope; drawing content, number of revisions, delivery time, scope of use and fees are subject to the individual quotation and renovation contract.
If you need design and renovation arranged together, let our Renovation Consultant know your design needs so we can provide suitable matching options.
If you need design and renovation arranged together, let our Renovation Consultant know your design needs so we can provide suitable matching options.
Quotation and payment
Q6
What does a quotation usually include?
A quotation should set out the confirmed scope of works and related arrangements, such as work items and processes, quantities, unit prices, total cost, key material information, payment instalments and percentages, expected start and completion dates, and the terms of the works.
CoDECO helps homeowners review quotation information against a set checklist, so you can more easily understand the listed scope of works, costs, payment arrangement, schedule and terms before signing. This is a review of quotation information only and does not constitute a valuation of works, a price guarantee or legal advice.
CoDECO helps homeowners review quotation information against a set checklist, so you can more easily understand the listed scope of works, costs, payment arrangement, schedule and terms before signing. This is a review of quotation information only and does not constitute a valuation of works, a price guarantee or legal advice.
Q7
Which materials are usually included or excluded in a quotation?
The quotation will list the materials, work items and related arrangements included and excluded in the project cost. Unless otherwise stated in the quotation, the project cost may include basic construction materials such as cement, sand, stone, water pipes, electrical wiring and waterproofing materials.
Flooring, tiles, sanitary ware, taps, hardware, door locks, lighting and other finishes or products chosen by the homeowner may be purchased by the homeowner and installed by the renovation company as part of the works. Material supply, installation responsibility and warranty arrangements can differ between projects, so homeowners should confirm material specifications, brands, models, quantities, unit prices and included/excluded items before signing.
The final material arrangement, supply responsibility and related costs are subject to the quotation and renovation contract confirmed by both parties.
Flooring, tiles, sanitary ware, taps, hardware, door locks, lighting and other finishes or products chosen by the homeowner may be purchased by the homeowner and installed by the renovation company as part of the works. Material supply, installation responsibility and warranty arrangements can differ between projects, so homeowners should confirm material specifications, brands, models, quantities, unit prices and included/excluded items before signing.
The final material arrangement, supply responsibility and related costs are subject to the quotation and renovation contract confirmed by both parties.
Q8
How are costs handled if items are added or changed during the project?
If works need to be added, removed or changed during the project, the homeowner and the renovation company should first confirm the scope, cost, schedule and payment arrangement in writing before the works proceed.
Design changes, additional works, material adjustments, or site conditions that could not reasonably be foreseen before demolition (such as water seepage, spalling concrete or other building issues) may all affect the final cost and schedule. The clearer the quotation, the easier it is for the homeowner and the renovation company to clarify arrangements before work starts, reducing cost or communication disputes caused by incomplete information.
Design changes, additional works, material adjustments, or site conditions that could not reasonably be foreseen before demolition (such as water seepage, spalling concrete or other building issues) may all affect the final cost and schedule. The clearer the quotation, the easier it is for the homeowner and the renovation company to clarify arrangements before work starts, reducing cost or communication disputes caused by incomplete information.
Q9
How are project payments handled?
Project payments are handled in instalments according to the renovation contract and payment arrangement, and are held in escrow by the platform. Homeowners should pay each instalment according to the renovation contract, the payment arrangement and the payment instructions provided by the platform.
The platform releases payments according to the progress listed for each instalment, the applicable inspection arrangements and the terms of service; payment is released to the renovation company only after the specified works pass inspection. Instalments, percentages, release conditions and inspection arrangements are subject to the renovation contract and terms of service.
For applicable projects, the platform will help with the arrangements for third-party liability insurance and employees' compensation insurance; coverage, sum insured, period of cover and exclusions are subject to the insurance policy and renovation contract.
The platform releases payments according to the progress listed for each instalment, the applicable inspection arrangements and the terms of service; payment is released to the renovation company only after the specified works pass inspection. Instalments, percentages, release conditions and inspection arrangements are subject to the renovation contract and terms of service.
For applicable projects, the platform will help with the arrangements for third-party liability insurance and employees' compensation insurance; coverage, sum insured, period of cover and exclusions are subject to the insurance policy and renovation contract.
During the project
Q10
How long does a typical whole-flat renovation take?
The duration depends on the scope of works, flat size, custom furniture, design changes, material supply, building restrictions, team availability, weather and site conditions. A typical full gut renovation takes about 90 working days; the actual schedule is subject to the project timeline and renovation contract confirmed by both parties.
If the scope of works or site conditions change, the homeowner and the renovation company will confirm the revised arrangement and expected completion date in writing.
If the scope of works or site conditions change, the homeowner and the renovation company will confirm the revised arrangement and expected completion date in writing.
Q11
What support does CoDECO provide after signing?
After signing, the platform will set up a messaging group. Our project customer service team will provide general process and communication support during service hours and as the project requires.
Under its service arrangements, the platform also helps review quotation information, organise project records submitted through the designated group, coordinate applicable inspections, and handle payment escrow and specified payment releases according to the renovation contract, payment arrangement and terms of service.
The communication and follow-up support provided by the platform does not replace the renovation company's responsibilities under the renovation contract for construction, day-to-day project management, warranty and performance.
Under its service arrangements, the platform also helps review quotation information, organise project records submitted through the designated group, coordinate applicable inspections, and handle payment escrow and specified payment releases according to the renovation contract, payment arrangement and terms of service.
The communication and follow-up support provided by the platform does not replace the renovation company's responsibilities under the renovation contract for construction, day-to-day project management, warranty and performance.
Q12
How can the platform help if there is a dispute, a delay, or the parties cannot continue working together?
If a dispute arises during the project, the platform will, within its service scope, help the homeowner and the renovation company communicate, organise project records and clarify arrangements; the actual handling and outcome depend on the renovation contract, site conditions and terms of service.
If the project is delayed by the renovation company without reasonable cause and the homeowner is not at fault, the homeowner may make an applicable delay claim against the renovation company under the renovation contract and terms of service. Claim types, calculation, caps and exclusions are subject to the renovation contract and terms of service.
If the homeowner and the renovation company cannot continue working together and the project meets the activation conditions of the "100% Renovation Completion Guarantee", the platform will arrange follow-up works support under the terms of service and handle the applicable cost difference for items specified in the original contract. Additional works and other non-applicable items are excluded.
If the project is delayed by the renovation company without reasonable cause and the homeowner is not at fault, the homeowner may make an applicable delay claim against the renovation company under the renovation contract and terms of service. Claim types, calculation, caps and exclusions are subject to the renovation contract and terms of service.
If the homeowner and the renovation company cannot continue working together and the project meets the activation conditions of the "100% Renovation Completion Guarantee", the platform will arrange follow-up works support under the terms of service and handle the applicable cost difference for items specified in the original contract. Additional works and other non-applicable items are excluded.
Inspection and warranty
Q13
Does CoDECO arrange inspections?
For whole-flat renovations with a contract sum of HK$100,000 or above that meet the terms of service, the platform will arrange 3 free on-site inspections according to project progress: after plumbing and electrical works, after masonry works, and at overall completion.
Inspectors follow the Hong Kong Renovation Guidelines and the applicable inspection arrangements to check the relevant stages and items, recording the site conditions checked and items requiring follow-up. The scope, timing and actual arrangements depend on the works, progress, site conditions and terms of service.
The inspection report is generally provided within 2 working days after the inspection. An inspection is a check of the works at a specified time and within a specified scope, and does not replace the renovation company's construction, warranty and statutory responsibilities under the renovation contract.
Inspectors follow the Hong Kong Renovation Guidelines and the applicable inspection arrangements to check the relevant stages and items, recording the site conditions checked and items requiring follow-up. The scope, timing and actual arrangements depend on the works, progress, site conditions and terms of service.
The inspection report is generally provided within 2 working days after the inspection. An inspection is a check of the works at a specified time and within a specified scope, and does not replace the renovation company's construction, warranty and statutory responsibilities under the renovation contract.
Q14
Can I arrange additional on-site inspections?
Yes. Homeowners can apply for additional on-site review, inspection or acceptance services as the project requires; for service scope, fees, booking and applicable conditions, please see Renovation Inspection Services.
Q15
How is the warranty handled after completion?
After completion, applicable work items enter the corresponding warranty period under the renovation contract, quotation and warranty terms. Warranty scope, period, exclusions and handling are subject to the warranty terms provided by the renovation company and the renovation contract.
If a works-related issue is found during the applicable warranty period, the homeowner should first notify the renovation company to follow up; the platform can, within its service scope, help the homeowner communicate with the renovation company and organise relevant project records.
If a works-related issue is found during the applicable warranty period, the homeowner should first notify the renovation company to follow up; the platform can, within its service scope, help the homeowner communicate with the renovation company and organise relevant project records.