Singapore has no shortage of handyman services. A quick Google search returns hundreds of results. But for every reliable company, there are several unlicensed, uninsured operators who will overcharge, do shoddy work, or simply disappear after taking your deposit. Stories of scams are common on social media and consumer forums.
This guide from ER Cool Handyman Service will teach you how to separate the professionals from the fraudsters. We have been serving Singapore since 2005, and we believe in transparency — so we will also tell you exactly what to look for in any handyman, including us.
The Most Common Handyman Scams in Singapore
Scam 1: The Disappearing Deposit
- How it works: You find a handyman on Facebook or Carousell with very low prices. They ask for a 50% deposit to buy materials. After you pay, they stop answering calls and messages.
- How to avoid: Never pay more than 20% deposit (or $100 maximum). Legitimate companies have enough cash flow to buy materials themselves.
Scam 2: The Bait-and-Switch Quote
- How it works: They quote 150tofixaleakingpipe.Afterstartingwork,theyclaimtheproblemisbiggerthanexpectedanddemand800. You feel trapped because your bathroom is already dismantled.
- How to avoid: Get a fixed-price written quotation before any work begins. The quote should specify exactly what is included. If they find additional issues, they must stop and get your written approval before continuing.
Scam 3: The Unlicensed “Contractor”
- How it works: They claim to be licensed for electrical or gas work. In reality, they have no credentials. Their shoddy wiring causes a short circuit or fire. Your insurance refuses to pay because unlicensed work voids your policy.
- How to avoid: For electrical, gas, or aircon work involving refrigerant, ask to see their license. A legitimate company will provide their registration number.
Scam 4: The No-Warranty Repair
- How it works: They fix a leaking tap today. It leaks again next week. When you call them, they say “no warranty” and demand another service fee.
- How to avoid: Use a handyman that offers a written warranty (minimum 30 days on repairs, 90 days on installations).
Scam 5: The Fake Address
- How it works: Their website lists an impressive office address. In reality, it is a virtual office or an empty building. When problems arise, you cannot find them.
- How to avoid: Call and ask to visit their physical location. A real company like ER Cool Handyman Service welcomes customers to 113 Eunos Ave 3 — you can see our workshop and meet our team.
Green Flags: Signs of a Reliable Handyman
1. They have a physical business address in Singapore
- Not a P.O. box, not a virtual office. A real place where you can visit.
- Example: ER Cool Handyman Service, 113 Eunos Ave 3, Industrial Estate, Singapore 409838.
2. They provide a written quotation before starting
- The quote should include: description of work, materials to be used, total price, estimated duration, and warranty period.
- Verbal quotes are useless. Get it in writing (email or WhatsApp is fine).
3. They have a company registration (UEN)
- Every legitimate Singapore business has a Unique Entity Number from ACRA.
- You can check a UEN for free on ACRA’s website.
- Our UEN is available upon request.
4. They answer calls and respond to messages professionally
- Test this before hiring. Call them at a busy time. Do they answer? Do they return messages within a few hours?
- Beware of numbers that always go to voicemail.
5. They have positive reviews on multiple platforms
- Check Google Maps, Facebook, and trusted platforms like Sgcarmart or Trustpilot.
- Look for detailed reviews (not just “good service”).
- A few negative reviews are normal — look at how the company responds to criticism.
6. They offer a warranty in writing
- At least 30 days for repair work.
- At least 90 days for installations (e.g., new door, new tap).
- Lifetime warranties are usually fake — no handyman can guarantee a tap for life.
7. They are transparent about pricing
- They charge by the job, not by the hour (for most residential work).
- Hourly rates should be stated upfront (e.g., 80firsthour,50 subsequent hours).
- No hidden “transport fee” or “weekend surcharge” surprise.
Red Flags: Avoid These Handymen Immediately
1. No physical address on their website or social media
- If the only contact is a mobile number, run.
2. They demand full payment or large deposit upfront
- Legitimate companies are paid after work is completed, or 20% deposit maximum.
3. They refuse to provide a written quotation
- They want flexibility to increase the price later.
4. They claim to be “licensed for everything”
- No single handyman is licensed for plumbing, electrical, gas, and aircon. Specialists exist for a reason.
5. Their prices are too good to be true
- 50tofixaleakingtoilet?Impossible.MinimumservicecallinSingaporeis80-$120.
- Too low = scam or extremely poor quality.
6. They pressure you to decide immediately
- “This price is only valid today.” That is a sales tactic used by scammers.
- A professional will give you time to think.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Ask these questions over the phone or WhatsApp:
- “What is your company’s physical address?” — If they hesitate, hang up.
- “Can you send me a written quote with a breakdown of costs?” — If they refuse, move on.
- “What warranty do you provide?” — If they say “no warranty” or “depends,” not acceptable.
- “Are you insured for public liability?” — If they damage your property, insurance protects you. Ask for the policy number.
- “Do you have photos of similar work you have done?” — A legitimate company keeps a portfolio.
Why ER Cool Handyman Service is Different
We are not the cheapest handyman in Singapore, and we do not want to be. Cheap work is expensive in the long run. We offer:
- Transparent pricing: We quote fixed prices before we start. No hidden fees, no surprises.
- Physical workshop: You are welcome to visit us at 113 Eunos Ave 3, Industrial Estate, Singapore 409838. See our tools, meet our team.
- Written warranty: 30 days on all repair work, 90 days on installations. We stand behind our work.
- Fast response: We answer calls 7 days a week. WhatsApp us photos and we will reply within 30 minutes during business hours.
- Experienced team: Our handymen have an average of 10+ years of experience in Singapore homes and offices.
- ACRA registered company: We have been operating since 2005. We are not a fly-by-night operation.
How to Verify ER Cool Handyman Service
Do not take our word for it. Verify us:
- Visit us: 113 Eunos Ave 3, Industrial Estate, Singapore 409838 (look for our sign).
- Call us: +6587124664 — a real person answers.
- Email us: ercool_info@yahoo.com — we reply within a few hours.
- Check our website: www.ercoolhandymansg.com — see our portfolio and customer reviews.
Get a Free Quote Today
Whether you need a leaking pipe fixed, a door replaced, your office reinstated, or waterproofing done, we are here to help.
- Phone / WhatsApp: +6587124664
- Email: ercool_info@yahoo.com
- Website: www.ercoolhandymansg.com
- Address: 113 Eunos Ave 3, Industrial Estate, Singapore 409838
We cover all of Singapore — HDB, condo, landed property, and commercial offices. No job is too small, and no job is too complex.
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