LayeredCaseTrust and HDB licence explained: how to check a renovation firm
Renovation firms in Singapore often advertise an HDB licence or a CaseTrust logo. They are different things and protect you in different ways. Here is what each one means and how to check it.
HDB-registered renovation contractor (HDB licence)
HDB keeps a directory of renovation contractors registered with it. If you are renovating an HDB flat, works that need an HDB renovation permit must be done by a registered contractor, who also applies for the permit. A listed firm has a licence number, and the directory shows details such as its status and validity.
How to check: ask the firm for its exact registered company name and licence number, then look it up on HDB's contractor lookup and confirm they match and the registration is current.
An HDB registration tells you the firm may carry out HDB works. It is not a guarantee of workmanship or a consumer-protection scheme.
CaseTrust: the Consumers Association of Singapore accreditation
CaseTrust is run by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). For renovation businesses it focuses on fair business practices and consumer protection, including a standard renovation contract and protection for the deposits you pay. There are three versions you may see:
| Accreditation | Who it is for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CaseTrust | Renovation businesses that are not members of RCMA | The standard accreditation for renovation businesses. |
| CaseTrust-RCMA | Members of the Renovation Contractors & Material Suppliers Association (RCMA) | A joint accreditation scheme with RCMA. Core consumer protections are the same as CaseTrust. |
| CaseTrust Gold | Renovation businesses meeting a higher standard | The top tier, with enhanced protections such as 50% prepayment protection through an approved instrument, for example an insurance bond or banker's guarantee. |
The difference between CaseTrust and CaseTrust-RCMA is about which industry body the firm belongs to, not how much protection you get. Gold is a higher protection level.
How to check: look for the CaseTrust logo and confirm the firm on CASE's CaseTrust website, including that the accreditation has not expired.
How credentials appear on Layered
On Layered, firms can list their HDB licence number and their CaseTrust accreditation (CaseTrust, CaseTrust-RCMA or CaseTrust Gold). Credentials are self-declared by the firm by default. When our team has checked a firm against HDB's and CASE's own lookups, the badge carries a tick and the date of the check, and the profile says so. Everything else is shown as self-declared. Either way, treat a badge as a prompt to check, not as proof, because registrations can lapse. You can filter the designer directory by these credentials, including firms we have checked, then confirm them on the official lookups above.
What neither credential guarantees
Neither badge guarantees design quality or that a project will go smoothly. Use them alongside a portfolio review, itemised quotes and a clear written contract. Our checklist for choosing an interior designer covers the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between CaseTrust and CaseTrust-RCMA?
Both are CASE accreditations for renovation businesses with the same core consumer protections. CaseTrust-RCMA is a joint scheme for members of the Renovation Contractors and Material Suppliers Association, while CaseTrust is for renovation businesses that are not RCMA members.
What does CaseTrust Gold mean?
Gold is the highest CaseTrust tier for renovation businesses. It includes enhanced protections such as 50% prepayment protection through an approved instrument like an insurance bond or banker's guarantee.
How do I check if a contractor has an HDB licence?
Ask for the exact registered company name and licence number, then look the company up on HDB's contractor lookup and confirm the details match and the registration is current.
Does Layered verify the credentials firms list?
Not by default. Credentials are self-declared by each firm and labelled that way. Where our team has checked a firm against the official HDB and CaseTrust lookups, the badge shows a tick and the date of the check. Registrations can lapse, so always confirm with HDB and CaseTrust before signing a contract.
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