Question 1

What contractor registrations do you hold?

Accepted Answer

SparkFlow is an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor (HB-10-5499Z) and holds BCA ME05 Electrical Engineering registration at L1. These are company registrations. Where electrical work requires an EMA Licensed Electrical Worker, the responsible individual should be identified for that scope.

Question 2

How fast can you come?

Accepted Answer

WhatsApp messages are handled during published operating hours (Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm; Sunday and public holidays closed). Send a safe photo and postcode and we will confirm the next available slot. For fire, smoke, gas smell, serious flooding or immediate danger, leave the area and call the relevant emergency service.

Question 3

Do you operate islandwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes, across Singapore — HDB flats, condos, landed, and small offices. No service fee for travelling to your area; we factor it into the quote so what you see is what you pay.

Question 4

Why do you prefer WhatsApp over phone calls?

Accepted Answer

Photos. A photo of your broken water heater or leaking pipe lets us diagnose 80% of the way in seconds — that means we can quote accurately and bring the right parts on the first visit. Phone is fine for urgent stuff, but WhatsApp gets you a faster + more accurate quote.

Question 5

Who actually does the work?

Accepted Answer

Co-founders Benetton and Royston Chan lead SparkFlow. Your quote identifies the work being done and the appropriate team or regulated trade for that scope; ME05 L1 is a BCA company registration, not a personal electrical-worker licence.

Question 6

Can I supply my own parts / fittings / fixtures?

Accepted Answer

Either works. We supply most common brands at trade price (often cheaper than retail), or you can buy from Lazada / Shopee / Courts / IKEA and we just install. Bringing your own is fine — we'll tell you on WhatsApp before the visit if the unit won't fit your existing setup.

Question 7

Do you handle disposal of the old unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — included on most replacement jobs (water heater, toilet, taps, appliances, furniture). We bag it up in our transport and dispose at proper e-waste / scrap channels. You don't have to deal with town council or HDB bulk disposal.

Question 8

Do I need to be home for the work?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes — to verify positioning before drilling, confirm the final look, and approve any changes that come up on site. For straightforward jobs we can sometimes work with a helper or family member present. Tell us upfront and we'll plan around it.

Question 9

Do you work on Sundays or public holidays?

Accepted Answer

Our published operating hours are Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm; Sundays and public holidays are closed. Messages received outside those hours are handled when the team reopens. Attendance is confirmed before booking rather than guaranteed from the message time.

Question 10

Do you take a deposit before starting?

Accepted Answer

For most repairs and single-item installs, no — you pay on completion once the agreed work is handed over. Larger renovation or bulk supply-and-install jobs use a staged payment schedule agreed in writing. SparkFlow is an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor (HB-10-5499Z).

Question 11

Can you help if it's a rental — whether I'm the tenant or the landlord?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can deal with whoever's on-site on the day, send the photos and invoice to the owner or agent, and keep a record for the tenancy. Just tell us upfront who's paying and who needs to be kept in the loop.

Question 12

How is your pricing decided?

Accepted Answer

Most jobs are quoted upfront over WhatsApp before we book. We quote based on the photo + your description — no surprise add-ons once we're on-site, no parts markups we don't tell you about. If something turns out more complex than the photo showed, we tell you BEFORE doing extra work and you decide.

Question 13

Can I get a quote without committing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Send a photo, postcode and required outcome. We will explain whether the work can be quoted remotely or needs a site visit, and state any assessment fee before booking. Response time depends on operating hours and team availability.

Question 14

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

PayNow (preferred — instant), bank transfer, cash, and cheque. We don't take credit cards on-site to keep prices low (no card-processing markup). Payment is on completion unless agreed otherwise.

Question 15

Do you provide a workmanship warranty?

Accepted Answer

The written quote states the workmanship terms, exclusions and claim process for that scope. Supplied products carry only the specific manufacturer warranty shown for the selected model. Review those terms before approving the job; there is no blanket duration assumed for every service or product.

Question 16

Are there any hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

The quote we give you over WhatsApp is the price you pay — assuming the job matches your description and photos. If something on site turns out different from what was sent (e.g. the actual unit needs a different part), we tell you the change in writing BEFORE doing the extra work, so you can decide.

Question 17

Do you charge a call-out fee if I don't proceed with the work?

Accepted Answer

The quote states any attendance or diagnostic fee and whether it is credited if you proceed. Photos can support an initial estimate, but we will tell you when an on-site assessment is needed before a final price is possible.

Question 18

Is it cheaper to just buy the product myself on Shopee or Lazada?

Accepted Answer

Compare the exact model, seller, delivery, installation scope and warranty route rather than the headline product price alone. Owner-supplied items may be installed subject to compatibility, condition and applicable safety requirements; manufacturer or seller warranty remains separate from installation workmanship terms.

Question 19

I have no hot water right now — can you come today?

Accepted Answer

Send a photo of the heater, symptoms and postcode during published operating hours. We will confirm the next available slot. Do not open the heater or repeatedly reset a tripping breaker; diagnosis, parts and any required Licensed Electrical Worker determine completion time.

Question 20

Storage vs instant heater — which is right for my home?

Accepted Answer

The choice depends on simultaneous shower demand, flow, available space, electrical supply, pipe routing and the selected model. Household size alone does not determine a safe capacity; we check the installation requirements before recommending a unit.

Question 21

My heater is leaking — fix or replace?

Accepted Answer

It depends on whether water comes from a fitting, valve, connection, condensation path or the vessel itself. Isolate the heater safely and arrange diagnosis. Repairability and price depend on the exact model, failure, regulated work and parts; replacement is quoted only after the source is confirmed.

Question 22

My heater is 8+ years old — should I just replace instead of repair?

Accepted Answer

Age is useful context but not a fixed expiry rule. Model, condition, leak source, maintenance history, parts availability and current safety findings determine whether repair or replacement is sensible. We diagnose first and separate the two options in writing where both are viable.

Question 23

Will my water heater warranty cover a tank-body failure?

Accepted Answer

Coverage depends on the exact model, purchase date, registration, proof of purchase, failed component and current manufacturer terms. Contact the manufacturer before authorising paid work. Diagnosis or claim-support documentation is supplied only when included in the agreed scope, and approval is the manufacturer's decision.

Question 24

Do you offer a scheduled annual water heater service?

Accepted Answer

Maintenance should follow the exact manufacturer's instructions and the unit's condition. We can quote a model-appropriate inspection or service, stating whether draining, component checks, electrical testing or a report is included; not every heater should be flushed or dismantled annually.

Question 25

Why does my water heater trip the MCB only sometimes?

Accepted Answer

Intermittent trips can come from an appliance fault, moisture, wiring, overload or a protective-device issue. Stop resetting repeatedly and do not open the heater. The appropriately licensed electrical worker should test the affected circuit and appliance before any part is replaced.

Question 26

Can I switch from a storage heater to instant (or vice versa)?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. The responsible EMA Licensed Electrical Worker must assess the selected model's load, existing circuit, protective device and cable, while plumbing and space requirements also differ. Do not use universal breaker ratings or assume a rewire until the exact units are compared.

Question 27

What water heater brands do you install?

Accepted Answer

We can quote selected storage and instant models from brands including Joven, Rheem, Ariston, Rubine, 707, Mistral and Mowe, subject to current availability. Owner-supplied units remain subject to model, condition and installation compatibility checks.

Question 28

My power keeps tripping — what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

Possible causes include overload, an appliance fault, moisture, damaged wiring or a protective-device issue. If it trips again after one safe reset with appliances switched off, stop. Do not open the distribution board; arrange diagnosis by the appropriate EMA Licensed Electrical Worker.

Question 29

Do I need a licensed electrician for water heater installation?

Accepted Answer

A new or altered water-heater electrical connection must be handled by an EMA Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). ME05 L1 is a separate BCA company registration, not an EMA worker licence. Ask for the responsible LEW's name and licence details in the installation scope.

Question 30

Can you upgrade my distribution board (DB box)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after an EMA Licensed Electrical Worker assesses the existing supply, board, circuits and protective devices. The quote identifies applicable notifications, isolation, testing and handover records rather than assuming the same permit or duration for every property.

Question 31

What's the difference between MCB and RCD tripping?

Accepted Answer

An MCB generally protects against overcurrent on a circuit, while an RCD responds to residual-current imbalance. Either repeated trip needs diagnosis; the device that operated does not by itself prove the cause or allow a universal severity ranking.

Question 32

Can I add a socket anywhere on the wall?

Accepted Answer

Not automatically. A Licensed Electrical Worker must assess circuit capacity, cable route, wet-area restrictions and concealed services. Some locations need a new circuit or surface route, and making-good is included only when stated in the quote.

Question 33

Can rewiring be done while we still live in the home?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, depending on the safe isolation plan and scope. We explain planned outages, access restrictions and whether occupancy is practical before work starts. The programme follows the property survey rather than a flat-type guarantee.

Question 34

Do you provide an electrical safety certificate after rewiring?

Accepted Answer

The handover record should match the actual scope and identify the responsible Licensed Electrical Worker where one is required. Ask for the circuit schedule, relevant test results and any applicable certification before accepting the work.

Question 35

Can you install ceiling fans in HDB flats?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We do KDK, Fanco, Crestar, Acorn, Bestar and most brands. Standard HDB ceiling heights (2.6m) work for hugger fans; if you have a higher ceiling we use down-rods. We bring the mounting bracket, wiring, and remote setup — full install is 60–90 minutes.

Question 36

Brand recommendations?

Accepted Answer

For HDB bedrooms: Fanco Rito-3 (our top seller). For living rooms: Fanco Galaxy-5 or B-Star. For premium quiet: KDK DC series. We're an authorised installer for all major brands. See real listings on /products.

Question 37

Can you fit a ceiling fan where there's only a light point?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes. We install a proper fan-rated mounting box or hook, wire the fan off the existing ceiling point, and set up the remote or wall control. Send us a photo of the spot on the ceiling and we'll confirm what's needed before the visit.

Question 38

DC or AC fan — is DC worth paying more for?

Accepted Answer

For daily use, usually yes. A DC fan draws about 25–35W against 60–75W for an older AC motor, runs noticeably quieter, and comes with a remote and more speed steps. It costs a bit more upfront but pays itself back over years of running, and it's gentler on the electricity bill.

Question 39

I have a burst pipe / active leak — can you come now?

Accepted Answer

If a known isolation valve is accessible from a dry, safe position and turns normally, close it without forcing it. Keep away from water near electricity, then send a photo and postcode during operating hours. We confirm attendance before dispatch; immediate danger belongs with the relevant emergency service.

Question 40

Tap or shower mixer replacement — how long and how much?

Accepted Answer

Scope and price depend on the fixture, isolation, connections, corrosion and model compatibility. We can quote supply or owner-supplied installation after reviewing the exact tap and existing connections.

Question 41

I have a clogged drain — drain cleaner first or call you?

Accepted Answer

Avoid mixing drain products or using a chemical when you do not know what is already in the pipe. Corrosive cleaners can burn skin and may be unsuitable for the fixture or plumbing. Tell the plumber about any product already used; the clearing method and quote follow diagnosis.

Question 42

Why is my toilet running constantly after flushing?

Accepted Answer

Possible causes include an outlet seal that is not closing, a fill valve or float issue, incorrect adjustment or overflow. The cistern model and actual water path should be checked before a compatible part is ordered.

Question 43

What if the leak is behind a wall?

Accepted Answer

We first agree a suitable detection and opening-up approach. The quote states the access area and whether patching, waterproofing, tiling or painting is included; the opening size and same-visit completion cannot be promised before the leak is located.

Question 44

How often should I service my aircon?

Accepted Answer

Use the manufacturer schedule as a baseline, then adjust for operating hours, dust, occupants, filter condition, drainage and observed performance. A chemical wash is condition-led, not an automatic annual item; diagnosis should identify what routine cleaning cannot address.

Question 45

Aircon not cold — is it gas top-up?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, but restricted airflow, controls, sensors, fans, drainage, electrical faults and compressor problems can look similar. Refrigerant work should follow model identification and diagnosis; we do not prescribe a top-up or chemical wash from symptoms alone.

Question 46

Aircon running but not cold — what should I check first?

Accepted Answer

Three things: (1) Is the room sealed? Open doors / windows kill cooling. (2) Filter — pull it out and look. Dusty = clean it. (3) Remote — switch to COOL mode (not FAN, not DRY) and set 20°C. If those three are fine and still warm, it's a service or repair job.

Question 47

Aircon dripping water — emergency or can it wait?

Accepted Answer

Treat water near electrical parts or serious ceiling leakage as urgent and switch the unit off from a dry, safely accessible control. Condensate drainage is one possible cause, but icing, installation, pump or building drainage issues may also be involved. Timing and price follow diagnosis and availability.

Question 48

Should I just top up gas without a leak test?

Accepted Answer

Do not treat refrigerant as a routine consumable. The technician should identify the refrigerant, assess the system and explain why charge is low or incorrect before adding it. The appropriate leak-check and repair method depends on the system and diagnosis.

Question 49

What's the difference between chemical wash and regular servicing?

Accepted Answer

Regular servicing ($90–130, 60–90 min): clean the filter + surface-wipe the coil + drain. Every 3–4 months for normal use. Chemical wash ($150–220, 2–3 hours): dismantle + soak the coil in alkaline solution + flush + clean drain pan + reassemble. Needed annually if regular service was skipped, or every 18–24 months even on schedule.

Question 50

Do you install new aircon, or only service it?

Accepted Answer

Both. We supply and install new System 1 / 2 / 3 inverter sets (R32 gas, up to 5-tick efficiency), and we service, gas-top-up and repair existing units of any brand. Tell us which rooms you want cooled and we'll size the system with you over WhatsApp.

Question 51

What counts as 'handyman' work?

Accepted Answer

Typical requests include mounting, furniture assembly, curtain rails and minor door hardware. We first check substrate, concealed-service risk, item weight and whether the job actually requires a specialist regulated trade. Pricing follows the confirmed scope.

Question 52

Can you paint just one room?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The quote depends on measured area, existing condition, preparation, repairs, coats, paint system, protection and access. Brand and exact product line are specified rather than assumed from a starting price.

Question 53

Move-in/move-out cleaning — what's included?

Accepted Answer

The cleaning checklist is agreed room by room and states exclusions such as inaccessible exteriors, hazardous material, heavy debris or appliance moving. Pricing depends on size, condition, access and the confirmed post-renovation scope.

Question 54

Can you mount a TV on any wall — concrete, drywall, hollow block?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we bring the right anchor for each material. HDB walls are typically concrete (excellent for mounting). Condo walls are often hollow block (needs longer toggle anchors). Drywall on metal stud needs special toggle bolts. Pricing: fixed $80–120, tilting $95–140, full-motion $130–200.

Question 55

Can you install a digital lock I bought from Lazada / Shopee?

Accepted Answer

Yes, subject to door, lock, fire-rating and model compatibility. Send the exact lock and door details first. Installation, supplied hardware, app setup and making-good are itemised, while product warranty remains subject to the selected manufacturer's terms.

Question 56

Can you assemble IKEA / Taobao furniture, or do bulk multi-item jobs?

Accepted Answer

Yes to both. Small items (chairs, tables): $60–90. Mid (desks, dining): $80–140. Large (beds, PAX wardrobes): $120–280. Multi-item discounts kick in at 3+ items same visit — typically 15–25% off the sum. Anti-tip wall anchors included for tall units (HDB requirement).

Question 57

How early should I book my CNY spring cleaning?

Accepted Answer

By November ideally. The two weeks before CNY are our busiest of the year — slots from mid-January onwards fill up by early December. CNY-period visits also carry a 15–25% premium for demand. Outside CNY season, spring cleaning is year-round with normal lead time.

Question 58

Are most wall cracks dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No — 90% are cosmetic (settlement, paint contraction, minor flex). The ones that ARE serious: structural cracks wider than 3mm running diagonally across multiple walls or doors, or actively widening over time. Send us a photo and we'll tell you honestly whether it's cosmetic or needs a structural engineer.

Question 59

Do you give a written quote and a receipt I can keep?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The quote comes in writing over WhatsApp before we book anything, and we'll give you a receipt on completion (PayNow, bank transfer, cash or cheque). Handy if you need it for warranty records, insurance, or a tenancy.

Question 60

Do you handle full HDB or condo renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we can coordinate renovation trades under a written scope. SparkFlow is an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor (HB-10-5499Z) and holds BCA ME05 L1 contractor registration. Those company registrations do not replace the individual licences required for regulated electrical, plumbing or gas work.

Question 61

How long does a full HDB renovation take?

Accepted Answer

Light refresh: 1–2 weeks. Single-room (e.g. kitchen only): 3–4 weeks. Full 3-room HDB: 6–10 weeks depending on scope. We share a Gantt-style schedule before starting so you know which trade is on-site each day.

Question 62

Do I need an HDB renovation permit, and who files it?

Accepted Answer

HDB classifies work item by item: some renovation needs a permit, some is allowed subject to conditions and some is disallowed. As an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor (HB-10-5499Z), we can submit applicable permit work on the owner's behalf and provide the approved conditions before work starts.

Question 63

Do you offer design as well as the works, or just the build?

Accepted Answer

Both. For full renovations we offer a design service — mood-boards, layout drawings, and material samples. If you've already got an ID designer or your own plan, we just execute to that. Either way, the price is transparent and itemised — design fee is separate from build.

Question 64

Can I supply my own tiles, fittings, or appliances?

Accepted Answer

Owner-supplied items may be installed subject to dimensions, condition, compatibility and applicable Singapore safety requirements. The quote states installation workmanship terms; product defects and seller or manufacturer warranty remain separate.

Questions, answered.

General

Pricing & payment

Water heater

Electrical

Ceiling fan

Plumbing

Aircon

Handyman, painting & cleaning

Renovation

Still got a question? Ask us directly.