Question 1

Are you HDB Licensed? What about for electrical work?

Accepted Answer

Yes — SparkFlow Pte Ltd is an HDB Licensed Contractor (license HB-10-5499Z). All our electrical work is done by ME05 L1 Electrical Contractor-registered electricians. Both are mandatory in Singapore for legal HDB and condo work; we display both license numbers in the footer.

Question 2

How fast can you come?

Accepted Answer

WhatsApp messages are read 24/7. During work hours (Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm) we usually slot urgent jobs same-day or first thing the next morning. Outside hours, we lock in the first available next-morning slot. For emergencies (no hot water, active leak, exposed wires), tell us upfront and we'll prioritise.

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 personally handle scheduling. Site work is done by our in-house technicians (no random freelancers); electrical jobs are supervised under our ME05 L1 license.

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

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 10

Can I get a quote without committing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. WhatsApp a photo + your postcode and we'll quote in minutes. No site visit needed for most jobs. Free quote, no obligation, no hard sell.

Question 11

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 12

Do you provide a workmanship warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 30-day workmanship warranty on every job, free re-visit. For installations, the unit itself is covered by the manufacturer's warranty (typically 1-7 years depending on brand and product). Full warranty terms are at /legal/warranty.

Question 13

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 14

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

Accepted Answer

On-site diagnosis (aircon, electrical, plumbing) carries a small callout of $60–80 — waived entirely if you proceed with the fix on the same visit. WhatsApp quotes from photos are always free, no obligation.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

WhatsApp us a photo of the heater + your postcode. During work hours (Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm) we usually slot urgent repairs same-day or first thing the next morning. Common quick fixes — tripped MCB, blown heating element, faulty thermostat — take 1–2 hours on site.

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

1-bathroom HDB or studio with 1–2 occupants → instant heater is usually enough. 2+ bathrooms or families → storage heater (25–50L for 2 people, 50–100L for larger families). Tell us your home size + occupants and we'll recommend in WhatsApp.

Question 17

My heater is leaking — fix or replace?

Accepted Answer

Depends where it's leaking. Pipe fittings or relief valves are usually a simple fix (under $150). Tank-body leaks = the inner tank has corroded — that's not repairable, you'll need a replacement. We diagnose first and quote both options before any work.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Honest answer: usually yes. Storage tanks in Singapore last 7–10 years before the inner lining corrodes — at 8 years you're on borrowed time even if today's fault is fixable. We diagnose, quote both options, and let you decide. No pressure to upgrade if a $150 fix gets you another good year.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Manufacturer warranty typically covers tank-body failure for 1–7 years depending on brand: budget Joven 1 year, premium Rheem / Ariston 5–7 years. If your unit's in warranty and the tank itself failed, the manufacturer usually replaces it free. We help diagnose, photograph, and submit the claim.

Question 20

Do you offer a scheduled annual water heater service?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we're one of the few in Singapore who do. $150/year for a storage heater (up to 50L), $100 for an instant heater. Includes anode check, sediment flush, element test, drain-pan inspection, photo report. Plans from 1 to 3 years, cancel anytime.

Question 21

Why does my water heater trip the MCB only sometimes?

Accepted Answer

Usually the heating element is developing a partial earth leak — small enough to charge most of the time, big enough to trip the RCD intermittently. It's a warning sign the element is on the way out. Worth replacing proactively before it leaves you cold and tripping randomly.

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it's usually a partial rewire — instant heaters need a higher-rated MCB (40A+) than storage (16–20A), and the cable from the DB box may need upgrading. We assess + quote both unit + electrical upgrade in one number. Typical changeover: $700–1,200 all-in.

Question 23

My power keeps tripping — what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

Usually one of: an overloaded circuit (too many heavy appliances on one socket), a faulty appliance (often a water heater or aircon), a damaged wire, or a faulty MCB/RCD. Our electrician traces it by isolating each circuit; diagnosis + fix is usually 1–2 hours.

Question 24

Do I need a licensed electrician for water heater installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes — by Singapore law, water heater electrical hookup must be done by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW). SparkFlow is registered with EMA as a ME05 L1 Electrical Contractor, so every install is by-the-book, insured, and compliant for HDB and condo regulations.

Question 25

Can you upgrade my distribution board (DB box)?

Accepted Answer

Yes — full DB box upgrade with RCDs, MCBs, and labelled circuits for older HDB flats. We notify Singapore Power and pull the work permits as part of the job. Usually 3–4 hours; price depends on existing wiring.

Question 26

What's the difference between MCB and RCD tripping?

Accepted Answer

MCB (mini circuit breaker) trips for overload or short-circuit on a specific circuit. RCD (residual current device) trips for earth leakage — current going where it shouldn't, usually through water or a damaged appliance. RCD trips are always more serious because they indicate a shock hazard.

Question 27

Can I add a socket anywhere on the wall?

Accepted Answer

Almost always yes — we tap power from the nearest existing socket on the same circuit, chase a clean conduit run, install a back-box and wire it up. Half-day job typically, $150–200 including plaster + paint touch-up. The constraint is which circuit you're tapping and its spare capacity.

Question 28

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

Accepted Answer

Yes — almost always. We work circuit-by-circuit so the rest of the home stays powered. Bathrooms + kitchen usually finished in a single day. Worst case is the day we touch the main DB box — power's out for 4–6 hours of that day. Full HDB rewire: 2–4 days total depending on flat size.

Question 29

Do you provide an electrical safety certificate after rewiring?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a signed completion certificate listing every circuit tested, insulation-resistance values, RCD trip-test results, and our EMA ME05 L1 licence number. Critical if you're insuring the property or planning to sell — buyers ask for it.

Question 30

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 31

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 32

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

Accepted Answer

Active leaks are emergency — WhatsApp us a photo, location of the shutoff valve, and your postcode. We'll dispatch the nearest available technician. Shut off your water main first to limit damage while we're on the way.

Question 33

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

Accepted Answer

Most tap or mixer swaps are 30–60 minutes, $80–150 depending on the fitting and whether the wall pipes need adjusting. We can supply common brands or install one you bought yourself.

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

Drain cleaner sometimes works for hair clogs in basin sinks. It almost never works for grease or food clogs (can't penetrate solid blockages) and it damages older PVC pipes + corrodes brass fittings. Better to clear physically. Kitchen sink: $80–140. Bathroom / shower: $80–130. Toilet: $100–180.

Question 35

Why is my toilet running constantly after flushing?

Accepted Answer

The flapper inside the cistern isn't sealing the drain hole back up — usually because it's warped, has mineral buildup, or the chain is too long. New flapper kit costs $20 retail; install + labour is $60–80. Fixes 80% of "won't stop running" cases.

Question 36

What if the leak is behind a wall?

Accepted Answer

We use a moisture meter to trace the wet zone, listen with a stethoscope at suspected joints, and cut a clean access opening only where needed. Plastered + ready for paint at handover — typical access patch is 15×15cm, repaired in the same visit.

Question 37

How often should I service my aircon?

Accepted Answer

General servicing every 3–4 months for daily-use units; chemical wash once a year for older units or those with mould smell. Singapore's humidity makes this stricter than other climates — under-serviced units cost more in electricity AND fail earlier.

Question 38

Aircon not cold — is it gas top-up?

Accepted Answer

Maybe, but not always. Symptoms of low gas: cold-then-warm cycling, ice on the pipes, unit running but not cooling. Could also be a dirty filter, fan motor, or compressor issue. Our tech diagnoses on-site; gas top-up is $80–120, full chemical wash $120–180.

Question 39

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 40

Aircon dripping water — emergency or can it wait?

Accepted Answer

Not a flooded-apartment emergency — water trickles from condensation, not from mains pressure. But ceiling damage downstairs, mould growth, and electrical risk if it reaches the PCB make it worth a same-day fix where slots allow. Most cases are a clogged condensate drain — 30-min flush, $80–130.

Question 41

Should I just top up gas without a leak test?

Accepted Answer

No. Gas only "runs low" if it's leaking — topping up without finding the leak means the same problem returns within weeks. Insist on a pressure test before any gas top-up. We do this as part of every diagnosis, and we won't refill without fixing the leak first.

Question 42

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 43

What counts as 'handyman' work?

Accepted Answer

Wall-mounting TVs/shelves, drilling, hanging art, door + lock repairs, furniture assembly, curtain rails, towel rails, mirror mounts. If it's a small fix-it job around the home that doesn't need a specialist trade, we do it. From $60.

Question 44

Can you paint just one room?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Single-room paint jobs from $250 (small bedroom) to $450 (large living room). Full-unit HDB repaints from $1,200 depending on flat size. Includes prep, premium paints (Nippon / Dulux), clean handover.

Question 45

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

Accepted Answer

Deep clean of every surface, kitchen and bathroom degreasing, window tracks, fan blades, behind appliances. Post-renovation cleaning includes dust + debris removal. Pricing scales by unit size: HDB 3-room from $280, 4-room $350, 5-room $420. Larger homes by quote.

Question 46

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 47

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

Accepted Answer

Yes — provided it's a reputable brand (Igloohome, Yale, Samsung, Loghome, Hafele). Cheap unbranded locks fail within 2 years and we can't warranty them. Install-only: $180–250. Supply + install of mid-range lock: $400–650. PIN, fingerprint, card, app all tested before we leave.

Question 48

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 49

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 50

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 51

Do you handle full HDB or condo renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes — full-scope, end-to-end. Hacking, layout reconfig, carpentry, tiling, plastering, painting, electrical + plumbing under our HDB Licensed Contractor cert (HB-10-5499Z) and EMA ME05 L1 licence. From single-room refresh to full-unit overhaul, kitchen + bathroom rebuilds, and finishing. WhatsApp us your floor plan + scope and we'll walk through it together.

Question 52

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 53

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

Accepted Answer

Yes for hacking, structural changes, and certain plumbing/electrical works. Cosmetic-only (paint, fittings) usually doesn't. As an HDB Licensed Contractor (HB-10-5499Z) we file the permits on your behalf and give you a copy of the approved permit before work starts.

Question 54

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 55

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

Accepted Answer

Yes — many customers source from Taobao or pick up specific brands they love. We charge an installation-only rate and warranty our workmanship. Note: if a customer-supplied item fails, the manufacturer warranty applies — not us.

Question 56

What's the warranty on renovation work?

Accepted Answer

12 months from handover on workmanship — tiling, waterproofing, carpentry. Original-brand fittings and appliances carry their manufacturer warranty (typically 1–5 years). Anything that goes wrong inside the workmanship window, we come back and fix at no charge.

Question 57

Is bathroom waterproofing really necessary?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's the single most common failure point in poorly done bathroom renovations. We apply a multi-layer cement-based membrane to bathrooms, kitchens with floor drains, and any wet area BEFORE tiling. Skipping it shows up as leaks 1–3 years later. Always included in our wet-area scope as standard.

Question 58

Do you respect HDB-permitted noise hours during reno?

Accepted Answer

Yes. HDB rules: noisy works (hacking, drilling) only Mon–Sat 9am–5pm. Quiet works (painting, installation, finishing) can run longer. We schedule noisy trades early in the project to minimise disruption to you and the neighbours.

Questions, answered.

General

Pricing & payment

Water heater

Electrical

Ceiling fan

Plumbing

Aircon

Handyman, painting & cleaning

Renovation

Still got a question? Ask us directly.