Editorial | Hong Kong’s home renovation industry needs a makeover
- A worrying investigation by the consumer watchdog identified problems that will only deepen unless a fix is found
The home renovation industry in Hong Kong desperately needs a makeover.
Worrying results of an investigation by the city’s consumer watchdog have exposed a need for businesses, officials and customers alike to fix problems that will only deepen as more housing is developed and existing buildings age.
The Consumer Council surveyed more than 500 consumers and 16 renovation businesses during last year’s investigation. It also consulted government and professional organisations and had staff pose as service buyers.
Releasing the findings last month, council vice-chairman Tony Pang Chor-fu said many customers lacked the experience and knowledge needed to handle complex renovations and were left with “no choice but to rely on traders’ expertise”.
The survey found 93 per cent of customers preferred to learn about businesses through word of mouth. The investigation also turned up evidence of shoddy work and aggressive sales tactics, and 19 per cent of consumers reported disputes with their contractors.