Basic Renovation Costs Singapore: A Guide to Budget-Friendly Upgrades

If you’re planning to renovate your home in Singapore, you might be wondering about the basic renovation costs. Renovating your home can be an exciting project, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re on a budget. Understanding renovation costs in Singapore is essential to help you plan your budget and avoid any surprises along the way.

A construction worker renovates a Singaporean home, measuring and planning for basic renovations

Breaking down the renovation process into smaller parts can help you understand the costs involved. For instance, the cost of renovating a living room, bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen can vary significantly. Other factors that can affect the cost of home renovation include the size of your home, the complexity of the project, and the materials you choose. With some research and careful planning, you can create a realistic renovation budget that suits your needs and preferences.

Key Takeaways

Renovating your home can be an exciting project, but it’s essential to understand the basic renovation costs in Singapore to plan your budget.
Breaking down the renovation process into smaller parts can help you understand the costs involved and avoid any surprises along the way.
Other factors that can affect the cost of home renovation include the size of your home, the complexity of the project, and the materials you choose.

Understanding Renovation Costs in Singapore

A room with a modern design, including new flooring, fresh paint, updated fixtures, and stylish furnishings. A price list or budget spreadsheet is visible, indicating various renovation costs

If you’re planning to renovate your home in Singapore, it’s important to understand the costs involved. This section will help you understand the various factors that influence renovation costs in Singapore, including the type of property you own, renovation loan options, and permits and restrictions.

HDB vs Private Properties

The type of property you own can have a significant impact on your renovation costs. If you own an HDB BTO or resale flat, there are certain renovation rules that you need to follow. For example, you cannot hack load-bearing walls, and you need to engage a HDB-registered renovation contractor. On the other hand, if you own a private property, you have more flexibility in terms of the renovations you can carry out. However, it’s important to note that renovation costs for private properties tend to be higher than those for HDB flats.

Renovation Loan Options

If you don’t have enough cash on hand to finance your renovation, you may want to consider taking out a renovation loan. There are several renovation loan options available in Singapore, including those offered by banks and licensed moneylenders. Before taking out a renovation loan, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, including the interest rate and repayment period.

Permits and Restrictions

Before you start your renovation, you need to obtain the necessary permits from the relevant authorities. For example, if you’re carrying out major renovations that involve structural changes, you need to obtain a permit from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). It’s important to note that there are also restrictions on the types of renovations you can carry out, depending on the type of property you own. For example, if you own an HDB flat, you cannot carry out renovations that affect the structural integrity of the building.

In summary, understanding the renovation costs in Singapore is crucial before embarking on a renovation project. The type of property you own, renovation loan options, and permits and restrictions are important factors to consider. By doing your research and planning carefully, you can ensure that your renovation project runs smoothly and stays within your budget.

Breaking Down the Renovation Process

A construction worker demolishes old walls, while another measures the space for new fixtures. Debris is piled up, ready for removal

Renovating your home can be an exciting project, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start. Here’s a breakdown of the renovation process to help you get started.

Design and Planning

The first step in any renovation project is to come up with a design and plan. This involves working with an interior designer or an architect to create a blueprint of your desired outcome. During this stage, you will need to consider the materials you want to use, the budget you have, and the timeline you want to work with. You may also need to get approval from the relevant authorities, such as HDB-approved contractors, before you can proceed.

Major Structural Changes

If you’re planning to make major structural changes, such as hacking or masonry work, you will need to hire a renovation contractor. They will help you with the design and planning process, and oversee the work to ensure it is completed to your satisfaction. You will also need to consider the cost of materials, labour costs, and any necessary electrical wiring or plumbing works.

Finishing Touches and Aesthetics

Once the major works are completed, you can move on to the finishing touches and aesthetics. This includes installing built-in furniture, such as cabinets and wardrobes, and choosing the right flooring, such as vinyl or laminate. You may also want to consider cosmetic renovations, such as cleaning and polishing, to give your home a fresh new look. Don’t forget about the ceiling and partition, as well as false ceilings and double-height ceilings, if you’re planning to create a unique look for your home.

When it comes to budgeting, it’s important to plan ahead and consider all the costs involved. You can use a renovation calculator to help you estimate the costs of your project, and work with your contractor to find economical finishes that meet your budget. Ready-made furniture and fittings can also help you save on costs, while still achieving the look you want.

Overall, renovating your home can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and execution. By working with the right contractor, interior designer, and tradespeople, you can achieve the home of your dreams, without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the going rate for sprucing up a square foot in a Singapore abode?

The cost of renovating a home in Singapore depends on various factors such as the type of property, the extent of the renovation, and the materials used. Home renovation costs in Singapore can range from SGD 20 to SGD 150 per square foot. For instance, the cost of renovating an HDB flat can vary from SGD 10,000 to SGD 80,000 depending on the type of flat and the extent of the renovation.

Could you give me a ballpark figure for a 4-room HDB makeover?

The cost of renovating a 4-room HDB flat in Singapore can range from SGD 30,000 to SGD 60,000 depending on the extent of the renovation and the materials used. This cost includes the renovation of the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. It is important to note that this is just an estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific requirements of the renovation.

Is there a nifty calculator to help estimate my renovation expenditure in Singapore?

Yes, there are several online renovation calculators that can help you estimate the cost of renovating your home in Singapore. One such calculator is the Qanvast renovation calculator. This tool allows you to input the size of your home, the type of property, and the extent of the renovation to get an estimate of the total cost.

What’s the average budget one should earmark for a home revamp in 2023?

The average cost of renovating a home in Singapore in 2023 is expected to be around SGD 50,000 to SGD 70,000. This cost includes the renovation of the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms. However, it is important to note that this is just an estimate and the actual cost may vary depending on the specific requirements of the renovation.

Where can I find a comprehensive price list for various renovation services?

You can find a comprehensive price list for various renovation services in Singapore on websites such as Qanvast, Renonation, and HomeRenoGuru. These websites offer a range of services such as renovation packages, interior design services, and contractor services. They also provide information on the cost of various renovation services such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and painting.

Any tips on securing a renovation loan for my Singapore flat?

If you are planning to renovate your home in Singapore and require financial assistance, you can consider applying for a renovation loan from a bank or financial institution. Before applying for a loan, it is important to compare the interest rates and terms of different lenders. You should also ensure that you have a good credit score and a stable source of income to increase your chances of getting approved for a loan. Additionally, you can consider applying for a renovation loan from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) if you are renovating an HDB flat.