HDB BTO Renovation Cost: Expert View on the Cost to Renovate an HDB Flat in Singapore
Hearty Congratulations if you’ve just achieved your dream of buying a new BTO flat in Singapore! You might be excited and confused at the same time about how to do the renovation works at your most excellent investment and make it as beautiful as you can. We heard your worries and so we are here with a detailed article on everything you need to know regarding HDB BTO renovation cost in Singapore. Yes, we’ve covered everything from the cost of major remodelling components to the average remodelling costs!
Factors that Contribute to the Total HDB Renovation Cost in Singapore
When it comes to thinking of HDB BTO renovation cost in Singapore, getting an idea regarding the main factors that contribute to most costs makes it a lot easier. If you’re looking to get it simplified, read on.
Condition of the Flat
The logic is pretty simple. If you have bought a resale flat in Singapore, chances are there you do not really like the renovation works by previous owners. Hence, you will have to spend more on renovation when compared to renovating a BTO flat. They come clean, which makes renovation easy for contractors. HDB BTO renovation cost in Singapore may not be as expensive as the other.
Type and Size of the Flat
Since BTO flats in Singapore are smaller when compared to resale flats, the cost of renovation for them is 40% less. Since these flats are less in area comparatively, they might require less fitting and hacking work. They might also require almost no rewiring that you might otherwise need while remodelling a space with outdated features.
Extend of Renovation
Renovation costs vary greatly on how much area of your flat you plan on giving a makeover. It simply means that the cost will be a lot lesser if you’re only intending to renovate a particular section of your flat. However, if you wish to renovate every inch of your space, then that’s another story. You’re lucky if you like what the previous owner has done.
Quality of Materials Used
Renovation costs vary greatly depending on the type of materials you would use. If you prefer to pick basic materials with simple finishings over premium materials when it comes to countertops and tiles, you could save a lot. Otherwise, if you prefer bringing a luxury touch to your flat, it will cost you more.
For instance, if you prefer a type of flooring with good durability and a classy look, you would have several options like timber flooring and hardwood flooring. The flooring of hardwood has a natural finish, but it is comparatively expensive and demands more maintenance. They are also vulnerable to scratches and dents on top of natural wear and tear. Cleaning agents suited to use on hardwood are pricey too. However, if you don’t want to compromise on the desired look of your new flat, you can buy alternative materials with a similar finish close to the original one. For instance, you can opt for vinyl tiles instead of wood as they come with grains, thereby making them look like wood.
The Design Firm Of Your Choose
Many homeowners might want to go DIY while remodelling their newly-bought flat. However, hiring professionals will help you avoid making mistakes that will cost them a lot. The rates of contractors and design firms will vary depending on their service- you just need to find one that meets your needs while covering it under your budget. You should consider speaking to many interior designers about your vision for remodelling to get an approximate idea of the budget.
What to Consider While Renovating an HDB Flat in Singapore
Let’s be honest with you- renovating your new HDB flat is not going to be a cakewalk. To fasten the process and avoid confusion, here are some renovation-related processes that you might come across and ponder about if you don’t have a clue about them upfront.
Carpentry: Carpentry involves cutting, shaping and installing solutions such as wardrobes, bed frames, cabinets, shelves, desks, and so on.
Hacking: Hacking is generally about knocking down walls, beams, columns, built-in furniture, or flooring.
Masonry: Masonry includes brickwork, tiling, and wall work.
Partitioning: A technique used to divide open areas into smaller rooms by incorporating walls in between the rooms.
Electrical Wiring: It is the process of installing electrical components such as light fittings, switches, fans, distribution boards, sockets, and so on.
Though you can choose to purchase a few renovation elements on your own, there will still be elements that you need to choose by taking the advice of experts. This aspect is really crucial when we take safety standards into consideration- better leave it to the pros.
Average Cost of BTO Renovation in Singapore
We’re sure that you’ve kept reading to get an estimate about the big numbers. We’re happy to break the HDB BTO renovation cost in Singapore down for you by keeping the prime elements in mind. Here you go!
Average Renovation Cost for a 2 BHK Flat in Singapore
The floor size of a 3-room BTO ranges from 60 to 72 sqm. Accordingly, we have done the calculations by taking the average area as 66 sqm.
2 BHK Flat of average area 66 sqm (2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Living Area & Kitchen)
Average Renovation Cost (Excluding the Cost of Glass Fixtures like Grills and Window Panes)
Living Room
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $1,950
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $6,050
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $30,400
Kitchen
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $2,700
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $7,800
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $30,400
Bedroom
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $2,250
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $6,550
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $31,400
Bathroom
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $2,000
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $7,000
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $23,600
We have calculated and sourced the figures from Qanvast.
Average Renovation Cost for a 3 BHK Flat in Singapore
The floor size of a 4-room BTO ranges between 85 to 93 sqm. So, we have done the calculations by taking the average area as 89 sqm.
3 BHK Flat of average area 89 sqm (3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Living Area & Kitchen)
Average Renovation Cost (Excluding the Cost of Glass Fixtures like Grills and Window Panes)
Living Room
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $1,950
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $7,500
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $2,600
Kitchen
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $3,200
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $8,950
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $27,100
Bedroom
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $3,850
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $9,800
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $35,150
Bathroom
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $6,200
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $11,400
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $28,000
Average Renovation Cost for a 4 BHK Flat in Singapore
The floor size of a 5-room BTO ranges between 107 to 113 sqm. With this in mind, we have done the calculations by taking the average area as 110 sqm.
4 BHK Flat with an average area of 110 sqm (4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Living Area & Kitchen)
Average Renovation Cost (Excluding the Cost of Glass Fixtures like Grills and Window Panes)
Living Room
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $4,150
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $9,650
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $34,400
Kitchen
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $4,600
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $11,000
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $29,300
Bedroom
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $6,600
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $13,000
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $38,350
Bathroom
Light Renovation
Average Total Cost: $6,250
Moderate Renovation
Average Total Cost: $11,400
Extensive Renovation
Average Total Cost: $28,000
An Important Checklist for Renovation
Get Approval from HDB for Hacking Works
It is essential for you to seek approval from HDB by submitting the plan of the unit much ahead of time, if you have a need to demolish or do any hacking works at the unit. The change in walls, columns, or any slabs might affect the total stability of the building, thereby inviting safety hazards. After you get the approval, you should put up the Notice of Renovation at the entrance or lift lobby to inform other residents about it. Keep in mind that noisy works such as drilling are allowed only from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Tampering of Windows and Grills are Not Allowed
There are guidelines from HDB for window works. Tampering railings and windows are not allowed since they are built for safety reasons. As a result, you have options to install and replace windows if they are not bay windows or full-height windows.
You can read more about guidelines for window works here.
Know About the 3-Year Restrictions for Bathroom Renovations
Flats that are newly built have a restriction of three years for removing walls of floor finishes in bathrooms and toilets. Obviously, you will have to stick to it for the initial three years even if you are not very satisfied with the designs.
Here is a complete guideline on how to do renovation in Singapore. This will help you minimise the HDB BTO renovation cost in Singapore.
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