Start With the Big Picture
Renovation costs for an HDB flat in Singapore vary widely depending on the size of your unit, whether it’s a new BTO or a resale flat, and how extensive the works are. As a general guide, a light refresh might run a few thousand dollars, while a full gut renovation of a 4-room flat can run well into five figures.
Typical Cost Drivers, Room by Room
- Kitchen: Often the single biggest line item, especially if you’re moving plumbing or gas points, or installing a full carpentry package.
- Bathrooms: Waterproofing, re-tiling, and fittings add up quickly, particularly if you’re changing the layout.
- Flooring: Costs scale with the size of your flat and your choice of material (vinyl vs tiles vs engineered wood).
- Carpentry: Built-in wardrobes and cabinetry are usually quoted separately and can be a large share of your total budget.
- Electrical and painting: Smaller individually, but easy to underestimate when adding up the whole project.
Build in a Contingency
Set aside at least 10–15% of your total budget for unexpected costs — hacking work that reveals hidden issues, or last-minute changes to your design, are both common.
Get an Itemised Quotation
A proper quotation from your interior designer or contractor should break down costs by category, not just give you a single lump figure. This makes it far easier to see where your money is going, negotiate specific items, and — if you need financing — provide the documentation a licensed moneylender will ask for when assessing a renovation loan.
Financing the Gap
If your savings don’t cover the full renovation cost, a renovation loan lets you spread the payment over a fixed tenure with interest capped under the Moneylenders Act. Have your contractor’s quotation ready — it’s typically required as supporting documentation for your application.