“A budget tells us what we can’t afford, but it doesn’t stop us from dreaming.” For homeowners in Singapore, the dream of a beautifully renovated HDB or BTO flat often comes with a question that lingers in the back of the mind: “How much will this really cost?”

The process of renovating can feel overwhelming, especially when transparency is lacking, costs are unclear, and there’s fear of overspending. As you take steps toward transforming your living space, understanding the home renovation cost in Singapore becomes the cornerstone of success.

This guide will break down the renovation cost breakdown by flat type, discuss the factors influencing renovation costs, and provide you with practical renovation budgeting tips to help you plan a stunning yet affordable home renovation. As specialists in renovation services, MRD combines affordability with expertise to guide homeowners in achieving their dream homes—within their means.

What Influences Home Renovation Costs in Singapore?

Before you can plan your budgeting home renovation, it’s essential to understand the key factors that determine your overall expenses. Each factor has its own cost range, depending on complexity and customization.

1. Type and Size of Your Flat

The cost of renovating a smaller 3-room flat will naturally differ from a larger 5-room unit. More square footage means additional materials, labor, and design requirements.

2. Extent of Work

Renovation work can be categorized into:

• Light Renovation: Painting, minor carpentry, and fixture replacement.
• Moderate Renovation: Basic carpentry, flooring changes, and electrical works.
• Extensive Renovation: Hacking, tiling, plumbing, built-in furniture, and full interior design.

Extent of Work	Description	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Light Renovation	Painting, minor touch-ups, and simple works.	$5,000 – $15,000
Moderate Renovation	Flooring, carpentry, lighting, and finishes.	$15,000 – $35,000
Extensive Renovation	Hacking, full carpentry, and new layouts.	$40,000 – $80,000

3. Quality of Materials

Materials can make or break your budget. While premium finishes add luxury, budget-friendly alternatives provide value without compromising aesthetics.

Renovation Element	Budget Option	Premium Option	Cost Savings
Flooring	Vinyl ($4 – $6 psf)	Marble ($15 – $30 psf)	~50-60% savings
Countertops	Quartz ($80 – $120/ft)	Granite ($120 – $180/ft)	~30-40% savings
Carpentry Finishes	Laminate ($15 – $25 psf)	Veneer ($40 – $60 psf)	~40-50% savings

4. Labor and Design Fees

Contractor fees, labor costs, and professional interior design services contribute to your total expenditure. Hiring a reliable firm like MRD helps streamline processes with renovation services that emphasize transparency and value.

Renovation Cost Breakdown for HDB and BTO Flats

The cost to renovate HDB and BTO flats varies depending on room size, scope of work, and design preferences. Below is a detailed cost breakdown for different flat types in Singapore:

Renovation Category	3-Room HDB (SGD)	4-Room HDB (SGD)	5-Room HDB (SGD)
Carpentry (Kitchen & Wardrobe)	$8,000 – $12,000	$10,000 – $15,000	$12,000 – $20,000
Flooring Replacement	$3,000 – $6,000	$5,000 – $8,000	$6,000 – $10,000
Electrical & Lighting Works	$2,500 – $4,500	$3,500 – $6,000	$5,000 – $8,000
Plumbing	$1,500 – $3,000	$2,500 – $4,000	$3,500 – $5,000
Painting & Finishing	$1,000 – $2,500	$1,500 – $3,500	$2,000 – $4,500
Design Consultation	$2,000 – $5,000	$3,000 – $6,000	$4,000 – $8,000

How to Plan and Budget Your Home Renovation Costs

For homeowners, staying within renovation budget is as important as achieving a functional and beautiful space. Here are tips to manage costs efficiently:

1. Prioritize Key Areas of Renovation

Focus on spaces you use the most—kitchen, living room, and bathrooms—where functionality matters most.

2. Compare Material Options

Choosing cost-effective materials like vinyl flooring and laminate finishes can help you save up to 50% compared to premium alternatives.

3. Avoid Variable Orders (VOs)

Variable Orders are cost adjustments due to last-minute changes in scope. By finalizing your renovation plan early, you can reduce these surprises.

4. Seek Transparent Contractors

Engaging a trusted firm like MRD ensures a clear, itemized cost structure, avoiding hidden fees that derail your budget.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Renovation projects often come with unforeseen costs. Homeowners should account for:

• Hacking and Debris Removal: Removing old tiles and debris can cost between $1,000 – $3,000.
• Permit Fees: HDB permits for hacking and plumbing typically range from $200 – $500.
• Material Transport Fees: Extra charges for delivering bulky materials to your unit.
• Contingencies: Always allocate 10% of your total budget for unexpected expenses.

Affordable Renovation Solutions with MRD

At MRD, we pride ourselves on offering affordable home renovation solutions that balance design, function, and cost. Our services include:

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs or surprise fees.
• Comprehensive Renovation Packages: From carpentry and electrical works to interior design consultations.
• Cost-Saving Strategies: Recommendations on budget-friendly materials and phased renovations to suit your financial plan.

Renovating Specific Spaces: Cost Estimates

Kitchen Renovation Cost

The kitchen is often the heart of a home, making it a focal point for renovations.

• Moderate kitchen renovation: $8,000 – $12,000
• Extensive kitchen overhaul: $12,000 – $20,000

Bathroom Renovation Cost

Bathrooms involve plumbing, tiling, and fixture installations.

• Simple upgrade: $3,000 – $5,000
• Full renovation: $5,000 – $12,000

Living Room Upgrades

Costs for living rooms focus on carpentry, flooring, and lighting enhancements.

• Standard renovation: $6,000 – $12,000

The Extent of Work: Managing Renovation Complexity

Defining the extent of work helps control costs. For extensive renovations that include hacking and rebuilding, always plan for additional time and resources. Light or moderate renovations, by contrast, allow for quick turnarounds at a lower cost.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the home renovation cost in Singapore requires careful planning, transparency, and expertise. Whether it’s a small upgrade or a full HDB flat transformation, staying within budget while achieving your dream home is possible with the right guidance.

At MRD, we are always here for you to do whatever you need—ensuring a seamless and affordable renovation process from start to finish.

So, how will you start planning your dream renovation today? What’s your priority when it comes to balancing style, function, and cost?