Complete Guide to 5-Room HDB Renovation in Singapore (2025)
Renovating your 5-room HDB flat in Singapore is an exciting journey that transforms your house into a personalized home. With a typical floor area of around 110 square meters, a 5-room HDB offers excellent space for families to create their dream living environment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renovating your 5-room HDB flat, from planning and budgeting to design trends and regulatory requirements.
Why Choose Professional Renovation Services?
A professional renovation contractor ensures your project complies with HDB regulations, manages the entire renovation process from design to completion, and delivers quality workmanship with proper warranties. This gives you peace of mind while transforming your 5-room HDB into your dream home.
Understanding 5-Room HDB Renovation Costs in Singapore
Renovation costs for a 5-room HDB flat can vary significantly depending on the scope of work, materials chosen, and the condition of your flat (BTO vs resale). Here's a breakdown of the typical renovation packages offered by renovation contractors in Singapore:
Renovation Package | Starting Price | What's Included |
---|---|---|
5-Room HDB (Whole House) with Vinyl Flooring | S$31,190 | Basic renovation including flooring, painting, basic carpentry work, and simple fixtures |
5-Room HDB (Whole House) with Hacking | S$39,390 | Comprehensive renovation including demolition work, flooring, painting, extensive carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work |
Kitchen Renovation (Standard) | S$13,990 (Overlay) | Kitchen cabinet replacement, countertop installation, basic fixtures |
Kitchen Renovation (Premium) | S$14,390 (Hacking) | Complete kitchen overhaul including demolition, new cabinets, premium countertops, and fixtures |
Bathroom Renovation (2 Toilets - Standard) | S$11,490 (Overlay) | Basic bathroom fixtures replacement, tiling work |
Bathroom Renovation (2 Toilets - With Hacking) | S$11,990 (Hacking) | Complete bathroom renovation including demolition, new fixtures, tiling, and plumbing work |
Component-Based Pricing
For a more customised approach, here's a breakdown of individual renovation components:
Component | Price Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Flooring (Vinyl/Laminates) | S$4-S$8 per sq ft | Durable and cost-effective options for modern homes |
Flooring (Marble) | S$15-S$47.50 per sq ft | Premium option for a luxurious finish |
Kitchen Countertops (Quartz/Granite) | S$100-S$200 per running ft | Durable surfaces with a variety of design options |
Kitchen Demolition | S$800-S$5,000 | Price varies based on complexity (Basic: S$800-S$1,500, Medium: S$1,500-S$3,000, Premium: S$3,000-S$5,000) |
Kitchen Cabinetry | S$3,000-S$20,000+ | Price varies based on materials and design (Basic: S$3,000-S$6,000, Medium: S$6,000-S$12,000, Premium: S$12,000-S$20,000+) |
5-Room HDB Renovation Process: Step by Step
Renovating your 5-room HDB flat involves several crucial steps to ensure a smooth and successful transformation:
1. Planning and Design (2-4 weeks)
Begin by determining your renovation goals, budget, and design preferences. Consult with interior designers or renovation contractors to create detailed floor plans, 3d renderings, and material selections. This phase is crucial for setting clear expectations and avoiding costly changes later.
2. Selecting a Registered Contractor (1-2 weeks)
For works requiring permits, HDB flats must engage contractors registered with HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). Vet potential contractors thoroughly by checking their credentials, viewing past projects, reading reviews, and requesting detailed quotations.
Important Regulatory Note
All renovation works in HDB flats that require permits MUST be carried out by contractors registered in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). You must engage contractors approved by HDB and BCA for window works. Non-compliance can result in fines up to S$5,000 and mandatory reinstallation at your expense.
3. Obtaining Necessary Permits (1-3 weeks)
Your contractor will help submit renovation permit applications to HDB. Standard approvals typically take 3-7 working days, while special approvals (for complex structural changes) may take up to 3 weeks. Once approved, permits for new flats are valid for 3 months, while resale flat permits are valid for 1 month only.
4. Demolition and Hacking Works (3-5 days)
The renovation begins with the demolition of existing structures that need to be removed. For HDB flats, there are strict regulations regarding hacking works:
- Only non-structural walls can be demolished
- HDB-registered contractors must do work
- Noisy demolition works are only permitted on weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM
- The maximum duration for noisy works is three consecutive days
5. Electrical and Plumbing Works (1-2 weeks)
Electrical rewiring must be done by licensed electricians registered with the Energy Market Authority (EMA). Similarly, plumbing works for gas and water systems require licensed plumbers. These works establish the foundation for a functional home before the aesthetic elements are added.
6. Flooring Installation (1-2 weeks)
Flooring materials installation typically follows the electrical and plumbing works. For HDB flats, the total thickness of new floor finishes must not exceed 50mm from the original structural floor level.
7. Carpentry and Cabinetry (2-3 weeks)
Custom carpentry, including kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV consoles, and storage solutions, is often the most time-consuming aspect of renovation. These elements are typically built off-site and installed once ready.
8. Painting and Finishing (1 week)
Once all major installations are complete, walls are painted, and finishing touches like light fixtures, switches, and hardware are installed. This stage brings the entire design together.
9. Final Inspection and Handover (1 day)
Before the final payment, conduct a thorough inspection of all completed works to identify any defects requiring rectification. Most contractors offer a defects liability period (typically 1 year) during which they're responsible for fixing any construction-related issues.
Total Timeline: 8-14 weeks
The complete renovation process for a 5-room HDB flat typically takes between 8 and 14 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and any unforeseen challenges. Planning for this timeline ensures you can make appropriate living arrangements during the renovation period.
Popular 5-Room HDB Design Trends for 2025
1. Open Concept Layouts
Many homeowners are opting to remove non-structural walls between the living room, dining area, and kitchen to create a spacious, free-flowing environment that's perfect for family interaction and entertaining. This design approach maximizes natural light and creates the illusion of a larger space.
2. Scandinavian-Inspired Minimalism
The clean lines, light color palettes, and functional simplicity of Scandinavian design continue to be popular choices for 5-room HDB renovations. This style emphasizes natural materials, ample storage solutions, and uncluttered spaces that promote a sense of calm.
3. Smart Home Integration
Modern 5-room HDB renovations increasingly incorporate smart home technology, including automated lighting systems, digital door locks, smart air conditioning controls, and integrated home entertainment systems. These technologies enhance convenience and can improve energy efficiency.
4. Multifunctional Spaces
With more people working from home, many 5-room HDB renovations now include dedicated home office spaces that can be easily converted for other uses when not needed for work. Similarly, flexible guest rooms that double as study areas or hobby spaces maximize the functionality of your home.
5. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials
Environment-conscious homeowners are increasingly choosing sustainable materials like bamboo flooring, low-VOC paints, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving fixtures. These choices not only reduce environmental impact but often lead to healthier living spaces.
HDB Renovation Regulations You Must Know
- Structural Walls: Demolition of structural walls is strictly prohibited. Your contractor should be able to identify these walls.
- Household Shelter: The walls, floor, ceiling, and doors of the household shelter are not allowed to be hacked, drilled (exceeding 50mm), or modified.
- Renovation Hours: General renovation is Monday through Friday (9AM-6PM) and Saturday (9AM-6PM, no noisy works). Noisy renovation is Monday through Friday (9AM-5PM) only. No renovation work is permitted on Sundays and public holidays.
- Floor Loading: The total thickness of new floor finishes must not exceed 50mm.
- Window Works: BCA-approved window contractors must carry out all window works.
- Notification: Neighbours must be notified in writing at least 5 days before noisy renovation works begin.
How to Choose the Right Renovation Contractor for Your 5-Room HDB
Selecting the right renovation contractor is crucial for a successful 5-room HDB renovation. Here are key considerations:
1. Verify Credentials and Experience
Ensure the contractor is registered in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) and has experience specifically with 5-room HDB renovations. Check if they have additional certifications like CaseTrust accreditation, which indicates commitment to fair trading and customer service standards.
2. Review Past Projects
Examine the contractor's portfolio to assess if their design aesthetic aligns with your vision. Pay attention to the quality of workmanship in their completed projects, particularly those similar to your planned renovation scope.
3. Read Customer Testimonials
Research customer reviews on independent platforms and request references from recent clients. Direct feedback from previous customers can provide valuable insights into the contractor's reliability, work quality, and problem-solving capabilities.
4. Comprehensive Quotation
Request detailed quotations that clearly break down all costs, including materials, labor, project management fees, and any potential additional charges. This transparency helps avoid unexpected costs later in the project.
5. Payment Schedule and Contract Terms
A typical payment schedule for HDB renovations includes:
- 10-20% deposit upon signing the contract
- Progressive payments based on work completion milestones
- Final payment with a 5-10% retention sum until all defects are rectified
Ensure all terms, warranties, and project timelines are clearly documented in a written contract before commencing work.
Ready to Transform Your 5-Room HDB?
At Renovation Contractor Singapore, we specialise in creating beautiful, functional, and regulation-compliant 5-room HDB renovations. Our experienced designers and craftsmen can help bring your vision to life.
Contact us today for a free consultation and quotation!
Phone: +65 8784 8742
Email: rcs@renovationcontractorsingapore.com
Address: 31 Woodlands Close #03-06 Woodlands Horizon Singapore 737855
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