5-Room HDB Renovation in Singapore

Complete Guide to 5-Room HDB Renovation in Singapore (2025)

Contemporary 5-Room HDB flat with an open concept design featuring natural materials and smart home integration.

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.

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:

Component-Based Pricing

For a more customised approach, here's a breakdown of individual renovation components:

Contemporary kitchen design with premium quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and integrated appliances.

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.

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.

Elegant master bedroom featuring custom wardrobes, cove lighting, and a platform bed with storage.

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.

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.

Spacious open-concept living and dining area with seamless transitions between functional zones.

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.

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.