If you own a flat in Jurong West, you've probably noticed something special about your home—it's bigger than most modern BTOs. Many units here exceed 100 sqm, with spacious bedrooms, larger kitchens, and even higher ceilings. That's the Jurong West advantage.
This extra space means you can create a truly impressive home renovation. But where do you start? What's a realistic budget? And how do you avoid common pitfalls? This guide answers all those questions with accurate, up-to-date information.
What You'll Actually Pay for a Whole House Renovation
Let's talk real numbers. Here's what RCS Renovation Contractor Singapore currently charges for complete whole house packages:
For 4-Room Flats:
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Full renovation with hacking: $37,490
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Budget-friendly vinyl option: $30,490
For 5-Room Flats:
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Premium with hacking: $41,590
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Standard with hacking: $39,390
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Budget vinyl option: $31,190
These packages cover everything—demolition, carpentry for all rooms, kitchen and both toilets, flooring, painting, and electrical works. You'll also get free 3D design visualization so you can see your dream home before work even begins.
Why the price difference? The hacking packages include removing old tiles and flooring throughout your home. The vinyl options skip the hacking and install directly over your existing floors (where possible), saving you about $7,000-10,000.
If You're Only Renovating Certain Areas
Not everyone needs a full house renovation. Maybe you just bought a resale flat with decent bedrooms but an outdated kitchen and bathrooms. Here's what partial renovations cost:
Kitchen only: $5,590 (standard cabinets) or $6,190 (premium)
Both toilets: $11,490-12,590
Kitchen + both toilets: $24,490-25,990
You can find all package details at RCS 4-Room Packages and RCS 5-Room Packages.
Why Jurong West Flats Are Different (And Better for Renovations)
Walk into a Jurong West flat from the 1980s-90s, then visit a new BTO. You'll immediately notice the difference. Jurong West bedrooms are often 12-14 sqm compared to modern 10-11 sqm rooms. Ceilings reach 2.7-2.8m instead of the standard 2.6m. Even the kitchens and service yards feel more spacious.
This generous sizing has a big impact on renovations:
The Good: More room for elaborate carpentry, proper storage solutions, and comfortable layouts. You can install full-height wardrobes, create a kitchen island, or add a study nook without the space feeling cramped.
The Challenge: More square footage means more materials and labor. A 5-room Jurong West flat might need 30-40% more carpentry than a compact BTO, which explains the higher costs.
The Opportunity: Properties here cost less than central areas, letting you allocate more budget to renovations. A well-renovated Jurong West flat can compete with newer properties while costing significantly less overall.
What Actually Happens During Your Renovation
Understanding the timeline helps you plan better. Here's the realistic breakdown:
Week 1: The Messy Part
Contractors protect your space with sheets, then start hacking. Old tiles come up, outdated carpentry gets dismantled, debris gets hauled away. It's noisy and dusty, but necessary. HDB only allows this Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm.
Pro tip for older flats: This hacking phase often reveals hidden issues. Corroded pipes, damaged waterproofing, outdated wiring. That's why keeping a 10-15% contingency budget matters.
Weeks 2-4: The Foundation Work
Electricians rewire your home for modern needs. You'll get proper circuit breakers, enough power points for all your devices, and safe grounding. Plumbers replace old pipes and install new drainage. Then tilers waterproof and tile your kitchen and bathrooms.
If your flat is over 30 years old, budget an extra $3,000-5,000 for complete pipe and wire replacement. It's not exciting, but it prevents major problems down the road.
Weeks 5-8: The Transformation
This is when you see real progress. Custom carpentry gets fabricated off-site, then installed room by room. Your kitchen cabinets, bedroom wardrobes, TV console, and storage solutions all come together. This takes the longest because each piece is custom-fitted to your exact dimensions.
Weeks 9-10: The Finishing Touches
Flooring goes in, walls get painted, lights get installed. The contractor handles final cleaning, defect checks, and handover. Total time: 8-12 weeks for standard renovations.
Design Ideas That Work in Jurong West
Scandinavian Minimalism remains the most popular choice, and for good reason. White walls with light wood tones keep large spaces feeling fresh without looking empty. Clean lines and hidden storage prevent clutter. Natural light bounces around beautifully.
Modern Contemporary appeals to younger owners. Think handleless cabinets, monochrome schemes with bold accents, and smart home integration. Glass partitions maintain openness while defining different zones.
Japanese-Inspired Design creates calm, zen environments. Natural materials, neutral earth tones, and low-profile furniture work especially well in Jurong West's generous spaces. Sliding panels or screens add flexibility.
Maximizing Your Space comes down to smart strategies:
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Install floor-to-ceiling cabinets (adds 30-40% more storage)
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Use corners with L-shaped wardrobes
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Create under-staircase storage in maisonettes
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Add bay window seating with hidden compartments
The Real Challenges You'll Face
If Your Flat Is 30+ Years Old:
Water pipes have likely corroded. You might see rusty water or notice reduced pressure. Complete replacement costs $2,000-4,000 but prevents leaks that could damage neighbors' units below.
Electrical wiring can't handle modern appliances. Full rewiring runs $3,000-5,000 for a 4-room flat, but it's essential for safety.
Bathroom waterproofing has probably failed. Budget $1,500-3,000 per toilet for proper membrane replacement. This protects you from expensive water damage claims.
Structural Limitations:
You can't remove load-bearing walls. If you dream of an open-plan layout, work with what's permitted. Half-walls, glass partitions, or open shelving can create openness without structural changes.
Bathroom locations are fixed because of plumbing stacks. Moving a toilet costs $3,000-5,000 extra and might not get HDB approval anyway.
Budget Creep:
This happens when you keep adding things mid-project. "Let's upgrade to stone countertops instead of laminate." "Can we add another wardrobe here?" Each change adds 5-10% to your costs.
Lock in all decisions before work starts. View those 3D designs carefully. Once you approve, commit.
Making Your Budget Work Harder
Smart Allocation for a $37,490 Package:
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Carpentry and built-ins: $13,000-15,000
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Flooring and tiles: $5,600-7,500
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Electrical work: $3,700-5,600
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Plumbing and sanitary: $3,000-4,500
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Painting: $1,900-3,000
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Contingency: $3,700-5,600
Where You Can Save Without Compromising:
Use vinyl flooring in bedrooms instead of tiles (saves $2,000-3,000). Choose laminated carpentry over solid wood (saves 30-40%). Keep working appliances rather than replacing everything. Paint yourself if you're handy (saves $1,500-2,500).
Financing Options:
Your CPF Ordinary Account can fund renovations with no interest. Home improvement loans from banks charge 3.5-7% interest for $30,000-50,000. Personal loans offer higher amounts at 6-9%. Most contractors offer payment plans: 30% deposit, 40% midpoint, 20% near completion, 10% final.
Compare the total cost including interest before deciding. CPF usually wins if you have sufficient funds.
What HDB Actually Allows
You Cannot:
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Hack structural walls
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Modify window positions
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Remove bomb shelter doors
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Alter refuse chutes
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Install unauthorized fixtures on building facades
Penalties range from $1,000-5,000 or orders to reinstate everything at your expense.
You Can:
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Hack non-structural walls (with approval)
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Install any carpentry and built-ins
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Replace flooring and tiles
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Upgrade electrical and plumbing
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Renovate kitchens and toilets completely
Your contractor must be HDB-licensed (RDOC registered). Work only happens Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm. You need neighbor consent letters before starting.
Why People Choose RCS for Jurong West
After nearly a decade in business, RCS has refined their approach to Jurong West renovations. They understand older flats often need infrastructure work beyond standard packages. Their quotes account for this reality.
What Sets Them Apart:
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Transparent pricing with everything itemized
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Free 3D visualization so you know exactly what you're getting
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12-month warranty covering defects
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Licensed for all HDB and BCA requirements
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Proven experience with Jurong West properties
Check their complete portfolio at RCS Renovation Contractor Singapore.
Your Next Steps
Ready to start? WhatsApp RCS now or call +65 8784 8742.
You'll get:
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Free consultation and accurate measurements
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Free 3D design showing your renovated home
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Detailed quotation within 48 hours
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Clear timeline and payment schedule
More helpful guides:
Your spacious Jurong West home deserves a renovation that matches its potential. With accurate budgeting, realistic timelines, and the right contractor, you'll create a space that works beautifully for your family while building long-term value.
