When homeowners search for renovation cost Singapore information, they're typically met with vague industry averages, misleading calculators, and quotes that vary wildly from contractor to contractor. The frustration is understandable—how can HDB renovation pricing differ so dramatically between properties that look identical on the surface?
The answer lies in understanding property-specific factors that drive costs and choosing contractors who publish transparent, fixed-price packages. We publish transparent renovation packages starting from $5,590 for kitchen cabinets to $41,590 for complete resale flat transformations. This approach eliminates guesswork and enables homeowners to understand exactly what their renovation investment will be.
This guide explores the real HDB renovation cost landscape in Singapore, explaining why costs vary so widely and how transparent package-based pricing provides the certainty homeowners deserve when planning major home improvements.
Why HDB Renovation Costs in Singapore Vary from $5,590 to $41,590
Understanding what drives renovation costs in Singapore begins with recognizing that no two properties are identical, even when they appear to be. Several key factors influence renovation pricing substantially.
Property Age and Type: BTO vs Resale Renovation Cost Breakdown
New BTO flats and older resale properties require fundamentally different renovation approaches. A brand-new BTO renovation typically needs surface-level finishing—new paint, flooring, kitchen cabinets, and modern lighting. An older resale flat renovation often requires structural intervention: wall removal for layout changes, complete electrical rewiring due to aging systems, plumbing upgrades, and comprehensive waterproofing in bathrooms.
This distinction explains why a complete 3-room BTO renovation might cost $14,290 while an equivalent 3-room resale renovation reaches $34,890–$35,390. The property age difference isn't just reflected in price—it's reflected in the actual work required. When choosing between BTO renovation packages and resale alternatives, you're not comparing like-for-like services; you're comparing fundamentally different scope requirements.
Renovation Scope Directly Affects Your Budget
What you decide to renovate directly determines your final renovation cost. Some homeowners want kitchen cabinets refreshed ($5,590). Others prefer a complete kitchen transformation including new countertops, electrical work, and flooring ($11,290–$14,990). Many choose comprehensive approaches, renovating kitchens and bathrooms simultaneously. A few undertake complete full-house renovations, transforming every room at once.
The relationship between scope and cost is linear and transparent. Each additional room or system requires proportional investment. This clarity is precisely why published renovation packages prove so valuable—homeowners can see exactly how cost increases with expanded scope, rather than receiving vague quotations that seem to pull numbers from thin air.
Materials and Finishes: The Hidden Cost Driver
Beyond scope, material selection represents the single largest variable affecting renovation investment. Standard-grade materials cost substantially less than premium alternatives. A kitchen cabinet package using standard materials costs $5,590; the premium equivalent costs $6,190. This $600 difference reflects material quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal—a concrete example of how material choices affect your renovation budget.
The same principle applies to flooring. Vinyl flooring in a complete flat renovation costs less than tile flooring. Bathroom fixtures vary from basic functional designs to premium imported products. Paint systems range from standard latex to high-performance premium formulations. Each material upgrade multiplies your total renovation cost proportionally.
Carpentry and Custom Work: Complexity Multiplier
Basic kitchen cabinets ($5,590) represent minimal carpentry. Custom built-in wardrobes, fitted storage solutions, and bespoke furniture dramatically increase costs. Complete renovations incorporating extensive custom carpentry can exceed $24,990–$41,590 depending on scope and customisation level. Each custom element adds labour, materials, and project duration—all reflected in your final quotation.
How Renovation Pricing Actually Works: Our Transparent Approach
Understanding that renovation costs depend on property type, scope, materials, and customisation raises an obvious question: how should accurate costs be determined?
Most contractors answer vaguely. They publish online calculators that ask basic questions—property size, desired finishes—then generate ranges so broad they're virtually useless. A homeowner might enter "3-room HDB, standard finishes" and receive an estimate of "$20,000–$50,000." That $30,000 spread provides no meaningful guidance for budgeting or contractor comparison.
Other contractors avoid publishing renovation pricing entirely, forcing homeowners to contact multiple firms for quotations that often differ inexplicably. Without clear justification for cost differences, homeowners can't determine whether they're receiving fair pricing or being overcharged.
We operate differently. Rather than publishing misleading calculators or hiding pricing behind vague communication, we publish transparent, fixed-price packages across three property types, multiple flat sizes, and various scope combinations. This approach reflects professional confidence—we've assessed our operations thoroughly enough to publish definitive pricing.
The methodology is straightforward: we identified common renovation scenarios (kitchen only, kitchen plus bathrooms, complete flat renovation), standardised each scenario's scope (what's included, what's excluded), and published pricing reflecting realistic labour, materials, and overhead costs. Property owners can now match their situation to a published package, understand exact costs, and request official quotations with confidence.
Fixed-Price HDB Renovation Packages: What You Actually Get
Published packages across Singapore's renovation market vary considerably in transparency and detail. We publish packages with explicit scope definitions, enabling homeowners to understand exactly what each price point covers.
Entry-Level Packages: Kitchen and Bathroom Components
For homeowners wanting targeted renovation rather than whole-house transformation, component packages provide affordable entry points. Kitchen cabinet packages start at $5,590 for standard finishes or $6,190 for premium materials. These packages include custom cabinetry, countertops, and basic electrical work—perfect for homeowners whose kitchens function adequately but need aesthetic refresh.
Bathroom renovation packages cost $9,990–$12,590 depending on property type and finishing method. For BTO properties, overlay methods (surface-level work) control costs at $9,990–$10,390. For resale flats requiring structural intervention, hacking methods reach $11,990–$12,590. The transparency here is crucial: homeowners understand exactly why resale bathrooms cost more—structural demolition and system replacement require substantially more labour than surface finishing.
Popular Combination: Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Packages
Many homeowners prioritise both kitchen and bathroom renovation simultaneously. Rather than pricing each component separately, we offer integrated packages starting at $18,390 for standard finishes. This bundled approach costs slightly less than purchasing components individually—a practical incentive for comprehensive renovation projects.
The integrated packages span from basic functionality ($18,390) to premium finishes ($18,990–$25,990). Property owners understand the cost differential for material upgrades without surprising price jumps during quotation phase.
Complete Flat Renovation Packages: Full-Scale Transformation
Homeowners undertaking complete flat renovation select comprehensive packages encompassing every room. BTO complete packages start at $14,290 (vinyl flooring, standard finishes) and reach $16,690 (tile flooring, premium finishes). These comprehensive packages include flooring throughout, electrical rewiring, lighting fixtures, paint application, and carpentry work—essentially moving-in ready finishes.
Resale complete packages reflect structural complexity. Standard resale packages start at $29,890–$31,290 (vinyl flooring) and reach $34,890–$41,590 for premium finishes with comprehensive structural work. The substantial pricing difference versus BTO equivalents reflects genuine hacking requirements, systems replacement, and extended project duration.
Renovation Packages by HDB Flat Size
We offer distinct packages for 3-room flat renovation, 4-room flat renovation, and 5-room flat renovation, recognising that flat size affects labour and material quantities. Component packages (kitchen, bathroom) remain identically priced across flat sizes, demonstrating that core work scales consistently. Complete renovation packages increase modestly with flat size, reflecting proportional additional work without inflated markup.
Breaking Down Your HDB Renovation Investment: Cost Components Explained
Before selecting a renovation package, homeowners benefit from understanding what drives costs within each category. This knowledge enables informed material tier selection and scope decisions.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Breakdown
Kitchen renovation typically includes cabinetry (40–50% of kitchen cost), countertops (15–20%), electrical work and lighting (15–20%), and basic appliance installation support (5–10%). Understanding this breakdown explains why cabinet packages ($5,590–$6,190) represent partial kitchen costs, while complete kitchen renovation including flooring and electrical work reaches $11,290–$14,990.
Material selection dramatically affects kitchen renovation costs. Standard cabinet materials cost less than premium options. Quartz countertops exceed laminate pricing. LED lighting exceeds basic fixtures. Each upgrade multiplies your kitchen investment proportionally. Published packages showing $600 standard-to-premium differentials help homeowners understand material impact concretely.
Bathroom Renovation Cost: Method Impact Analysis
Bathroom renovation costs depend critically on whether work involves overlay (surface finishing) or hacking (structural intervention). Overlay methods cost $9,990–$11,990 depending on finish tier. Hacking methods cost $11,990–$12,590. The $1,000–$2,000 differential reflects actual labour differences—removing fixtures, demolishing existing structures, installing new plumbing, and applying comprehensive waterproofing requires substantially more skilled work than surface finishing.
Understanding this distinction enables informed decisions. Overlay methods work well for functionally sound bathrooms needing aesthetic refresh. Hacking methods suit bathrooms requiring system replacement or layout modification. Published pricing clarifies cost implications of each approach.
Flooring Cost: Material Selection Impact
Complete flat renovation package pricing distinguishes between vinyl and tile flooring specifically because material selection significantly affects cost. Vinyl flooring packages cost less than tile equivalents—$14,290 (BTO vinyl) versus $15,790 (BTO tile), for example. This $1,500 differential reflects material and installation cost differences, enabling homeowners to make informed flooring decisions based on actual cost impact rather than guesswork.
From Kitchen Cabinets to Complete Transformation: Understanding Cost Progression
Following a logical cost progression helps homeowners understand renovation pricing comprehensively. A typical progression moves from component renovation toward complete transformation.
Minimal Scope: Single Component Renovation
Budget-conscious homeowners often begin with single-component work. Kitchen cabinet refresh ($5,590–$6,190) improves aesthetic and functionality without major investment. This entry-level approach enables homeowners to test contractor quality before committing to larger projects.
Moderate Scope: Kitchen and Bathroom Combination
Many homeowners then expand to combined kitchen and bathroom renovation ($18,390–$25,990). This scope addresses high-traffic areas while maintaining reasonable budget. The progression demonstrates how combining scopes increases costs proportionally without disproportionate markup.
Comprehensive Scope: Complete HDB Flat Renovation
Full-flat renovation ($14,290–$41,590 depending on property type) transforms living space entirely. Complete packages include every element: all flooring, complete electrical, all walls painted, all lighting installed, and comprehensive carpentry. This scope requires substantial investment but delivers move-in ready transformation.
Understanding this progression helps homeowners make phased renovation decisions. Some choose complete transformation immediately. Others renovate in stages, prioritising high-impact areas first. Either approach works; transparent pricing enables genuine decision-making rather than guesswork.
Overlay vs Hacking Renovation: Cost Comparison Guide
For resale property owners, renovation method fundamentally affects both cost and scope. Understanding the distinction clarifies why quotations vary.
Overlay Method: Surface-Level Finishing
Overlay renovation applies new finishes over existing structures without removing underlying elements. Bathroom overlay involves replacing fixtures, repainting, and applying waterproof coating over existing walls. Kitchen overlay replaces cabinets and countertops while preserving wall structure. This method controls costs ($9,990–$18,390 depending on scope) and project duration while delivering aesthetic refresh.
Overlay method suits properties with fundamentally sound infrastructure—good bones that need cosmetic updating. Overlay preserves existing plumbing and electrical, reducing labour intensity.
Hacking Method: Structural Intervention
Hacking renovation involves removing and rebuilding elements. Bathroom hacking removes fixtures, demolishes walls, installs new plumbing, applies waterproofing, and rebuilds from structural foundation. Kitchen hacking might remove cabinetry, redesign layout, rewire for new appliance locations, and rebuild walls as needed. This comprehensive approach costs more ($11,990–$25,990) but delivers complete modernisation.
Hacking method suits properties requiring system replacement, layout changes, or addressing structural defects. The additional cost reflects genuine labour complexity and superior final results.
Our published pricing explicitly distinguishes between overlay vs hacking methods, demonstrating transparency absent from competitor websites. Homeowners understand cost differences reflect actual work differences, not contractor pricing variation.
Standard vs Premium Renovation Packages: Material Grade Impact
Most renovation packages offer two material specification tiers: Standard and Premium. Understanding the distinction enables informed tier selection.
Standard Tier: Quality Mid-Range Materials
Standard packages use quality mid-range materials—durable, aesthetically pleasing, appropriate for most homeowner preferences. Standard kitchen cabinets ($5,590) use solid construction, practical finishes, and reliable hardware. Standard bathrooms include functional fixtures and basic tile selections. Standard flooring includes attractive, durable options appropriate for residential use. Standard materials deliver excellent value, especially for budget-conscious homeowners.
Premium Tier: High-Grade Materials and Finishes
Premium packages upgrade to higher-specification materials—more durable finishes, superior aesthetic appeal, and enhanced longevity. Premium kitchen cabinets ($6,190) use enhanced materials, sophisticated hardware, and refined finishes. Premium bathrooms include high-grade fixtures and premium tile selections. Premium flooring features superior durability and aesthetic options. The $400–$900 upgrade cost (typical differentials) reflects meaningful quality improvement.
Premium tier appeals to homeowners prioritising long-term durability, aesthetic refinement, or property resale value enhancement. Understanding material tier impact enables deliberate investment decisions.
Real HDB Renovation Cost Examples: What You'll Actually Pay
Rather than vague ranges, transparent packages enable precise cost assessment. Consider these realistic scenarios based on our published package pricing:
Scenario 1: Budget Kitchen Refresh (All Flat Types)
Kitchen cabinet package, standard tier: $5,590. This delivers new cabinetry, countertops, and updated electrical—ideal for owners wanting aesthetic improvement without comprehensive renovation.
Scenario 2: Combined Kitchen and Bathroom (3-Room BTO)
Kitchen plus 2 toilets package, standard overlay: $18,390. This comprehensive project modernises both high-traffic areas with new cabinetry, countertops, flooring, lighting, and updated fixtures—appropriate for owners wanting impactful multi-area renovation.
Scenario 3: Complete BTO Renovation (3-Room BTO)
Bare unit package, standard vinyl flooring: $14,290. This full-flat transformation includes complete flooring, electrical rewiring, painting, lighting, and basic carpentry—perfect for new owners wanting move-in ready finish.
Scenario 4: Complete Resale Renovation (4-Room Resale, Hacking Method)
Whole house package, standard hacking: $36,990. This comprehensive structural renovation includes complete demolition and rebuilding, new electrical, updated plumbing, comprehensive waterproofing, flooring, painting, and lighting—appropriate for older flats requiring modernisation.
Scenario 5: Premium Complete Resale Renovation (5-Room Resale, Premium Hacking)
Whole house package, premium hacking: $41,590. Premium materials enhance durability, aesthetics, and long-term value compared to standard equivalent.
These concrete scenarios demonstrate how published packages enable actual renovation cost prediction—superior to online calculators generating meaningless ranges.
Our Renovation Process: How Costs Are Locked In and Protected
Understanding that renovation costs are published is valuable; understanding how those costs are protected through contract is essential.
We operate through a five-phase methodology ensuring cost certainty:
Phase 1: Plan involves consultation, site assessment, package selection, and quotation production. Upon agreement with your selected package, we produce detailed quotation specifying exact scope, materials, inclusions, and cost.
Phase 2: Prep includes finalising materials selection, scheduling labour, and submitting HDB permits for approval.
Phase 3: Finalise covers final design adjustments and contract signing with 10% deposit.
Phase 4: Build encompasses actual construction, regular progress updates, and quality inspections.
Phase 5: Complete includes final inspection, handover, and 12-month workmanship warranty activation.
This systematic approach prevents cost surprises. Once you commit to a specific package with 10% deposit, the price is locked. No hidden charges, no mid-project upgrades forcing cost escalation, no misleading quotations evolving into substantially higher final bills.
Comparing Your HDB Renovation Options: Making Informed Decisions
With transparent packages available, homeowners can evaluate renovation options systematically rather than comparing vague competitor quotations.
Start by identifying your property type (BTO or resale) and flat size (3-room, 4-room, or 5-room). Review applicable packages matching your desired scope. Compare material tiers (Standard versus Premium) and finishing methods (overlay versus hacking for resale properties). Calculate total investment for your selected combination.
Contact us with your package preferences. A consultant will visit your property, confirm applicable packages, discuss any customisation requirements, and produce official quotation. If quotation matches package pricing (typically it does), you've found transparent, trustworthy contractor partnership.
This systematic approach enables genuine contractor comparison based on actual scope and pricing rather than vague claims and varying quotations.
Why Transparent Package Pricing Benefits HDB Homeowners
Publishing renovation packages with fixed pricing represents professional responsibility beyond typical contractor marketing. This approach benefits homeowners substantially.
Cost Certainty Eliminates Budget Anxiety
Knowing exactly what renovation costs before work commences enables genuine budget planning. Homeowners select packages matching financial capacity rather than hoping quotations stay within undefined ranges. This certainty reduces stress and enables confident investment decisions.
Direct Package Comparison Facilitates Contractor Selection
Published packages enable meaningful contractor comparison. Rather than collecting vague quotations varying by $20,000–$30,000 with no clear justification, homeowners can compare kitchen package pricing, bathroom package pricing, and complete renovation pricing across contractors. Transparent pricing separates professional contractors from those hiding behind vague communication.
Prevents Mid-Project Cost Escalation
Vague quotations lead to mid-project surprises when actual work reveals unforeseen conditions requiring expensive modifications. Published packages with locked-in pricing (confirmed via 10% deposit) prevent surprise expenses. Homeowners complete renovation projects at confirmed costs without budget-breaking surprises.
Demonstrates Operational Confidence
Contractors confident in their efficiency and cost assessment publish fixed pricing. Those uncertain about operational costs resort to vague ranges enabling flexibility if they underestimated work requirements. Published packages demonstrate our confidence in cost assessment and operational reliability.
Getting Your Accurate HDB Renovation Quotation
Once you've reviewed available packages and identified your renovation goals, getting official quotation is straightforward.
Contact us and request consultation. Bring photos of areas needing renovation, your renovation goals, and preferred package information. Our consultant visits your property, assesses condition, confirms applicable packages, discusses any special requirements, and produces detailed written quotation specifying exact scope, materials, timeline, and locked-in cost.
Upon 10% deposit, quotation becomes binding contract. We prepare materials, schedule labour, and submit HDB permits (for HDB properties). Construction proceeds according to confirmed scope with regular progress updates. Upon completion, final inspection and handover occur with 12-month workmanship warranty activation.
This transparent process—from published packages through fixed quotations to locked-in costs—represents how professional renovation contracting should operate. No guesswork, no misleading estimates, no surprises. Just honest pricing, professional execution, and genuine renovation investment certainty.
Frequently Asked Questions About HDB Renovation Cost Singapore
Why does renovation cost per square metre vary so much across Singapore contractors?
Per-square-metre pricing oversimplifies renovation complexity, ignoring crucial variables: property age, scope, materials, customisation level, and finishing method. A small-scope renovation on older property might exceed a large-scope BTO renovation in per-square-metre cost without indicating better or worse value. Package-based pricing proves more accurate because it reflects actual scope rather than artificial square-metre calculation.
Are bathroom renovation costs in Singapore typically cheaper than kitchen costs?
Not necessarily. Basic bathroom renovation (overlay method, $9,990) might cost less than complete kitchen renovation ($14,990). However, bathroom hacking (structural method, $11,990–$12,590) approaches kitchen costs. The comparison depends on specific scope, materials, and finishing method rather than categorical relationship.
Can I mix and match components from different renovation packages?
Yes. If standard packages don't exactly match your requirements, you can combine components. For example, selecting kitchen package ($11,290) plus individual 2-toilet package ($9,990) creates $21,280 combined renovation. Our consultants can recommend optimal combinations during quotation process.
What happens if renovation costs increase unexpectedly during the project?
With locked-in quotations backed by 10% deposit, costs should not increase provided your scope remains as originally agreed. If project reveals conditions requiring scope modifications (e.g., discovering structural damage requiring additional repair), we notify you immediately with revised quotation. This transparency prevents surprise final bills.
How long does typical HDB renovation take once work commences?
Project duration depends on scope complexity and scale. Component renovations (kitchen or bathroom only) typically require 2–3 weeks. Combined kitchen-and-bathroom projects require 3–4 weeks. Complete flat renovations require 4–6 weeks depending on customisation. Our quotations specify expected timeline for your specific scope.
Does the renovation package price include HDB approval and permits?
Yes. All quotations for HDB properties include HDB renovation permit application, submission, and approval handling. This professional service ensures compliance with HDB requirements and prevents renovation delays from administrative issues.
What's the difference between BTO and resale HDB renovation costs?
BTO renovation costs ($14,290–$16,690 for complete 3-room) cover surface-level finishing—flooring, painting, carpentry, and electrical installations. Resale renovation costs ($29,890–$41,590 for complete 3-room) include structural work—hacking, demolition, plumbing replacement, electrical rewiring, and comprehensive waterproofing. The cost difference reflects fundamentally different work requirements, not contractor markup.
Are fixed-price renovation packages really fixed, or do contractors add hidden charges?
Our published packages represent genuinely fixed pricing for stated scope. Once you sign quotation with 10% deposit, that price is contractually locked. Additional charges only occur if you request scope changes beyond original agreement. We provide written quotation detailing every inclusion and exclusion, preventing misunderstandings.
Understanding Your HDB Renovation Investment: Making Confident Decisions
The renovation market in Singapore needs transparency. Homeowners deserve cost certainty before committing to major property investments. Online calculators generating meaningless ranges, contractors hiding behind vague quotations, and mid-project cost surprises represent unacceptable standards for professional service.
Our commitment to published packages with fixed pricing—from $5,590 kitchen cabinets through $41,590 complete resale transformations—establishes professional standard others should follow. This approach protects homeowners, enables genuine contractor comparison, and builds renovation market integrity.
Rather than consulting unreliable online calculators, requesting confusing competitor quotations, or accepting renovation uncertainty, homeowners can now access transparent, published renovation packages matching their property and goals. This is how renovation costs in Singapore should be determined—through professional expertise, published pricing, and contractual certainty, not guesswork or misleading estimation.
For homeowners ready to obtain accurate, transparent renovation quotations, contact us today. Review applicable renovation packages, schedule your consultation, and discover how genuine renovation cost certainty transforms your renovation planning experience. Start your renovation journey with confidence, knowing exactly what you'll invest and what you'll receive in return.
