Ask five homeowners what they spent on renovation and you are likely to get five very different answers. One might have kept the original flooring and spent S$30,000 mainly on kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and essential upgrades. Another may have hacked a resale flat back to its bare shell and started again.
That is why a single figure is rarely useful when planning a home renovation. Renovation costs can vary widely depending on your property type, scope of work, materials and specific requirements.
A better way to budget is to start with current market benchmarks, then look at the parts of the home that are most likely to push your own quotation up
Average Home Renovation Cost in Singapore (2026)
Here’s what you can generally expect to pay for the major renovation components in Singapore.
|
Renovation Component |
Estimated Renovation Cost |
|
BTO Kitchen Cabinets (Aluminium) |
S$10,000 to S$25,000 |
|
BTO Kitchen Cabinets (Wood) |
S$8,000 to S$20,000 |
|
Master Bedroom + 2 Common Bedroom Wardrobes (Aluminium) |
S$11,000 to S$15,000 |
|
Master Bedroom + 2 Common Bedroom Wardrobes (Wood) |
S$7,000 to S$8,000 |
|
2 Bathroom Vanity Cabinet Sets |
S$1,998 |
|
HDB Electrical Works (Kitchen Only) |
S$800 to S$1,500 |
|
HDB Electrical Works (Whole House) |
S$3,000 to S$5,000 |
|
Resale Flat Tiling (Kitchen, 3 Bedrooms + Living Room) |
S$15,000 to S$18,000 |
The costs above cover specific renovation items, but other major works can significantly affect your total budget. For instance, carpentry and masonry can make up around 60% to 80% of total renovation costs. For a typical 4-room HDB flat, custom carpentry can cost around S$40,000 to S$50,000, while resale flats may require an additional S$15,000 to S$20,000 for hacking or replacing floor and wall tiles.
BTO vs Resale: Why the Cost Gap Exists
The difference is mostly about what has to happen before the new work can begin.
With a BTO, you are generally working with a new flat. There is usually less demolition and fewer ageing installations to investigate, so more of the budget can go directly into the finishes, storage and layout you want.
A resale flat comes with existing finishes, fittings and installations that may need to be removed, repaired or replaced before the new renovation can begin. Older units may also require additional electrical work, plumbing upgrades, hacking or rectification of existing issues, adding to both the scope and cost of the project.
What You May Spend on in a BTO
BTO renovation typically involves customising and finishing the new space, with most projects covering:
- Carpentry: Includes kitchen cabinets, built-in wardrobes and other custom storage solutions.
- Flooring: Covers installing new flooring based on your preferred material and design.
- Lighting: Includes planning and installing lighting fixtures to suit each room and its intended use.
- Painting: Covers painting works to give your home the colours and finish of your choice.
- Minimal Hacking: Hacking is rarely required because BTO flats are handed over without old finishes that need removing.
Depending on the scope of work, a BTO renovation typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks.
What a Resale Renovation May Add
Resale renovation often involves more preparatory work before the new design can begin, especially in older flats. This may include:
- Hacking and Removal Works: Removing existing tiles, built-in cabinets, wardrobes, bathroom fittings or other finishes that no longer suit the new design.
- Electrical Rewiring: Replacing older wiring to meet current electrical load requirements.
- Bathroom Waterproofing: Replacing existing waterproofing where deterioration or water-related issues are found.
- Plumbing Overhaul: Upgrading or replacing older plumbing systems before renovation begins.
- Unexpected Repairs: Addressing issues such as uneven floors, hollow tiles, failed waterproofing or outdated electrical panels uncovered during demolition.
Room-by-Room Renovation Cost Breakdown
If you are renovating only certain areas of your home or prioritising which rooms to renovate within your budget, looking at costs by room can make budgeting easier.
1. Kitchen Renovation
Kitchen renovation often accounts for a significant portion of the overall budget, with the final cost varying between BTO and HDB kitchen renovation based on the scope of work and materials selected.
Cabinetry is a key cost consideration, with wood and aluminium kitchen cabinet materials two common options. At A Star Furnishing, for a BTO kitchen, aluminium cabinets typically cost around S$10,000 to S$25,000, compared with approximately S$8,000 to S$20,000 for wood cabinets.
While wood-based cabinets may have a lower upfront cost, aluminium cabinets offer greater resistance to moisture, warping and termite damage. This can make aluminium a worthwhile option for homeowners prioritising durability and long-term use.
2. Bathroom Renovation
Bathroom renovation can range from updating fittings and adding new finishes over existing surfaces in a newer BTO flat to more extensive work in an older resale home.
For newly completed flats, HDB restricts replacing the original toilet wall and floor finishes for three years, although you can lay new floor finishes over existing ones using adhesives.
Resale bathrooms may allow for more extensive renovation work, including hacking and waterproofing replacement where required. Vanity cabinets are another cost consideration, with material choice affecting durability and long-term performance.
3. Bedroom and Wardrobe
For bedrooms, built-in wardrobes can be a significant cost consideration, particularly when you opt for larger or customised storage. Costs depend mainly on the wardrobe size, configuration and material grade, while additional carpentry can increase the overall spend based on your storage and design requirements.
4. Living and Dining Areas
Living and dining spaces can include flooring, false ceilings, feature walls, TV consoles and display cabinetry. In resale flats, existing finishes may also need to be hacked or rectified before you can install new flooring, built-ins, and other features.
The Biggest Cost Driver Homeowners Underestimate: Carpentry
You may be focusing on flooring, finishes and other details while not realising how much carpentry can contribute to your renovation budget.
Carpentry can account for around 25% to 50% of total renovation costs, with kitchen cabinetry typically being the largest carpentry expense. This makes the choice of cabinet material especially important.
Why Cabinet Material Is a Long-Term Cost Decision
The material used for your kitchen cabinets can affect their durability, maintenance needs and how much you may spend on repairs or replacement over time.
- What to Consider: Wood-based materials such as MDF and particle board can absorb moisture, potentially causing swelling, warping, delamination and mould growth over time. They are also more vulnerable to termites, which may lead to partial or full replacement within 5 to 12 years and add to your long-term renovation costs.
- Why Consider Aluminium: Aluminium kitchen cabinets, such as those offered by A Star Furnishing are resistant to moisture, do not swell or warp when exposed to humidity, and are not susceptible to termite damage.
When comparing kitchen renovation quotes, look beyond the door finish. Ask about the carcass material and construction method to understand what you are actually paying for.
Tips for Budgeting Your Home Renovation
Before committing to a renovation plan, consider both your immediate priorities and the costs that may arise during the project.
- Define Your Scope: Decide what your renovation needs to achieve before setting a budget. List essential works first, followed by upgrades or additions you would like if the budget allows.
- Request Itemised Quotations: Ask for quotations that break down the work, materials, quantities and applicable unit prices. This makes it easier to compare quotes and identify what is included or excluded.
- Set Aside A Contingency: Keep a 10% to 15% contingency buffer to cover unexpected work or additional costs that may arise during the renovation, especially when existing finishes are removed in resale flats.
- Consider Long-Term Costs: Look beyond the initial quotation when comparing materials. Ask contractors about expected durability, maintenance requirements and potential replacement needs.
- Compare Cabinetry Suppliers: If kitchen and wardrobe cabinetry make up a significant part of your renovation budget, consider comparing a renovation firm’s quotation with a direct manufacturer or carpentry supplier. A direct model may reduce intermediary costs in some cases. But compare the materials, construction, installation, warranty and services included before deciding which option offers better value.
Planning a Renovation That Holds Its Value
For those planning a home renovation, A Star Furnishing provides one-stop renovation services for HDB, condo and landed homes. With over 20 years of experience, we cover consultation, design, carpentry, installation and project completion.
For kitchens, we also offer 100% aluminium cabinetry designed for Singapore’s humid conditions. These kitchen cabinets are waterproof, termite-proof, heat-resistant, anti-mould and rust-resistant, and come with a 10-year warranty and lifetime maintenance.
We also provide detailed quotations with no hidden costs, so you can understand the scope of work and materials before the project begins.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with us today to discuss your home’s layout, requirements and renovation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Renovation Cost in Singapore
How much does it cost to renovate a house in Singapore?
Renovation costs vary based on property type, material choices, unit condition, and the home renovation contractor in Singapore you engage. Contact us for a detailed quotation based on your home’s requirements and renovation scope.
What is the most expensive part of a home renovation?
Carpentry and masonry are typically the most expensive parts of a home renovation, accounting for around 60% to 80% of the total budget. Kitchen cabinetry is often the largest single carpentry expense, followed by wardrobes and other built-ins.
Is BTO renovation cheaper than resale HDB?
Yes, BTO renovations are generally cheaper than resale HDB renovations because BTO flats usually require fewer structural works. Resale flats may need additional work such as hacking, rewiring, waterproofing and plumbing upgrades before renovation begins.
How long does a home renovation take in Singapore?
A home renovation in Singapore can take several weeks to complete, depending on the scope of work, property type and complexity. For example, BTO renovations typically take around 6 to 8 weeks, while resale flats may take longer due to additional works.
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