Giving your home a makeover is an exciting prospect, but it can quickly become overwhelming. From setting the home renovation budget to applying for a renovation loan to choosing the right contractor, there are different factors to consider. But the first step to avoiding the horrors of home renovation projects is to find a credible and qualified contractor.
HDB-licensed renovation contractors undergo special training and certifications. This ensures 100% compliance with the HDB renovation guidelines. These licensed contractors will abide by the safety standards so as not to compromise the integrity of the construction, ultimately keeping you and your family safe.
Read on to learn more about choosing HDB-registered contractors. Plus, get a ballpark estimate of the average cost of HDB renovation in Singapore.
What Is an HDB Registered Renovation Contractor?
Choosing a licensed professional for your renovation is the first step for any HDB flat owner. For one, only contractors listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) are allowed to perform renovations in HDB flats.
These registered contractors are aware of the HDB’s requirements when they carry out any renovation work. As such, they are capable of protecting the structural integrity of the building.
To become licensed, HDB renovation contractors need to:
- Undergo the HDB training program
- Have a minimum experience of 3 years and be active in renovation
- The company must be ACRA-registered for at least a year
Additional benefits to working with HDB-approved renovation contractors include:
- You can avoid potentially hefty fines due to incorrect or illegal renovation works
- You don’t have to worry about dangerous and substandard workmanship
- HDB-approved contractors can get the necessary HDB permits for any construction works
- Licensed contractors can help you with your insurance needs
There are also renovation contractors that deliver seamless project management. It’s best to ask your chosen contractor about the scope of their renovation works as well as the level of management that they can provide.
The Cost of HDB Renovation in Singapore
According to a new report by Qanvast, a home renovation platform, the average cost of an HDB renovation in Singapore spiked in 2023. This is due to material and labor shortages on top of the increase in the projected core inflation rate.
In 2023, the expected renovation cost is S$45,800 to S$55,700 for a standard 3-room flat, S$49,500 to S$62,800 for a standard 4-room flat, and S$55,000 to S$60,000 for a standard 5-room flat.
Here are the average costs for renovating a new 3-room HDB flat that is around 66 sqm.
Renovation Component | Average price range (per bedroom) | Average price range (living room and dining hall) |
Hacking | from $100 to $6,500 | from $100 to $5,300 |
Masonry | from $100 to $11,900 | from $100 to $20,800 |
Carpentry | from $100 to $43,100 | from $100 to $24,200 |
Ceiling and Partition | from $300 to $7,400 | from $100 to $7,200 |
If you’re going for a kitchen or bathroom renovation, these are the average remodeling expenses you’ll need to consider:
Renovation Component | Average price range (Kitchen) | Average price range (Bathroom) |
Hacking | from $100 to $8,100 | from $100 to $5,500 |
Masonry | from $100 to $17,900 | from $100 to $17,900 |
Carpentry | from $100 to $29,900 | from $100 to $11,100 |
Plumbing | from $100 to $2,600 | from $100 to $45,100 |
Lastly, you also need to set aside a budget for electrical works, painting services, and others:
Renovation Component | Average price range |
Electrical Works | from $100 to $16,300 |
Painting Services | from $100 to $8,000 |
Glass & Aluminum | from $100 to $30,400 |
Cleaning & Disposal | from $100 to $12,600 |
Note that these are just averages, and actual renovation costs can be higher or lower depending on the specific needs and requirements of the renovation project.
Case Study: Working With a Renovation Contractor
Jasmine, a young professional in Singapore, recently purchased a 66 sqm. 3-room HDB flat in a mature estate. She wanted to renovate her new home to create a comfortable and modern living space that reflected her personality and style.
Jasmine engaged an HDB-approved renovation contractor for her project, which involved a range of works such as masonry, painting walls and ceilings, hacking and rebuilding walls, carpentry works, plumbing works, electrical works, and glass and aluminum works.
Jasmine expected a budget of $46,000 for the project, which fell within the Qanvast estimated range for a 3-room HDB renovation. Her renovation contractor provided a detailed quotation that broke down the costs of each work, as follows.
- Masonry: $2,000 to $4,000
- Painting walls and ceilings: $1,500 to $3,000
- Hacking, rebuilding, and touching up walls: $1,500 to $3,000
- Carpentry works for cupboards, wardrobes, cabinets, and other storage: $8,000 to $12,000
- Cleaning and polishing the entire house: $500 to $1,000
- Plumbing works for sinks, showers, and water heaters, among others: $1,500 to $3,000
- Electrical works for lighting and electric wiring: $2,000 to $4,000
- Glass and aluminum works for windows, door grilles, and mirrors: $2,000 to $4,000
Jasmine prioritized certain works and opted for more cost-effective options for others. The renovation project cost a total of $34,000, which was approximately S$12,000 below Jasmine’s budget. The majority of the cost went towards carpentry works, as Jasmine wanted built-in wardrobes and cabinets that required skilled craftsmanship.
By prioritizing works and making cost-effective choices in other areas, Jasmine was able to achieve her renovation goals while staying within her budget. She communicated regularly with her contractor and addressed any issues promptly. She appreciated the guidance provided by her contractor on material choices and design options.
Working with an HDB-approved renovation contractor gave her peace of mind knowing that the works were compliant with HDB guidelines and regulations.
5 HDB-Approved Renovation Contractors in Singapore
To help you get started, here are some of the best renovation contractors in Singapore. Rest assured that each of these contractors are HDB-approved and are registered in the Directory of Renovation Contractors.
3D Innovations – Best for All-In-One Renovation Service
- Services: Interior designer services, masonry and carpentry works, painting, plumbing system, and miscellaneous services
- Price: Contact 3D Innovations for a price quote
- Contact information: https://www.3dinnovations.com.sg/
- Reviews: 4 stars
Eight Design – Best for Affordable Residential and Commercial Renovation
- Services: HDB renovations, commercial projects, consultation with skilled interior designers, architectural renovation, plumbing service, fire protection system, and more
- Price: Approximately S$60,000 onwards for a 4-room HDB flat
- Contact information: https://www.eightdesign.com.sg/services
- Reviews: 4.8 stars
Earth Interior Design – Best for Affordable Interior Design Services
- Services: Space planning, 3D visualization, interior decorating
- Price: S$11,500 onwards for a 4-room HDB flat
- Contact information: https://earthid.sg/
- Reviews: 4.7 stars
JS Carpentry & Contracts – Best for Custom Built-In Carpentry
- Services: Custom carpentry, residential and commercial projects, electrical works, and plumbing services
- Price: S$27,000 to S$33,500 for a 4-room HDB flat
- Contact information: https://www.jscarpentry.com.sg/
- Reviews: 4.6 stars
9 Creation – Best for Renovation and Interior Design Services
- Services: Home renovation, HDB interior design, condo renovation, HDB BTO package, Kitchen and toilet renovation package, HDB kitchen package
- Price: S$35,700 for a 4-room HDB flat
- Contact information: https://9creation.com.sg/
- Reviews: 4.8 stars
Tips
Home renovation doesn’t have to be extremely expensive. To help ensure a successful renovation project that is well within your budget, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Define your renovation goals and budget: Take into account the materials and labor requirements and make sure that they are priced properly.
- Get multiple quotes: Take your time comparing quotes from multiple renovation contractors. Ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs, including materials and labor.
- Communicate regularly with your contractor: Make sure that you and your contractor are on the same page. Don’t be shy about asking even about minor details early on.
- Agree on the payment schedule: Doing so will help you keep track of your payments as well as your budget. Your contractor will also know when to expect payments for transparency.
- Check the progress of the works: Regularly monitoring the progress will help ensure that the project is meeting your expectations.
- Keep records: It is essential to keep all documentation for the project, including:
- The renovation contract with the contractor
- The payment receipts for the contractor
- Receipts for the materials bought
- And more
Closing
A home renovation project doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a proper understanding of the costs involved, you can stay well within budget. Plus, the tips above will help you enjoy a pleasant and stress-free renovation.
Key Takeaways:
- HDB-licensed renovation contractors undergo special training and certifications, and they comply with the HDB renovation guidelines.
- In 2023, the expected renovation cost is S$45,800 to S$55,700 for a standard 3-room flat.
- Ask your contractor for a detailed breakdown of the costs, including materials and labor so you will have a clear picture of the total renovation cost.
