How to budget for a home renovation in Singapore, step by step
Most renovation budgets go wrong for the same reason: the list of work is vague, so the first quotation is a surprise. A little planning at home makes every conversation with a contractor shorter and fairer.
Step 1: Write down the basics
Note the property type (HDB, condo, landed), whether it is new or resale, the floor area in square feet, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. These decide how much work there is to do.
Step 2: List the work, room by room
Split the list into three groups. Base works are hacking, tiling, flooring, electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, painting and false ceilings. Carpentry covers wardrobes, TV wall, shoe cabinet, study and kitchen cabinets. Everything else covers doors, windows, air-conditioning, curtains and cleaning.
Step 3: Pick a finish level
Basic, standard and premium finishes can change the total by a large margin, even when the work list is identical. Choose one level for the whole home first, then upgrade only the rooms you care about.
Step 4: Add design fees and a buffer
Design and project management are often a percentage of the works. Keep a contingency, commonly around 10%, for things nobody can see until the walls are open.
Step 5: Treat the result as a range
A planning figure is not a quotation. Expect a range, then ask for formal quotations that list every item. Try our free RenoFlow estimator to get a rough range from your own answers, no email needed to see the numbers.
Try it now: RenoFlow or open the free estimator.