Outdoor Home Cost Guide In Singapore [Updated 2023]

Ever wondered what to do with your outdoor space? Perhaps a new deck or a swimming pool? Transforming your outdoor space into your very own paradise is less costly than you think.

There are many ideas on what you can do for your outdoor home project and below are a few good ideas that you can take into consideration. Of course, preparation is key when talking to your renovation contractor. The more prepared you are, the easier the whole procedure will become.

 

 

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Patio

Cost: Subject to the flooring you choose, as well as its size.

A patio refers to a paved outdoor area that is adjoined to the house. It can be a great area for many kinds of outdoor events and activities – to host your outdoor parties, to host barbeques or even perhaps to dine with your family.

Patios are usually made up of concrete, tiles and stones and are installed on the ground. You can choose from either a detached free-standing space in your backyard or one that is attached to your house. Although the price of building a patio is dependent on the material chosen, the average price ranges from S$120,000 to as high as SS400,000.

1. Manufactured Square Flags

• • Cheapest option
  • Easiest to work with
  • Available in many ready-made sizes
  • Cost-effective

2. Stone-Style paving

• • A more costly, mid-range option
  • Slightly more different to cut and handle

3. Sandstone Flags

• • Upper-end of a mid-range option
  • Beautiful, easy to take care
  • Easy to work with

4. High-quality Textured Flags

• • Most expensive option
  • Crafted from high-quality materials
  • Requires qualified professionals

Patios can come in all shapes and sizes. Hence, it is up to you to decide on what is the best option for you based on your needs and preferences. Those who are aiming to host a garden party on their patio may require a larger and more spacious patio with some form of shelter. In contrast, those who just want to be a little closer to nature for a refreshing break when dining can make do with a smaller one.

Naturally, larger patios would rest on the higher end of the spectrum, but this is also dependent on the paving costs. Besides the material cost of your tiles, the size of the tiles you pick matters too. For instance, a paving stone that’s 500mm by 500mm may cost less than a 200mm by 500mm paving stone that’s smaller and more challenging to place.

Of course, time can play a key factor in pricing as well. Sometimes, a higher price is quoted not just because of material and size costs, but because a company can get the job done in a shorter amount of time. Ultimately, it is important that you find a balance between what you want your patio to look like and how much time you can spare.

 

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Decks

Cost: Subject to the material you choose from

A deck is a roofless outdoor area or porch that acts as an extension of your house. Often enclosed and made out of wood, a deck can help complement the beauty of your interior. Picking the right contractor, as well as planning and asking the right questions can help you save on your overall costs.

For outdoor spaces, wood flooring not only gives you an elegant but cosy feel, high-quality wood flooring can be highly durable and resistant to the harsh sun, wind or rain. In addition, some wooden flooring options are also slip-resistant, which is crucial in case there is wet weather. There are different types of wooden flooring for you to choose from to suit your needs. Composite decking would be suitable for families as they are easy to maintain and do not rot/have splinters which are ideal if you have children or the elderly sharing the same roof.

You can determine the location, materials and design for your deck. However, do note that the cost will vary largely depending on the material that you choose. You should come up with a design plan and a vision of what you want your deck to look like and communicate it clearly to the contractor.

So how much does wooden decking cost in Singapore? Decking for balcony costs around $16 – $32 per square foot depending on the type of wood. Check out the list below to get a rough estimation of wood decking in Singapore.

Ideally, you should position your deck such that it takes full advantage of the part of your house that has the best view. If you are contemplating having heavy furniture, such as a bench or sofas, do use the optimal wood to hold its weight. To have a longer-lasting deck, you should also consider sealing it for better durability.

 

 

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Read also: Flooring Cost Guide In Singapore

Gazebo

Cost: $1000 SGD- $6000 SGD

A gazebo is a pavilion structure that is free-standing and designed to provide shelter from the elements. Gazebos are often placed in a park, a garden or anywhere with a dazzling view. Similarly, Singaporeans would set up an outdoor gazebo tent to host events and parties. You can easily purchase these outdoor gazebo tents at a cheaper price from IKEA, Qoo10, Shopee, and Lazada.

Gazebos are made up of a wide variety of materials and have an endless number of styles. Despite being relatively simpler to build, they do have a slew of uses. For instance, you can consider adding decorative pillars and lattices to create a beautiful and detailed gazebo.

Pathways

Cost: Subject to material/dimension/maintenance cost

The pathway is a great way to incorporate a neat and trim walkway in your garden. You can choose from a diverse list of materials, from clay brick pavers, gravel, natural stone, and poured concrete to interlocking concrete pavers – the possibilities are endless!

A concrete pathway can fit right in with the aesthetic of an industrial interior design, while a more zen and traditional interior design would look perfect with a pebblestone pathway. Let your imaginations run wild as you think of which combination best suits your home!

Below is a rough table of how much different materials will cost per square foot:

Brick

Brick pavers cost around $12 – $29. The use of grouting will be required to fill the spaces between each brick.

Poured Concrete

A mixture of cement, gravel, sand, and water. Poured concrete is the cheapest option since it is the easiest compared to pavers and does not require laying and grouting individual pieces.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is slightly more expensive than poured concrete as it will require the stamping of patterns on the surface of poured concrete to resemble other materials. This method will create the illusion of a brick/stone/tile pathway without paying a high price.

Concrete Pavers

Resembles natural stone but costs lower. Installation costs would vary as grouting is optional.

Stone

Expensive stones such as granite, flagstone, travertine, and slate will be used. Their high durability makes them less likely to crack.

The cost of a pathway depends almost entirely on the materials used, though dimensions and maintenance costs add up as well. Before deciding to craft a pathway, however, do consider the size of your garden and whether it is ideal to have a pathway. If your garden is on the smaller side, a pathway may clutter it unnecessarily.

 

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Swimming Pool

Cost: Subject to material/dimension/maintenance cost

A private swimming pool used to be exclusive to the extremely wealthy. However, it is not necessarily true anymore. There are many options that you could choose from to fit your budget. Above ground pools, although less sleek and aesthetic, are substantially less expensive than their in-ground counterparts.

Here is a list of swimming pool options and factors to consider to find one that fits your budget!

• Above-ground vs. In-ground: Above ground pools, although less sleek and aesthetic, are substantially less expensive than their in-ground counterparts.
• Choice of material: Vinyl, concrete, fibreglass etc. You can also consult a professional for pool tiling.
• Shape and size: The bigger the pool, the more materials and time are needed.
• Add-ons: Saunas, heaters, filters, lighting etc.
• Maintenance

Do consider the maintenance cost while you’re at it. Despite modern equipment making maintenance much easier, weekly cleanings are still necessary to preserve the lifespan of your pool. This includes having to change the water from time to time so that hygiene standards are met. Depending on how often you maintain the pool, as well as the size of the pool, maintenance costs can range from S$350 to S$500 per month.

However, be sure to obtain a permit before building anything. Your contractor can get one on your behalf from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) for approximately S$300. This permit is compulsory if your in-ground pool is deeper than 1.5m and the paperwork will take around 7 days.

On average, the cost of a pool that has been equipped with a pump and filtration system falls around S$15,000. The addition of more elaborate details, such as jacuzzi features or jets can bolster the price even more.

However, as the cost varies significantly depending on the materials, dimensions and maintenance costs, it is ideal to get quotations from 3 or more professionals before proceeding.

 

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Garden

A garden can be a beautiful and breathtaking addition to your home – whether you’re a nature-lover or not. Not only is it soothing to look at, but it can also act as a great decorative element that spruces up your home while adding bright pops of colour!

A beautiful and intricate garden can bring a soothing and unique spark to your home, allowing the homeowners to enjoy a piece of nature in the comfort of their homes. You might need to find a gardener to ensure your garden is in top condition.

You can expect some or all these garden landscaping services when engaging a gardener to landscape or maintain your garden:

• Maintenance: Mowing, pruning, fertilizing
• Weed removal & prevention
• Debris removal
• Plantation: planting shrubs and other plants to maintain the overall appearance of your garden

How much does it cost to maintain my garden? Depending on these factors, the cost of engaging landscaping service companies varies. Below is a list of things to consider when you plan your budget for the type of work that needs to be done for your garden.

• Size of garden
• Types of work needed to be done
• Large vs. small company
• Residential lawn care cost

Besides maintenance, gardening products such as sprinklers, gardening hoses, and watering systems bring convenience and cut down the time spent in your garden as well as keeping your plants healthy.

 

 

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Outdoor Home FAQs

What is the cheapest material for patios and pathways?

Poured concrete would be the cheapest option and is the most cost-effective method for building patios and pathways.

How long does an above-ground pool last?

If you’re considering getting an above-ground pool due to its cost being lower than an in-ground pool, an above-ground pool will last for 15 years or more if it undergoes proper maintenance.

What is the difference between a patio and a deck?

Patios are installed on the ground and are usually made of stone materials such as concrete and gravel. They can be attached or detached and would require people to step down to ground level.

Decks are raised above the ground and are made of wood, metal, or composite material. They connect both indoor and outdoor living, acting as an extended platform without a roof.

What are hard landscaping and soft landscaping?

Hard landscaping is non-plant material used in landscaping. These include decking, a swimming pool, pathways, and a bbq pit. Soft landscaping includes plants used in landscaping such as shrubs, flowers, outdoor plants, bushes, and trees.