Hire The Top Renovation Contractors In Singapore In 2024

Renovating your home in Singapore is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Renovating a home is a lot like baking a multi-layered cake. You start with a vision of the final masterpiece—a perfectly layered, beautifully decorated creation—but each step along the way requires careful planning, precise measurements, and a bit of creativity. Just as you gather ingredients for baking, you gather ideas, materials, and design elements for your renovation. Each “ingredient,” whether it’s a specific tile, paint colour, or piece of furniture, needs to complement the others to achieve a balanced result. And, like in baking, even a small misstep can lead to a setback, whether it’s a delay or an unexpected expense.

Choosing the right renovation contractor is one of the most critical steps in this process. A reliable contractor can help turn your ideas into reality, ensuring quality craftsmanship and timely delivery, while a less experienced one may lead to delays, budget overruns, and unsatisfactory results.

In Singapore, the renovation industry is highly regulated, particularly for HDB flats where contractors must be registered with the HDB board to ensure compliance with specific guidelines. This is why working with a licensed and reputable renovation contractor is essential, as it guarantees that all work adheres to legal requirements, maintaining the safety and structural integrity of your home.

The renovation journey can vary greatly depending on the type of property. HDB renovations, for example, often come with specific limitations in terms of structural changes, while condo renovations might require prior approval from the management office. These may cause unexpected delays when your renovation permit is up in the air and pending approval.

For landed properties, the scope can be more extensive, allowing for greater customization but also requiring more detailed planning for structural modifications, outdoor areas, and aesthetic upgrades. You don’t have such a huge trouble with permits but the scope of the project demands its own renovation timeline as well.

Each property type has its own set of challenges and possibilities, making it crucial to select a contractor experienced in your particular type of project.

 

It also doesn’t help that sometimes, the renovation process entails the use of other service providers like the cleanup crew , the electrician team, or the interior design team where you have to let the functionality and aesthetics come to an agreement.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about renovation contractors in Singapore—from the types of services they offer to key factors to consider when choosing a contractor. We’ll also provide insights into understanding renovation costs, navigating HDB guidelines, and managing common renovation challenges.

Check out more detailed information about the renovations cost guide.

Types of Renovation Services Offered in Singapore

11 Best Renovation Contractors in Singapore

 

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Understanding Renovation Costs In Singapore

How much does it cost to renovate in Singapore? Prices vary depending on apartment size, type of property, the number of renovation works, and other factors. The table below shows the estimated renovation price for different types of property.

Hacking or building wall sections

Hacking and building walls to create space in your home can be an expensive decision. This is especially so if you choose to do partial hacking.

Depending on how much you want to change from the original design, hacking of walls can constitute a big part of your home improvement project, too, especially if they require approval from relevant buildings or government authorities.

Hacking a wall can turn two small rooms into one large room, which gives your home design flexibility and space.

Many people have the misconception that partial hacking is cheaper than completely hacking their wall, but on the contrary, partial hacking requires more precision and skills.

As such, when you factor in the cost of hiring someone skilled enough to do the partial hacking for you, partial hacking could be more expensive than hacking off the wall completely.

 

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The average cost of knocking down a wall is around $300 – $500. Of course, you should consider all factors when demolishing your wall. This includes:

1. Whether it is a load-bearing wall.

A load-bearing wall supports your house. It is one of the pillars that hold the structure and foundation of your home.

You must be cautious when you plan on removing one of these walls. One wrong move could potentially cause a safety hazard to your home. Also, the decision to remove a load-bearing wall may not be approved by your homeland’s regulations.

2. If the walls have mechanicals such as pipes, wiring, etc…

If you are removing a wall that is used to cover and hold the mentioned structural works, it will definitely cost more. You will need to get a professional plumber or the best electrician in Singapore to ensure that the plumbing work or wires do not cause problems for the other parts of your house.

Living Room Prices

The living room is the first area that visitors see and form an impression of your home when they first enter. As such, people tend to put more detail and effort into decorating their living rooms.

You will probably see feature walls and statement pieces to set the mood for the room.

Possible living room renovation costs:

• Feature walls services can cost from $900 to $4,000.
• Lights: Statement and hanging lights could cost you from $1,000 to $2,000
• Electrical appliances: This will include your television, sound system, and so on, and ranging from the quality of the pieces, it could set you back about $1,000 to $10,000

Kitchen Prices

How much will kitchen renovation cost? If you love cooking, then the probability of you spending a fair bit of time in the kitchen would be high.

The design of your kitchen, though seemingly minute, is actually a crucial space that can either make or break the design of your house.

Other than considering the aesthetics, you will also need to think about the practicality and functionality of the space.

When performing heavy-duty chores like cooking and cleaning, you must ensure that your walls, flooring, and tabletops do not suffer the brunt.

Moreover, be aware of the electrical wiring and plumbing work in your kitchen. This is an important point to consider when renovating your kitchen, as it will determine the best layout without needing to redo the electric wiring or plumbing work.

Possible kitchen renovation costs:

• Kitchen cabinet installation(varying from the material chosen): $150-$400 per square foot
• Electric appliances: this would include your oven, refrigerator, washing machine and so on. Appliances could easily set you back from $1,500 to $10,000. Some people are willing to invest in home appliances due to their functions and durability of it, and this of course comes at a hefty price.
• Sink and mixer: $800- $2,000
• Kitchen countertop: $2,600 – $7,000 depending on the material you have chosen.

For more details and kitchen renovation costs, you can check out our kitchen renovation cost guide. If you want to find the costs of home appliances, we also have a home appliances cost guide. You can view kitchen interior design ideas to get some inspiration for your next kitchen renovation.

The important thing to note when planning your home renovation budget is to divide and conquer. It is important to have a clear idea of what is needed versus what you want.

Eliminate all things that are not essential, and if you have extra money to splurge, then go for the “wants.” Home renovation is costly, and how much you will break your bank varies greatly depending on your decisions.

Sit down with your interior designer to discuss thoroughly to get a better estimate on how much your renovation work will cost.

 

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Roof Renovation Costs

Many people tend to overlook their roofs, but your house roof is equally important as the rest of your house. Not only does the roof complete your home, but it is also important in trapping heat or helping to cool it.

The average cost of a completely new roof is around $7000, although prices for roof remodelling range from $4500 to $9000. Of course, prices depend on the amount of work done.

Roof asphalt shingles cost, on average, around $1,700 to $8,400. Here is a more specific cost breakdown for some materials that can be used for roof asphalt shingles:

When planning your best roof renovation contractors, do note what you are going to do with the attic – turn it into a storage room or use it as a living space.

If you plan to use the attic as an additional living space, it is crucial that the structure of your roof allows for ventilation.

Bear in mind that there will also be a need for insulation.

• Between-rafter insulation
• Above-rafter insulation
• Under-rafter insulation

 

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Carpentry Renovation Costs

As homes have different dimensions, most of our homes require custom furniture. Hence, custom carpentry services are an integral part of a home renovation. Its costs depend on how much furniture you need and the brand of finishes used, such as laminate, hinges, drawer tracks, etc.

Cost of carpentry based on level

• Light work: $250 – $3500
• Moderate work: $3500 – $6000
• Heavy work: $6000 to $23, 500

That said, you can always shop for ready-made furniture from lots of channels like IKEA, or even local furniture companies. Alternatively, you can find companies that make customised furniture or custom cabinetry.

 

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Flooring Renovation Costs

Common flooring materials include ceramic, laminate, vinyl, parquet, granite and marble. Flooring plays a significant part of any home and is a high cost for most home renovation projects in Singapore. With various options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose the best flooring for your home. To find out more about flooring prices, check out our flooring cost guide.

Cost of different types of flooring:

• Vinyl – $7 per piece
• Laminate – $5.50 to $8 per square foot
• Cement Screed– $14 to $28 per square foot
• Marble– $15 to $70 per square foot
• Hardwood – $25 to $50 per square foot
• Terrazzo – $30 – $80 per square foot
• Ceramic Tiles- $9 to $12 per square foot

 

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Air-conditioning Systems Renovation Costs

Air-conditioning systems aren’t cheap. Wiring, running pipes and installing aircon units for the entire home can easily cost thousands of dollars and should be factored into your renovation budget.

The different types of aircon in Singapore also affect prices quite drastically (like aircon systems that connect to a smart home system), so be sure to compare aircon installation quotes before hiring a company.

 

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How to Calculate Renovation Costs?

Trying to find out your renovation costs can be stressful, especially if you’re a first-time homeowner. The final cost of your renovation depends on the following:

Property Type

Are you living in a 3-room BTO or a condominium? Is it new or a resale? Does it come with existing fittings? You may be charged at a higher price due to the following:

• Hacking of walls/tiles
• Piping works
• Toilet fittings
• Electrical works (Rewiring, installing switches, etc.)
• Extra space (for resales that are larger than new BTOs.)

Amount of Work Done

More work means higher renovation costs, especially in hacking and carpentry. If you insist on hacking your walls, avoid partial walls because they cost more than fully hacked walls.

Number of Materials Used

This usually involves the type of materials used for your flooring and countertop. Premium materials like marble and quartz will cost more than other materials.

The Contractor/Interior Designer You Choose

Although hiring them costs more, consider the extra costs to cover the mistakes you make if you are thinking of renovating yourself.

Interior Design Theme

Some interior designs cost more than others. (Eg. Minimalistic designs ideas are cheaper due to their simplicity.) You can refer to the table in the next section to look at the estimated renovation costs for each interior style.

How to Reduce Renovation Costs in Singapore?

1. Know your cost trend

It is good to ask around your family and friends to get a rough estimation of how much your home renovation potentially cost.

In addition, by asking around, you can source potential contractors or interior designers that have proven to be reliable and trustworthy.

It usually costs more to renovate resale apartments as you often have to tear/ hack down certain existing features and possibly rebuild them.

Also, for the older estates, sometimes you would have to change and replace the wiring or plumbing work. Most of the time, homeowners will wish to change the flooring even though it is one of the main factors contributing to the high renovation cost.

2. Plan your budget

Budget planning plays a crucial role when renovating your home. It helps you determine what you can and cannot do while giving you a preliminary estimation of the expected costs. Of course, you should always leave some gap for unplanned expenses so you don’t end up with an incomplete living room, kitchen or toilet.

3. Do your research

Doing your research beforehand to find out how much an average interior design costs in Singapore will dramatically improve your planning efficiency. Of course, you can hire a professional interior designer. Check the online reviews and portfolios to match your reno needs.

 

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4. Plan your purchases carefully

Comparing prices is an excellent way to maximise your savings. If you’re not in a rush, you can wait for specific sales periods like the annual Great Singapore Sale, Christmas, or Black Friday. Purchasing items during these periods will be worth the wait as it allows you to keep to your budget. You can use the extra savings to purchase other items your budget did not allow before.

5. Differentiate needs from wants

Differentiating needs from wants can be difficult for most new homeowners since they are still fresh from the excitement of building their new homes. After all, they are buying a house for the first time, and knowing what their new home needs can be tough. Thus, many of them fall into the trap of buying everything they think would look good in their living room. 

In such cases, the best you can do is only buy items that will make your home functional. Always ask yourself if and what purpose they will serve in your home. If they don’t, then you shouldn’t hurry up and leave them until you’ve settled down.

6. Do-It-Yourself

Don’t be afraid to do some of the simpler tasks yourself. For example, assemble your own furniture instead of hiring external assemblers to do it for you. This gives you a sense of responsibility for your new home’s renovation process and helps you save money. You would be surprised at the satisfaction you can get after witnessing the transformation progress that you played a part in.

However, do not get overconfident and take over the entire renovation process yourself. Certain tasks are better done by professionals like the installation of gas pipes or the construction of your toilet. Attempting to do these tasks yourself may have serious repercussions for the safety of your home.

7. Draw inspiration online

There are a plethora of online sites that contain various tips on renovating your new home that can benefit you in Singapore. Check out these sites for inspiration and ideas to visualise what you wish to achieve once the renovation is completed. One example would be our article on the top interior design ideas for styling your home in Singapore.

8. Use laminate material for your kitchen countertop

Most people cannot distinguish between quartz, granite, and marble, and using a high-grade material will not result in a drastic visual difference. The materials mentioned can be up to $40-$80 per square foot for countertop costs.

By going for cheaper materials such as laminate, you can save that extra cash and use it to purchase the appliances you need for your house.

 

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9. Having laminate finishes for your carpenter work

In comparison to wood veneers and melamine, laminate finishes are a popular choice due to their affordability and sheer variety.

Furthermore, choosing solid colours and matte finishes generally costs less than options with prints or textured finishes.

10. Don’t have false ceilings unless needed

The main purpose of a false ceiling is to conceal certain wiring and maybe alter the appearance of the ceiling, so if you have no purpose for it, do away with it.

False ceilings can cost anywhere from $4-$6 per square foot and could add a sizeable dent to your wallet. So, if it’s not an absolute priority for your home, you may want to reconsider including it. However, if you have a bigger budget, you can look at our ceiling cost guide for prices of false ceiling installation.

11. Do not refurbish your toilet unnecessarily

Renovating your toilet often involves demolishing sevices and clearing everything away. The latter may include the faucets, sinks, and cabinets – all of which can possibly cost thousands of dollars.

The approximate cost for reinstalling a new bathroom is about $8,000-$12,000 (full bathroom). Thus, if your bathroom is in good working condition, you might want to hold off a little longer.

 

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12. Natural light over recessed lights

When you are choosing and planning your house design, try to incorporate as much natural light as possible. Natural light not only helps to make your home lighter and airier but also saves the money needed to install recessed lights around it.

More often than not, if you need a substantial number of lights in your house to brighten it up, the odds are that you will have to add additional electrical wiring and power points and possibly build a false ceiling services to cover the wires up. This then adds to the cost of your home renovation. For details on the costs of lighting, you can check out our electrical cost guide.

One good tip for letting in as much natural light as possible is to install larger windows and opt for neutral and light-coloured walls. This will allow the light to bounce off your walls and brighten your home.

 

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13. Avoid Wallpapers

Wallpapers can be costly, as their cost depends not only on the amount of paper you need but also on the quality of the paper you choose. Of course, with increased durability and paper colouration, the cost to manufacture and produce the wallpaper will surely increase.

Costs and considerations

Wallpapers can cost from $20 to $5000 per roll. While hand-printed and digitally printed designs may vary in price, you should also consider the installation price. Since putting wallpaper on your wall requires skill, you should consider hiring a professional to ensure the edges are smooth and the wallpaper goes on seamlessly.

 

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As such, the cost of a handyman must be included as well. When you add up all the miscellaneous costs, you can see why wallpaper is expensive.

Thus, if you are on a tight and small budget, it might be wise to skip over having wallpaper and have your walls done simply and traditionally: painting.

With paint, you need to worry about keeping it up, as you can buy the same paint again and repaint it yourself. Furthermore, you can change the colour of your wall to revamp your house design as and when you want at a much lower cost. Painting your wall gives you the freedom to change up and save the extra cost by being able to do it yourself.

 

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14. Be practical while choosing flooring options

Doing your flooring usually takes up most of your renovation budget. Not only is the scale of the project extensive, but there are also many different options for you.

If you are looking at your kitchen and your bathroom, you will be considering options that are more waterproof or resistant. Maintenance is also a concern. If you want your flooring to last for a good couple of years, you will have to upkeep and clean it regularly. It would be wise to consult your interior designer on the best option you should choose to better suit your needs and appeal to your design idea.

To view prices for other flooring materials, you can do so at our flooring cost guide in Singapore.

 

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25. Swimming pools are not necessary

Installing and upkeeping a swimming pool is costly. Maintaining a swimming pool requires procuring the needed chemicals to ensure that the pool does not develop algae and dirty water over time. Unless you are certain that you will be using and using the pool regularly, a pool will only incur unnecessary costs. Of course, if you are an avid swimmer determined to keep a pool, you should engage a professional service for better advice.

 

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HDB Renovation Guidelines In Singapore

In Singapore, HDB requires contractors from the HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) to carry out renovations. You can search for a DRC contractor or a BCA-approved window Contractor here.

Failure to engage a licensed contractor to carry out the renovations and/ or breach HDB’s renovation rules/ guidelines can result in a penalty. The flat owner can be fined up to $5,000 and face additional penalties if convicted. You can find out more information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a renovation contractor is licensed in Singapore?

You can check the HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC) lists to see if a renovation contractor is licensed. You can also look for certifications from industry bodies like CaseTrust or the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

How long does a typical home renovation take?

The duration of a renovation depends on the size and complexity of the project. For example, a basic renovation for a 3-room HDB flat may take 6-8 weeks, while larger projects, such as full condo or landed property renovations, may take 3-6 months or longer.

What should be included in a renovation quote?

A renovation quote should include a detailed breakdown of costs for labor, materials, and additional services (e.g., plumbing, electrical work). It should also outline the scope of work, estimated timeline, payment schedule, and any potential additional costs.

Can I live in my home during the renovation?

It depends on the extent of the renovation. For minor works, such as painting or small upgrades, it may be possible to stay in your home. However, for larger renovations that involve structural changes, flooring, or extensive plumbing work, it may be safer and more convenient to arrange temporary accommodation.

Do renovation contractors handle permits and approvals?

Yes, professional renovation contractors typically manage the necessary permits and approvals, especially for HDB and condo renovations where compliance with regulations is required. Ensure that your contractor is experienced in navigating these requirements to avoid delays or complications during the renovation process.

What are the most common renovation mistakes to avoid?

Common mistakes that must be avoided during renovations in Singapore include underestimating the budget, failing to check the contractor’s credentials and past work, not obtaining detailed quotations, and making changes to the project scope mid-renovation without understanding the cost implications.

Do renovation contractors offer warranties?

Many professional renovation contractors offer warranties, typically covering workmanship for a period ranging from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of work. It’s important to discuss the warranty terms with your contractor and get them in writing to ensure any issues are covered after the project is completed.

What are the best times of year to start a renovation in Singapore?

Renovations can generally be done year-round in Singapore. However, it is advisable to avoid peak periods like Chinese New Year, when contractors may be fully booked, or when suppliers may have limited availability. Planning your renovation during off-peak times may also offer more flexibility and possibly lower rates.

 

 

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