Renovating an HDB flat involves more than just picking design styles and materials. Typically, the renovation cost in Singapore varies significantly depending on the size of the flat, the complexity of the work, and how the homeowner uses renovation platforms to source quotes and manage budgets.
Discover the major renovation cost drivers for 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room HDB flats, helping homeowners plan realistically. These insights also guide which renovation ideas for HDBs can be prioritised within your budget.
3-Room HDB: Limited Space, But Not Always Lower Cost
While 3-room HDB flats are smaller in size, renovation costs can still be substantial due to the need for compact, functional design. Homeowners can expect to spend between $25,000 to $40,000 on average. The most significant costs often come from kitchen overhauls, customised storage, and hacking works. For example, if the original flat has dated tiles or built-ins, removing and replacing them drives up labour charges. Many homeowners also opt for built-in wardrobes and carpentry to maximise storage, which further increases costs.
Electrical rewiring and plumbing upgrades are also common, particularly in older resale flats. Renovation platforms in Singapore often recommend package solutions, but for 3-room units, customisation becomes necessary to utilise tight layouts efficiently. This approach adds carpentry and space-planning fees. While some savings can be found through cost-effective renovation ideas for HDB spaces, like vinyl flooring and open shelving, budget creep is typical when addressing structural limitations.
4-Room HDB: Balance of Function and Style Comes at a Mid-Tier Price
Renovation costs typically range from $35,000 to $55,000 for 4-room flats, which offer a better balance between space and manageability. Most cost drivers are tied to the desire for upgraded aesthetics, smart home integration, and more extensive carpentry. Due to the increase in square footage, flooring, tiling, and paint costs increase linearly. In addition, many families want to reconfigure one of the common bedrooms into a home office or study, requiring partitioning, electrical changes, and built-ins.
Homeowners often use a renovation platform to compare packages and service providers, especially when seeking design consultation and project coordination. While these platforms streamline sourcing, they sometimes promote upgrades that escalate final bills, such as feature walls, false ceilings, or premium fittings. Another major driver for 4-room renovations is the kitchen. Open-concept kitchen conversions with glass dividers or breakfast counters are popular renovation ideas for HDB flats, but require permits, hacking, and material upgrades that increase costs substantially.
5-Room HDB: High-Cost Variables Driven by Lifestyle and Customisation
The renovation cost for 5-room HDB flats often starts from $50,000 and can exceed $80,000 depending on the level of customisation. Larger living areas, additional bedrooms, and expansive kitchens give homeowners the flexibility to apply ambitious renovation ideas, but these come with a steep price tag. Full-wall carpentry, walk-in wardrobes, and extended kitchen islands are all major cost contributors.
5-room HDB owners frequently engage interior designers through a renovation platform to conceptualise cohesive, upscale aesthetics. These platforms often coordinate across contractors, designers, and vendors, but add project management fees. Complex works such as overlaying marble-look tiles, installing smart lighting systems, or integrating glass partitions significantly inflate budgets. Homeowners aiming for a minimalist luxury feel typically pay premium prices for fittings, imported materials, and seamless storage. Bathrooms are another cost hotspot, with homeowners investing in waterproofing, custom vanities, and rain showers that demand more technical installation.
Conclusion
Whether you’re renovating a 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room HDB flat, the renovation cost in Singapore is determined by the scope of work, the materials used, and how you source and manage professionals, often through a renovation platform. Each flat size has its own set of financial pressures: 3-room flats with limited space and functionality, 4-room flats with balanced layout, and 5-room flats with high customisation requests. Homeowners who carefully evaluate renovation ideas within their size constraints are better positioned to avoid overspending and achieve a practical, modern home that fits their budget.
Contact ID2U and let us help you renovate your HDB flat with confidence.
