HDB renovation cost refers to the total expense required to design, upgrade, and customise a flat, including labour, materials, and installation.
The cost varies due to five main factors:
3-room: Lower cost due to smaller area
4-room: Most common, moderate cost
5-room: Higher cost due to scale and complexity
Basic: Cosmetic upgrades (painting, lighting)
Mid-range: Includes carpentry and tiling
Premium: Full redesign with structural changes
Material choices significantly impact cost:
Laminate vs solid surfaces
Quartz vs sintered stone countertops
Standard vs premium fittings
For kitchens, choosing durable solutions like aluminium kitchen cabinets can support easier aluminium maintenance, reducing long-term upkeep costs compared to wood-based options.
Built-in wardrobes, TV consoles, and storage solutions increase costs but improve usability and space efficiency.
BTO Flats
Lower cost
Minimal hacking required
Focus on carpentry and finishes
Resale Flats
Higher cost
Requires demolition, rewiring, plumbing updates
Resale flats often come with older layouts, worn finishes, and outdated systems that need to be replaced before new work can begin. This increases both labour and material costs, especially when hacking, rewiring, and waterproofing are involved.
Example of a basic HDB kitchen renovation in a resale flat with simple carpentry and functional layout.
| Renovation Tier | Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $25,000–$35,000 | Painting, lighting, simple carpentry |
| Mid-range | $35,000–$50,000 | Custom carpentry, tiling |
| Premium | $50,000–$60,000 | Full custom design, premium materials |
A 3-room HDB is ideal for budget-conscious homeowners focusing on essential upgrades.
| Renovation Tier | Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $35,000–$50,000 | Standard carpentry and fittings |
| Mid-range | $50,000–$70,000 | Better materials and finishes |
| Premium | $70,000–$85,000 | Full-home redesign and premium upgrades |
This is the most common flat type in Singapore, offering flexibility for design and storage.
| Renovation Tier | Cost Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $45,000–$60,000 | Essential upgrades |
| Mid-range | $60,000–$85,000 | Custom carpentry and upgraded finishes |
| Premium | $85,000–$95,000 | Full-scale renovation with premium materials |
Larger flats allow more extensive layout changes and customisation.
Understanding where your money goes is key to budget planning.
Mid-range HDB kitchen renovation in Singapore with custom carpentry and island layout.
Cost Range: $4,000 – $20,000
Includes:
Kitchen carpentry
Countertops
Plumbing and electrical works
Backsplash tiling
Kitchen renovation is typically the most expensive part due to multiple components.
Material selection plays a major role. For durability and moisture resistance, many homeowners choose aluminium kitchen cabinets Singapore for long-term performance.
Cost Range: $3,800 – $12,000 per bathroom
Includes:
Waterproofing
Floor and wall tiling
Sanitary fittings
Plumbing adjustments
Bathroom upgrades are essential for preventing long-term issues like leaks, especially in older HDB flats where waterproofing may have deteriorated over time.
The final cost depends on the condition of the existing bathroom, the materials selected, and whether hacking and full retiling are required. Learn more about bathroom renovation Singapore for detailed cost comparisons.
Cost Range: $2,500 – $12,000
Includes:
Flooring
Feature walls
Lighting installation
Costs vary depending on design complexity and customisation level.
Cost Range: $3,000 – $8,000
Includes:
Wardrobes
Storage carpentry
Lighting
Bedrooms typically focus on storage and comfort.
In 2026, the average HDB renovation cost falls between:
$30,000 to $70,000 for most homeowners
$25K–$40K → Basic renovation (BTO or small flats)
$40K–$70K → Mid-range renovation
$70K+ → Full renovation with premium materials
The final cost depends on:
Renovation scope
Material quality
Contractor pricing
Flat condition
| Type | Cost Range | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| BTO | $20K–$70K | Minimal hacking, lower cost |
| Resale | $30K–$90K | Requires rewiring, hacking |
Demolition of existing structures
Replacement of outdated systems
Structural modifications
Yes, $30,000 is sufficient for a basic renovation, especially for BTO flats or smaller units.
Painting
Basic carpentry
Lighting installation
Limited customisation
No premium materials
Minimal structural changes
Budget planning and prioritisation are key to making this work.
Underestimating hidden costs
Electrical and plumbing upgrades are often overlooked.
Over-customising too early
Focus on essential upgrades first.
Choosing low-cost materials
Cheaper materials often lead to higher long-term costs.
Not planning for resale condition
Older flats require more extensive work.
Hiring through platforms instead of direct contractors
Working with a renovation contractor Singapore (/renovation-contractor/) reduces markups and improves cost transparency.
A full HDB renovation typically takes 8–12 weeks.
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Planning & Design | 1–2 weeks |
| HDB Approval | 1–2 weeks |
| Demolition | 2–5 days |
| Tiling & Flooring | 1 week |
| Electrical & Plumbing | 3–5 days |
| Painting | 2–4 days |
| Carpentry Installation | 1–3 weeks |
Timeline varies based on scope and customisation level.
Hiring a direct contractor eliminates platform fees and reduces communication gaps.
At T Se7en Alucraft:
Specialisation in aluminium carpentry
Transparent pricing structure
Direct project handling
This leads to better cost control and higher-quality results.
A successful renovation starts with clear budgeting, realistic expectations, and choosing the right contractor.
Planning your HDB renovation? Get a direct quote from T Se7en Alucraft no platform fees, no middleman. get a free quote
It typically ranges from $30,000 to $90,000 depending on flat size, materials, and renovation scope.
Labour costs, material prices, and regulatory requirements contribute to higher renovation costs.
Focus on essential upgrades, avoid over-customisation, and choose durable materials.
Most projects take 8–12 weeks depending on complexity.
Speak to a professional now and get personalized consultation and guidance for your next renovation. Work with a team you can trust!
Home Blog The main kitchen cabinet door types are flat-panel, shaker-style, raised-panel, glass-front, and handleless designs. For most full kitchen renovations in Singapore, the best...
