When considering a renovation project for your condo, one of the first questions that come to mind is, “How much is this going to cost?”

The answer, as you might expect, is not straightforward. Renovation costs can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including the size of your condo, the extent of the renovations, the materials you choose, and the professionals you hire to do the work.

Understanding these variables is key to setting a realistic budget for your renovation project.

1-Bedroom Condo Renovations

Starting with 1-bedroom condos, these compact spaces offer the challenge of optimizing every square meter.

For a basic renovation that includes painting, minor repairs, and some new fixtures, the costs can start from SGD $15,000. However, for more extensive renovations that involve high-quality finishes, custom furniture, and possibly reconfiguring the layout to maximize space, prices can escalate to SGD $30,000 or more.

2-Bedroom Condo Renovations

Moving on to 2-bedroom condos, these units provide more space and, consequently, more room for creativity and complexity in renovations.

For a moderate renovation that includes updates to the kitchen and bathrooms, new flooring, and a fresh coat of paint throughout, homeowners might expect to spend between SGD $25,000 and SGD $45,000. Those looking for high-end materials and bespoke built-in cabinetry could see costs ranging from SGD $50,000 onwards.

3-Bedroom Condo Renovations

As we venture into the realm of 3-bedroom condos and larger units, the scope for renovation expands significantly. These larger spaces not only offer more room for functional and aesthetic enhancements but also come with a proportionate increase in renovation costs.

Featured project: 3 bedroom condo @ City Square Residences

Cost: $73,000

For a basic renovation of a 3-bedroom condo, which may include updates such as new paint, flooring, and essential kitchen and bathroom refreshes, homeowners might expect costs to start from around SGD $40,000. This baseline is for updates that do not involve structural changes but focus on giving the space a new, updated feel.

For more comprehensive renovations, the costs can significantly increase. Depending on the choices of materials, finishes, and the scale of the work, the budget can range from SGD $60,000 onwards.

4-Bedroom Condo Renovations

Exploring the possibilities within 4-bedroom condos opens up extensive avenues for renovation, allowing for more significant modifications and enhancements. The additional space in such units not only facilitates substantial functional upgrades but also results in a corresponding rise in renovation expenses.

Featured project: 4 bedroom condo @ Park Colonial

Cost: $63,000

For basic renovations in a 4-bedroom condo, which might include new paint, updated flooring, and necessary refreshes to the kitchen and bathrooms, homeowners could anticipate starting costs at approximately SGD $50,000. These initial costs account for upgrades that enhance the overall aesthetic and feel of the condo without making structural changes.

For more extensive renovation projects, costs can escalate considerably. Depending on the choice of materials, level of finishes, and the extent of the renovations involved, the budget for a comprehensive renovation could start from SGD $80,000 and increase depending on the specifics of the project.

Influencing factors

It’s important to remember that the above figures are estimates and can vary based on several factors:

• Material Selection: The type of materials you choose (e.g., marble vs. laminate) can significantly affect the overall cost.
• Labour Costs: Are you intending to hire an ID or contractor? An ID will take on a larger scope of work, including translating your vision into a functional design, selecting materials, ensuring that the aesthetic and practical aspects of your renovation are in harmony, and of course, managing the entire renovation project. Because of this, IDs charge more than contractors.
• Design Complexity: More complex designs that require structural changes or custom-built solutions will increase the project’s cost.

Is it more expensive to renovate a condo as compared to a HDB flat?

When planning a renovation in Singapore, homeowners often ponder whether renovating a condominium unit is more costly than refurbishing a HDB flat. The answer is nuanced, depending on several factors including the extent of renovation, quality of materials, and design considerations.

However, there are a few key distinctions between condo and HDB renovations that can influence overall costs.

Regulatory and design restrictions

Condominiums in Singapore are recognized for their stringent oversight by management bodies, commonly referred to as Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST). These entities often impose rules and guidelines that are more stringent than those for HDB flats, particularly concerning structural changes and exterior modifications.

These restrictions are in place to maintain the uniform aesthetic of the condominium, ensure the safety of all residents, and uphold the property’s value. However, they can also lead to increased renovation costs due to the need for more customized solutions.

Here are some examples to illustrate how these rules can affect renovation costs:

Structural changes

Both HDB flats and condominiums require thorough review and approval for structural modifications, but the nature and extent of these requirements tend to differ.

For HDB flats, owners must adhere to the HDB’s Renovation Guidelines. Any work affecting the building structure requires approval from HDB. This process is standardized and transparent, with clear guidelines available on the HDB website.

On the website, you’ll find specific guidelines on what can or cannot be done, such as restrictions on hacking certain walls, limitations on the type of renovations that can be carried out in new flats within the first three years to preserve the structural integrity, and more.

If you want to make structural changes to a condo unit, on the other hand, you’ll require approval from the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) or the managing body. This process can vary significantly from one condominium to another, as each MCST might have its own set of by-laws and approval procedures, which could be more stringent or involve more steps than HDB’s process.

For example, a condominium MCST might require detailed plans for any structural changes, including the engagement of a specific, board-approved structural engineer or architect. They might also have specific quiet hours for construction work, limitations on the type of materials that can be used (to maintain a certain aesthetic throughout the building), or even restrictions on the duration of the renovation project.

On top of that, condominiums might also require additional layers of documentation and approval, including but not limited to, architectural plans, detailed schedules of work, and sometimes even security deposits to cover potential damages to common property during renovations.

This can sometimes make the renovation process in condominiums appear more daunting and potentially more expensive, depending on the project’s complexity and the specific condominium’s regulations.

Exterior Modifications

Condo owners wishing to install an outdoor decking area on their balcony may be limited in terms of materials and design to maintain the building’s cohesive appearance. The condo management might only allow certain types of decking materials that are more expensive than the alternatives available on the market. Furthermore, the installation might require a specialized contractor familiar with the condo’s regulations, leading to higher labor costs.

Windows and facade alterations

Replacing windows or altering the facade of a condo unit for better insulation or aesthetics is often subject to strict controls. Condo owners might be required to use specific types of windows that match the exterior of the building or are of a certain quality standard, which can be more costly than standard options. Additionally, such renovations might need to be carried out by approved contractors, who may charge a premium for their services.

New condo units vs new BTO flats

When weighing up the cost of renovating a condo unit vs an HDB flat, another crucial factor to consider is the baseline state of the unit prior to any work being done. For instance, we might choose to compare new condominium units to new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats provided by the HDB. Here, the initial condition and what is included in the unit at the time of purchase can significantly influence the overall renovation expenses.

To unpack this more, new condominium units often come with a higher level of finish and sometimes include built-in furnishings or appliances, known as white goods. Developers of these units typically offer them with a certain standard of flooring, bathroom fittings, kitchen cabinets, and sometimes even wardrobes and air conditioning units. This “move-in ready” condition can considerably reduce the need for extensive renovation work, allowing new owners to focus their budget on customization rather than on basic infrastructure.

On the other hand, new BTO flats are usually delivered in a much more basic state. While they do come with essential fittings, such as basic flooring and bathrooms, they generally offer a blank canvas for owners to work with. This means that new BTO owners may need to invest more in their renovation projects, covering both the installation of basic fixtures and any customization they desire. This could include everything from essential cabinetry work in the kitchen and bedrooms to the installation of air conditioning units.

A final word on how much it costs to renovate a condo in 2024

Renovating a condo in Singapore in 2024 requires careful planning and budgeting. While the figures provided offer a rough guide, the actual costs will depend on the specifics of your project. We recommend getting detailed quotes from several contractors and designers before making any decisions.

Remember, investing in a renovation not only enhances your living space but can also significantly increase the value of your property.

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