What Drives Up (Or Down) Your Renovation Costs?

When the excitement of the prospect of getting your keys wears off, you start to realise that now is the time to start planning and budgeting for your home renovation. There are a number of factors that influence how much your home renovation will cost, our guide will help you to set out your budget and look at ways that you can cut down on costs. 

Size.

The scope of the renovation in terms of size is going to play a big role in determining how much your renovation will cost. If you are updating the entire interior or exterior of your home, the cost of the renovation is going to be much higher than that of a renovation that only involves a single room. If budget is the only thing that is holding you back from pursuing a larger renovation, you can try re-purposing items or skipping minor points of the renovation in order to reduce the costs.

Type.

The type of home you have whether it’s an HDB flat, condo, or landed house will impact your costs. The renovation work for an old resale flat varies greatly compared to a brand new HDB BTO apartment, due to the costs of demolishing, repairing and refurbishing the old items the previous owner has left behind.

New condominium units will generally cost less to renovate than HDB flats because they already come with kitchen and bathroom fittings. On the other hand, a newly built HDB flat will need things like new floorings, walls, and built-in cupboards, in addition to kitchen and bathroom fittings. 

However, a new BTO flat is less expensive to renovate than a resale flat. Due to outdated design features and fittings, older houses might not match your aesthetic. In the event that it has not been renovated in the past 20 years, you may want to do a major renovation. The plumbing and wiring might also need to be redone, as they might have worn out over the years.

Contractor Versus Interior Designer. 

It may seem obvious but different companies charge different prices. Each also offers different services that will mean you need to choose between investing more of your time or more of your budget.  Need help deciding between them? Check out our handy guide on how to choose between a Contractor or Interior Designer.

How Much Work You Want To Do.

Are you more or less satisfied with the way things are going? What if you wanted to knock down walls and build your dream house (almost) from scratch, with custom carpentry? 

The amount of work you want to be done forms the backbone of your costs after the size of your home. You will spend a large portion of your renovation budget on:

Hacking means tearing down walls, rebuilding walls, or touching up walls. The labour costs will depend on the wall size, thickness, and the amount of hacking that needs to be done. 

In masonry, new walls are built or old walls are repaired. The cost of more complex renovations masonry work is determined by the area size and the amount of labour. It also includes flooring, tiling, and wet works.

Carpentry: Do you want built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, or desks? Then you’ll need to set aside a budget for carpentry. The cost for these customised solutions depends on the area size and amount of workmanship you’ll require. 

Confused with renovation jargon? Check out 3 Key Renovation Terms You Need to Know.

Type of Materials You Want To Use. 

What kind of materials would you like to use for your new flooring, cabinets, and countertops? The costs of renovations will be impacted by these options as well. Below we go into some of the cost differences between typical quotes and what you end up choosing. 

Unforeseen Costs. 

Electrical Works.

Once you start to get quotes from Interior Design firms, you may see that electrical works are missing from their quote. The costs of electrical works depend on the size of your home and the scope of work needed. Most electricians won’t be able to give you a quote without a site visit. Factor this in when you are budgeting for your reno. You may need a few electrical quotes to compare so set aside time for this. The cost of electrical works can add up if you add in additional power points, concealed wiring or if you decide to rewire your entire home. 

Plumbing Works.

It is more common for ID firms to include plumbing work in their quotations, but some don't when they don't have contracted plumbers. As with electrical work, you'll need to get a plumber to visit the site before you can get an accurate quote. 

Bathroom Accessories.

For installation of your toilet fixtures and pipes in your bathrooms, you may need to hire a plumber. Having your pipes concealed or moving the location of sinks and showers will also drive up the cost of your renovation. 

Lighting and Fixtures.

You can't guess how much you'll spend on these since prices depend on factors like the size of fixtures you need, brands, functions, and materials. You will need to research and budget for the types of lighting and fixtures you want within your home. These include everything from Pendant Lights to  Bathroom Sinks. 

Materials for flooring and walls.

You're most likely to get a quote tailored to your budget when you request it from an ID or a contractor. If you have a strict budget, you can expect quotes for materials like tiles and vinyl to reflect the lowest possible price. Several options are available for $3/sqft vinyl and tiles, but note that the selection is limited at this price point. It becomes evident when you select your preferred materials - aesthetic and high-quality materials tend to have higher prices. Even after you've signed a payment contract, you'll likely be billed for additional costs incurred if you change your mind and opt for higher-priced materials. 

Hinges and handles for carpentry and doors.

The question you might ask is why a cupboard would not come with hinges? The world operates this way. Some of the reasons for this are designed to reduce your costs, as hinges are more expensive from 3rd party sources. It’s best to clarify at the quote stage whether your carpentry quote includes hinges or not so that you don’t get a surprise later on. 

Ceiling.

Detailed false ceilings tend to cost more when compared to normal ceilings. If you want features like rounded details, L-box or U-box shapes or cove lighting for your ceiling, expect the final price to shoot up. 

Platform Beds.

Platform beds are extremely popular in Singapore, especially for compact bedrooms. This kind of bed does away with the necessity of having a wardrobe in the bedroom. However, the carpentry charges for this type of integrated and multi-functional furniture is higher than usual.

Shelving and Partitions. 

Open shelves and niches (mostly with profile lighting) are an expensive design feature to have in your home. Moreover, installing partitions too tends to raise the final cost of renovations to a large extent. 

Custom Furniture.

Furniture in unusual shapes is more expensive. Rounded furniture or furniture that has oblique/unusual shapes (like hexagonal, abstract etc.) costs more than furniture in common forms. The prior has more novelty and stands out as a statement. If that is your intention, the extra cost is a matter of choice.

Length Of Time To Do Your Renovation. 

The longer your renovation takes to complete, the more it will cost. Renovations that are more complex often require more workers working for longer hours. If you want to save money, scaling back your renovation could help to keep labour costs down and also help you to finish more quickly. It is also a good idea to keep in mind that renovations can not go on for a variable period of time and must have a set start and end date.

Post-renovation cleaning.

Your renovation quote most likely includes protection for floors, general chemical cleaning and the cleaning of debris. This can add an additional $1,00 dollars to your quote. Ve warned though, it can take time for dust and debris to settle. You may need to budget for a professional cleaning firm to do a final clean before you move in. The other cost-saving option is for you (and your family and friends perhaps!) to have the time to clean every nook and cranny in your home yourself. 

Final Advice - Always get an itemised breakdown of your renovation costs.

Obtaining multiple quotes is a good rule of thumb before signing on with a particular company, so you can sort out the details. Compare each quote right down to the unit price so that you can easily identify if you need to top up more cash for items and services that aren't always included, such as fixtures and installation. 

Being a homeowner and renovating your home into your dream home is an exciting and monumental step in life. The hidden costs of renovation can make your plans seem futile, especially if you are not willing to pay for essentials like electrical works and home fixtures. It’s best to always have a budget set aside for unforeseen costs. 

6 Renovation Hacks to Save You Money.

Make your budget work for you.

Singapore Home Renovation Hacks

Interior Designer or Contractor?

When it comes to making the most of your budget, a key decision is whether to go for an Interior Designer (ID) or a Contractor. An ID firm will usually be more expensive, however, what you might save in money, you will have to invest a lot more time into sourcing, selecting, briefing and managing your Contractors. There are some Qualities To Look For In An Interior Design Company if you do choose to go down that route. Undecided, we have a handy guide, Should You Pick A Contractor or Interior Designer For Your Home Renovation In Singapore?

Follow a cost-saving design theme.

A good example of where you can save money by choosing a budget-friendly theme is minimalism. A minimalist design is not only stunning and devoid of clutter, but it’s also not as costly as other design aesthetics. As a bonus, a minimalist theme will give the illusion of a bigger space which is great in Singapore where home sizes are shrinking. Another great budget-friendly theme is Scandinavian which incorporates clean lines and again goes for the illusion of space. That being said, if you have your heart set on a theme, that’s where you work with your Interior Designer or your Contractor to find budget-friendly solutions that work for your space. 

Moveable versus built-in furniture.

Build-ins like TV accent walls and platform beds may look stunning, but they easily burn a hole in your wallet. When the time comes to upgrade, you'll be stuck with yesterday's trend and will also be looking at extra costs to take them down. As time passes, not only will you have to live with built-in furniture, but if you decide to upgrade, you'll have to pay extra to have them removed. Other than being built-in, permanent fixtures like platform beds can quickly go out of style, meaning you will need to spend again in the future. 

Forgo The Feature Wall.

You can also save on home renovation costs by painting your walls instead of getting them wallpapered, or by painting an accent wall instead of building a feature wall.  

Paint is not only less expensive than wallpaper or feature wall materials, it is also a practical choice if you wish to change the look of your home every few years. Let’s not forget, if you wish to remove and replace walls and stone, you will need to do another set of renovation work. Also, if you are going to sell your apartment in the future, will your feature wall be outdated, therefore bringing down your sale price?

Consider Vinyl or Laminate Flooring.

Flooring materials will consume a substantial portion of your budget, especially if you choose options like hardwood, tiling or marble. Vinyl or laminate flooring can give you the look of wood or marble for less. Their cost is just a fraction of their more expensive counterparts, and they're just as durable and easy to clean. 

Styling To Bring It All Together. 

Think you need to do everything all at once? Check out our styling tips to make your home look like it comes straight from a home interior magazine without busting your budget. 

Is It True That Resale Properties Always Cost More To Renovate?

Home renovation is not to be undertaken lightly.

When comparing new launches with resales, you've likely heard the saying, "resale properties require more renovation". It is thought that, since you need to hack up the previous work, it adds time and money.. Since the saying is so common, some buyers use it to motivate them to always stick with new launches.

Renovation costs vary from unit to unit, and no study has proven that resale properties will be more expensive to renovate. Moreover, it is impossible to predict the final cost of the renovations. 

Resale properties often have higher renovation quotes since they can end up being more expensive.

Important Cost Factors To Consider Are:

1. The Hacking Of Previous Works

2. Size Of Unit

3. The Current State Of Plumbing And Electrical Work

4. Appliances

1. The Hacking Of Previous Works.

You may find that hacking out the previous bathroom and starting again is the only option.

In many cases, you can mitigate the costs of these renovations by choosing to live with what is already there. It is one of the biggest wastes to hack up rooms that had been renovated just a few years before the unit was purchased. 

Consider resale units with an interior design you like. Adding what's missing in this way ensures the renovation costs are comparable to buying a new unit. You could use an overlay instead of hacking away and replacing an old layer of material.

Having this done prevents the need to re-waterproof surfaces in areas like balconies, kitchens, and bathrooms (you'll need a contractor to figure out the cost since it varies by unit).

2. Size of Unit.

It stands to reason, the larger the unit, the most it will cost to renovate.

It is important to keep in mind that older resale units are typically larger than newer ones. In the 1980s, the average 4-room flat was about 1,130 square feet.

Currently, the average 4-room apartment is about 969 square feet. Renovation costs are more closely correlated with the size of the unit than with its age. Buying a new condo unit isn't just about the difference in size - and the renovation costs associated with cutting up and replacing floors, walls, repainting, etc. over a greater area won't be comparable between a new and an older condo.

When you're buying an older resale unit, keep in mind that the space may be bigger - but that size will work against you on the renovation front. Before you decide to purchase a giant unit from the 1980s, remember that the maximum renovation loan is only $30,000.

3. The Current State Of Plumbing And Electrical Work.

If the plumbing is in good condition, this can save you money.

Several hundred dollars distinguish a new unit from a resale unit without extensive work on plumbing (and this assumes the new unit comes as is with basic fixtures).

There might not be a difference in cost between new and resale renovations if there is no electrical work required, and all light fixtures are in good working condition.

Make sure the property is in great shape before buying it to avoid high resale renovation costs. Make sure the seller fixes any plumbing or electrical issues before you buy the unit (or offer a lower price to compensate). 

4. Appliances

Relocating or replacing aircon will drive up costs.

Relocating the air conditioner is one thing you want to avoid. The wiring and piping need to be rerun; this can cost over $2,000 in some cases (at which point a new system may be more worthwhile).

Though refrigerators are usually replaced anyway, you might check to make sure the resale unit includes a functioning washing machine and dryer.

If all of these things are in good working order, you may not have to spend as much on a resale renovation after all. 

In Summary.

The fact that resale properties always come with a higher renovation cost is not true. Several of the cost differences we've outlined can be avoided. Several of the cost differences we've outlined can be avoided. 

6 Tips To Make Your Condo Renovation Go Smoothly.

Renovations for condominiums are more complex than those for HDBs. As a result, more planning and work is inevitable. Here are 6 tips to help you get started and keep your condominium renovation on track!

1. Management Corporation (MC) Must Approve Any Changes To Common Property

MC permission is usually required when making any alterations to common property. The changes usually include improvements to the external façade of the building, such as installing an additional awning on a common wall or installing new balcony screens. Additionally, be aware of how a strata development's majority rule can be taken to an extreme when it comes to the safety of children.

2. Renovation Activities May Be Restricted By Management Corporation (MC) Rules.

The estate's house rules may restrict the type of renovations that can be carried out. For example, the house rules may set limits on the amount of time and duration renovation work can be done during the weekdays and weekends. Aside from that, types of permitted renovations may vary among estates as well. The installation of glass curtains on balconies, for example, is only allowed in certain condominiums. Make sure that your Renovation Professional is informed about the rules that govern renovations in your condominium. If you are thinking about renovating your condominium, it is wise to consider remodelling professionals with condominium renovation experience.

3. Estate Access May Be Restricted.

Management Agent (MA) should arrange access for your Renovation Professional. Chances are if your condominium just obtained the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP), there are many other renovations going on at the same time. Because of this, the elevator and the visitor parking lots are limited in availability and access. Be sure to inform the MA staff, especially the security personnel, well in advance who and when your renovation workers will need access. In the case of limited access to the buildings, an experienced Renovation Professional will buffer in the expected delays and come up with a contingency plan in advance.

4. Make Arrangements For The Removal Of Bulky Renovation Waste.

While HDB flats provide a bulky item removal service for their residents, Renovation Professionals are responsible for the removal and disposal of the waste generated during the renovations. Some materials should not go into the refuse chutes, such as flammables, wet cement, and adhesive materials. Consult the MA before removing debris to find out if any guidelines need to be followed. The MA should be informed of the schedules for the disposal of waste. You are also responsible for the cost of replacing and/or repairing the refuse chute and/or the common property. Further, workmen should only use the lifts and staircases designated by the MA in order to minimize inconvenience to the residents.

5. Ensure a buffer budget is set aside.

Renovations can go wrong no matter how well they are planned. As such, a renovation budget should include a buffer, especially since renovating a condominium requires more overhead. You might have to take into account the costs of disposing of renovation waste, for instance. Typically, you can allocate 5 per cent to 10 per cent of your total budget for a contingency budget. Make sure you get a detailed breakdown of the renovation quote.

6. Planning permission will be required if alterations increase Gross Floor Area (GFA).

In the case of renovations resulting in an increase in GFA, you will need planning permission approval. If home improvement works to cause an increase in GFA, you will need the Secretary or Chairperson of the Estate's Management Corporation (MC) to sign the letter. A letter from MC has to include that 90 per cent of the unit owners have agreed to the proposed works. In addition to the proposal, a copy of the authorization letter is required for submitting it to the URA as part of the planning application.