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 Due to outdated design features and fittings, older houses might not match your aesthetic.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. 

How Much Does a Bathroom Renovation Cost in Singapore in 2022?

What is the state of your bathroom? Is it boring and poorly designed? Get started immediately! Bathrooms are one of the most important areas of a house. While every room is important, there is no denying the fact that life is impossible without a bathroom. This is why having an organized, well-designed bathroom is essential. This begs the most important question for homeowners, how much does it cost to renovation your bathroom in 2022?

How much do you need to invest in toilet renovation in Singapore?

Singapore offers a variety of toilet renovation ideas. You should, however, lower your expectations. With a small budget, you might be disappointed when you find out the actual price. However, you can put together a complete set of furniture for your bathroom with many functions for a fraction of the cost.

Below is a breakdown of the costs associated with the renovation of a Singapore bathroom. In general, you'll spend about S$4,000 to S$7,000 on a toilet renovation. Here's a basic estimate of the cost:

• Hacking a bathroom S$1,200–S$1,500

• Plumbing S$1,200–S$1,500

• Tilling S$3,000–S$4,000

• Shower screen S$600–S$850

• Vanity (depending on the size) S$850–S$1200

Obviously, these are indicative and relative costs. Material choice and finish will be important factors to consider. Are you looking for ceramic tiles, or fancy, designer tiles? Does your bathroom require a large or a small vanity unit? Every decision will affect your budget in some way.

How can the cost of toilet renovations be altered?

Your bathroom accessories and fixtures are the answer. Your budget can really be altered by these. Choosing a smart shower with WiFi and voice control will not come at the same price as a regular shower, for example. The cost of toilet renovations can also be raised by heated floors and non-slip finishes.

The cost of certain fixtures is slightly higher than the cost of regular fixtures. For example, a bathtub or a concealed rain shower is definitely going to increase your budget. Similarly, a WC and taps that hang on the wall will increase your budget since the construction process is different.

What are the benefits of renovating your toilet?

Except for purchasing a brand-new condo in Singapore, the majority of Singaporean housing purchases are resale HDBs or condos. It is therefore wise to redo your toilet. Typically, in older bathrooms, water pipes are concealed behind the walls, so installing new water pipes is the first step in preventing leaks. Another very important step is waterproofing tiles.

Water seeping through the ceiling and leaks in the walls are the two most common issues in toilets. If you plan on renovating your toilet, it is advisable to consult an architect, a designer, or a reliable contractor during the planning stage.

What does a bathroom renovation package include?

If you speak with a toilet renovation expert, they will provide you with a list of things that you should change based on the condition of your bathroom. In order to save money on toilet renovation, you should be able to pick out the most important elements of your bathroom.

Usually, when you opt for a complete bathroom renovation package, it includes some basic things like:

• Hacking

• Plumbing work for new piping

• New tile finish

• Waterproofing works

• Shower screen

• New bath fixtures

It is possible to plan where to spend, save, and reduce the cost of your bathroom renovation.

When getting a toilet renovated, what questions should you ask?

Designers, when interacting with homeowners, ask a lot of questions about their use, needs, preferences, lifestyle, etc. Your toilet renovation should be handled the same way.

Which features do you want in your bathroom?

• Do you just want the basics?

• Are you looking for a designer touch?

• Do you need a design that is child-friendly or elder-friendly?

• What is the expected number of people using this bathroom?

Here are more factors that determine the cost of your bathroom renovation:

Easy to maintain

Once you have answered the above questions, you will realize that no matter what your reasons are for renovating your toilet, it should be maintained regularly. Who likes to clean everything all the time or stare at stains? You should consider your chosen materials when deciding how much your toilet renovation will cost. You should choose tiles and quartz as surface materials because they are nonporous and easy to clean.

Tip

Choose large-sized wall tiles with no grout lines and anti-slip floor tiles with grout lines for better traction. If you want to minimise the appearance of water stains in your shower, you can use frosted-glass partitions.

Storage

The amount of storage you need can significantly affect the cost of your toilet renovation. You should always consider the available space as well as your needs before choosing a vanity unit. The type of vanity you choose should have enough drawers and cabinets if you have a lot to store here.

Tip

You may want to consider something simpler, like floor-to-ceiling shelves, instead of a full-fledged vanity if you aren't sure about it or don't have adequate space for it. For bathroom storage, they are a great and cheaper alternative.

Design/Aesthetics

A bathroom is an extremely important space to some of us, and we like to customize it. You should allocate at least some money for designer elements in your bathroom from the intended toilet renovation cost if you are inclined to do so.

Essentials to keep in mind

When it comes to renovating toilets, certain points cannot be compromised. Be sure to budget for the following:

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential for your bathroom, since it can trap moisture and produce an unpleasant odor. You might create an opening in your wall if there are no windows. These areas can be made more private with the use of venetian blinds and frosted-glass windows.

Space

Do you have a compact bathroom? A good layout utilises the entire space. There is no need to sacrifice design or utility just because you have a smaller space. You can get a functional bathroom for a reasonable price by working with an experienced designer.

Lighting

Finally, if you have a small bathroom, it is important to add the right type of lighting. For the ceiling, you should invest in LEDs and recessed lights since they last longer. A vanity and sink area that is well-lit should have lights that are moisture-resistant.

Top Tips For Choosing Your Wall Paint Colour.

Whether you are a first-time homeowner eagerly awaiting your BTO or Condo keys, you are in the middle of renovating your resale HDB or Condominium or you are looking for style inspiration for your Landed Property, the process of choosing paint colours remains the same.

Choose colours you love (and can live with).

Firstly, picking paint colours can be overwhelming. The main thing to keep in mind and the easiest way to choose your interior paint colours is to start with colours you love. If you don’t like green, to begin with, you won’t like green when it’s on your wall and you are staring at it daily.

If you start with colours you love, you help yourself by narrowing down the paint colours you have to choose from but also if you choose some of your favourite colours, your colour scheme can grow from that. Your favourite colours can be the perfect inspiration for your scheme.

Curate images and pictures that inspire you.

If you think you don’t have a favourite colour, spend some time on Pinterest saving images that appeal to you. you. Soon enough it will become clear that you do have some colours which you are drawn to. Don’t only rely on Pinterest, there are many other sources of inspiration. Magazines and catalogues have long been a source of design inspiration. There is something about seeing a picture in print that will grab your attention.

The internet is of course awash with billions of pages of inspiration. Paint brands such as Dulux, Nippon and Benjamin Moore have interactive websites which can allow you to imagine what your home will look like.

Social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are great sources of inspiration. Pinterest will allow you to create boards which are collections of images that you like, ensuring you keep all of your ideas together in one spot.

Don’t rule out neutral paint colours.

Neutral paint colours don’t have to be boring or laid-back. In the context of interior design, neutral means without colour. Neutrals such as beige, black, grey, taupe, ivory and shades of white can appear to be without colour, however, many paints have undertones. For example, beige may have an undertone of gold, ping or grey. White may be somewhat yellow, bluish, peach or ivory. Neutral paints in Singapore may be used in a couple of ways, either to create a soft, neutral or quiet look or as a backdrop colour for more dramatic accents such as bold curtains, feature walls or art prints.

Paint colour inspiration can be pulled from other elements in your home.

Whilst your interior designer (ID) might be suggesting colours that work within your scheme, be brave and look at the other elements in your space for inspiration. You may have an art piece that you are planning to bring into your space, why not look to use some of the colours from this in your scheme? Fabrics such as curtains, bed linen or cushions can also be a great place to start. Pulling a colour from your favourite cushion cover can be a great way to find a paint colour that will bring your scheme together.

In Singapore, people tend to start with their wall colours and build up their theme or style from there, however, why not start with a piece that you love and draw your wall colours from there?

Shades of colour matter.

So you have created what feels like endless Pinterest boards, saved images from Instagram, pulled together your favourite art print and still something feels off and that your room is not quite coming together? Sometimes all you need is a little adjustment to find the right paint colour. Before you abandon your paint colour choice, (and all hope) too quickly, consider a lighter or darker shade of the same colour. Many paint colours appear on a paint strip in gradual shades, but you can also ask your paint store to customize it by percentages of light or dark shades.

Undertones can work both for and against you.

If you have ever found yourself in a situation where you have painted your bedroom in what you thought was the perfect greige, only it came out too pink (or green or blue)? Thank the paint undertones.

You can be unpleasantly surprised by the undertones when choosing your wall paint colours. Simply put, undertones are the colours hiding beneath your favourite paint color. A simple beige may not be all that simple if it has a strong green undertone. The only way to accurately tell how an undertone will appear in your home is to sample the color. Undertones from other surfaces in your room can also change the way your paint appears due to reflection, so sampling would be ideal.

Visualise the paint colour in your own space.

This is easier said than done in Singapore. Dulux have some paint testers available from Hardware City on Shoppee, however endless google searches haven’t shown up the same option for other brands.

That said, both Nippon and Dulux have their own apps where you can visualise your chosen colours within your own homes. These can be hit and miss, but worth using to give you some idea of what the colours will look like in your home.

Make sure you look at the colours at different times of the day and in differing lights. The last thing you want is for you to love a colour in daylight but as soon as the sun sets, you can’t stand it.

Do what works for you but be practical.

You might be getting the keys to your BTO, your very first home and moving in with your spouse, don’t forget that your family dynamic may change in the future. Whilst you may envision pure white walls sitting alongside your brand new white leather sofa when you move in, don’t forget your circumstances may change. Will you be able to maintain a bright white wall with a toddler? If you like entertaining, will bright white be able to withstand high traffic areas of your home such as your entrance hallway?

Paint colours can always be changed.

It can feel like a leap of faith to decide on what colours work for your scheme and your space. The silver lining is that its relatively easy to repaint and change the colour you have chosen. Unlike built-in cabinetry which is more permanent, you can opt to change your paint colour at a later time. Whilst this may send you to a cool airconditioned room to lie down in fear, its comforting to know that in all your. home renovation decisions that you are making, some things you settle on are less permanent than others.

Most importantly.

Have fun with your paint colours. Your paint can change the feeling of your room or your entire home. You can always use soft furnishings such as a rug to bring your room together, paint is just one element in a larger scheme.

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.

What You Need To Know About Kitchen Renovation Costs 2021.

What is a kitchen renovation going to cost you? Do I need to reno my kitchen? Why is there such a difference between renovating a resale HDB kitchen compared to a BTO? These are very common concerns among homeowners in Singapore. Whether you want to redo your entire kitchen or renovate it in parts, you must know the details of what you are going to be spending on. Our guide is here to help you navigate.

Before you begin, do you need to renovate your kitchen? 

Let’s look at this objectively, whilst you might like an upgrade to your kitchen, it will cost you your hard-earned money and time to do it. Most kitchens will last at least 10 years before starting to look worn or are in need of a refresh. Having said that, a well-maintained kitchen can last 20 years. If a kitchen is only used for light cooking, for example, you may not actually need to renovate it right away. 

You should also look at other factors such as whether the kitchen needs to be refurbished.

• Are the tiles in good condition or are they chipped or worse hollow?

• Are any of the cabinet door hinges rusting or hanging loose and beyond repair?

• Is the grout in good condition or is it discoloured or missing or cracked? 

• What is the condition of the countertop? Are they stained or cracked from use?

• Is the piping in good condition or are there leaks? Remember leaks from piping can seep into your cabinets causing them to literally rot off the wall.

So maybe you have identified that there are some structural issues that renovating your kitchen would solve. The next question to ask, is are you going to do a full renovation, i.e. rip everything out and start again? Or would a partial renovation be sufficient e.g. just replacing the cabinet doors? 

In order to decide what best meets your needs, it’s a good idea to sit down and look at what works and what doesn’t about your current kitchen. This is a great time to decide if the layout that you have suits your lifestyle or whether it’s better to start from scratch and layout the kitchen in a different way. 

If you do decide to do a full kitchen revamp, obviously the costs will be higher to do this. Hacking out the old kitchen, replacing all the cabinetry and potentially changing the layout is a big undertaking which of course has costs attached to it. 

What factors determine the ultimate cost of your kitchen renovation? 

1. Space to be renovated.

The space to be renovated will determine the cost. Since the factors differentiate depending on the type of space to be renovated, the cost of renovation will also vary as well. 

2. Home Type.

The kitchen renovation costs of condo units, HDB units and landed properties can differ wildly. The layouts of private homes can vary wildly, therefore the costs can go up. 

3. Material used.

The type of material used in renovation hugely affects the cost of renovation. For instance, if you want to use unique, rare and expensive materials to renovate your kitchen, you should be well prepared to pay for this. Shop around to find materials that suit your style and your budget.

4. Where you buy from. 

We live in a free economic market, meaning that it’s up to the seller to determine the price. Whilst some companies will offer packages (more on that later), others will offer the same materials at a higher price. Always try to negotiate if you find the materials that you want but it’s outside of the budget you had set aside and needless to say, it pays to spend some time shopping around to compare pricing. 

5. The company you work with.

The contractor you choose to do your kitchen renovation will largely impact your renovation cost. If you choose a well experienced and established contractor, you will definitely pay him/her more for the service. Likewise, if you select a contractor who is not well experienced and established chances are that you will pay him/her less for his/her services. The contractor will be the one to tell you how much material you need to buy for renovation purposes.

6. How hands-on you are.

If you are planning to do a minor kitchen renovation, you can actually save more money if you do some of the work by yourself. Some simple work like replacing countertops or painting kitchen cabinets can actually be done on a weekend do–it–yourself. This of course all depends on whether you have the skills and can source the materials. 

So, how much does a kitchen renovation cost?

The total cost and estimated budget of a kitchen renovation in Singapore are usually around $ 10,000 – $ 15,000. depending on the process. If you want to find a cheaper one, you can choose a carpentry renovation project. It usually only costs about $ 5,000.

Tips to bring down the cost of kitchen renovation

While there are many ways to save money on kitchen renovation, here are some quick pointers:

• Save up on materials: Of course, opting for budgeted materials for the countertop and backsplash will go a long way in reducing the overall cost of renovation.

• Carpentry designs: Choosing a relatively simpler design for carpentry is a great way to skimp on the budget. It does not need to look boring but just needs to be less complex.

• Tile work: Save up on a huge cost by simply overlaying tiles instead of completely hacking and installing new ones.

• Reconfigure current kitchen cabinets: In some cases, you can update your kitchen cabinets yourself:

• Repair damaged parts by laminating them.

• Replaced more modern hinges, pulls, and knobs.

• Add lighting under the cabinet or over the cabinet.

• Install slide racks on the inside of cabinets and other storage systems.

• Repainting and changing the outer appearance of the cabinet.

Finally: Beware the Kitchen Package.

Many contractors and even interior design companies offer renovation packages that bundle accessories, materials, design and labour costs. These deals might be attractive if the items included are brand name fittings and accessories like Blum. On their own, branded items can be quite costly.

It’s worth noting that packages have a very specific scope of work and materials. Some renovation companies might put a limit on for example the size of countertops that is included or not be clear on the materials that they plan to use. Generally, if you deviate from what’s included in the package, you most likely have to top up to do so. Be sure to get a comprehensive itemised quote if you are considering a kitchen renovation package to avoid disappointment.

Consider taking up a package deal if the terms of the contract make the most sense for your budget and for your needs. Spend the time to determine your exact needs, shop around and get multiple quotes before you decide.

The Pros And Cons Of A Kitchen Island.

So you are thinking of installing a kitchen island in your HDB, Condo or Landed Property? Let’s look at the plus points and the drawbacks to installing a kitchen island. Ultimately, you want the kitchen island to be functional and add to the aesthetic of your home, but you need to ensure you have enough space and that it doesn’t disrupt the flow of your home. 

Pros

Space.

Firstly, keep in mind that the function of an island is to have all sides open to working on. If there isn’t enough space in your kitchen, you’ll end up bumping into it more than anything else. For unrestricted movement, experts suggest you need at least 1 metre of clearance on all sides when you draw up your kitchen island designs, without which the island may become an obstacle. 

If there is enough space for a kitchen island, there are still things to consider to make sure it’s suited to the design. Even in larger kitchens, sometimes it’s hard to get as much counter space as you want. An island can help create an extra landing space for hot dishes, extra prep space, or even a spot to do your baking. It can also play into the visual/aesthetic portion of the design if you choose to make that countertop a contrasting or accent colour.

Storage.

Similar to counter space, an island can provide more cabinet space under the counter. The area beneath can be used for additional storage to help you organize your pots, pans and other necessities. And, if you have the extra space, you can even add an appliance to your island.

Added Seating.

An island can also be used for kitchen seating by adding a breakfast bar to one side. An island with seating, such as barstools, gives you another place where friends and family can gather to talk and create memories.

Space Definition.

In an open concept plan, there are no walls on one or more sides of the kitchen. An island can provide added countertop space with no walls, but can also form a virtual divide between a kitchen and the adjoining spaces without closing it off. This can even out the work triangle and make space for the cook to work while still visiting the company in the other room.

Adding a kitchen island can easily convert a kitchen layout. For example, an L-shaped kitchen can quickly be turned into a U-shaped kitchen with an added island. Then, with an open concept plan, you can interact with those not in the kitchen while you’re creating meals.

Cons

Not suitable for wiring and venting.

The centre of your kitchen may not always be suited to wire or vent. Check with your designer to see whether it is safe to install a cooker or plugin appliances, so you can have a secure cooking experience.

Remember putting a cooktop on an island, it’s not only hard to vent, but a hot surface in an open area can be dangerous for children or people reaching across.

Disrupts the work triangle.

Ideal kitchen layouts with an island should have easy access to the cooker, refrigerator, and sink (the work triangle). An island can disrupt this structure and put obstacles in the way of preparation, cooking and cleanup.

Comparatively expensive. 

Adding an extra workspace in the kitchen means adding more materials which could mean greater costs. The extra countertop and cabinets might add up to more than the flooring that would otherwise take the island’s place.

Summary

In summary, there are quite a few considerations when looking at installing a kitchen island. If planned out correctly, it can add additional storage and counter space to your home. Poor planning can result in an island that disrupts the flow of your kitchen and incurs an additional expense for a kitchen island that you want to rip out.