Your Guide to Home Renovation in Singapore

Deciding on what you should do first is the most crucial step in a successful home renovation project. For instance do you install your new set of floors before painting the walls or the other way round? Which is the "greater" sacrifice - dirtied floors or dirtied walls? To avoid the need to fix problems, it is important to plan your home renovation project and create a checklist to follow through.

Besides preventing you from forgetting important details and costs, a checklist will also help you manage your tasks for an efficient and smooth project flow. Let's dwelve deeper into the step-by-step guide.

Start Planning Your Renovation

When planning for the design of a room, build it around needs versus wants. Changes should be convenient for the whole family. Also, consider the cost-effectiveness of your plan. After all, your plans are highly reliant on your renovation budget.

Another tip is to determine your goals. What are some space issues or constraints? Do you have enough kitchen area for cooking up a feast or for entertaining guests? Do you need a walk-in wardrobe more than a guest room? Is there extra space somewhere which you would like to convert to another use? Once you have your goals established, you can proceed with one of the exciting steps in home renovation, which is choosing your home interior design.

Choose Your Home Interior Design and Style

Choosing your home interior design is a great way to kickstart the home renovation process and is also the most exciting part of the process. With thousands of designs available on Pinterest, you are in no lack of ideas! Even if you're down to five or three ideas, deciding which one you will go for can be stressful. This is where a professional Interior Designer comes in. Not only will they help pick the best insta-worthy interior design, but they can also provide guidance to ensure that the project is carried out smoothly. Generally, you can leave your interior designer to do all the renovation and project management. But of course, with all these perks, hiring an interior designer can be quite expensive.

However, if you've fully decided on the interior design you want for your home and just need someone to carry out the renovation, hiring a contractor is your best choice. Hiring a contractor is much cheaper than hiring an interior designer. But, you'll need to give the necessary instructions and be prepared to be onsite to closely supervise them in order to achieve the design you want.

Whether you are engaging a renovation contractor or an interior designer, it is important that they have a good reputation and track record. Check if you can view homes of their past clientele to better understand their portfolio.

They should be licensed firms and should be aware of the restrictions whether you're renovating an HDB flat or a private home in Singapore. Skilled contractors and interior designers will be able to guide you on what can or cannot be done, and advise on the best types of materials to use.

Make a Realistic Home Renovation Budget

After settling on the interior design and style, the next thing you should consider is your budget. One factor to consider is how much you'll be spending on the materials, which plays a huge part in the home renovation costs. 99.co has a guide on how much these materials will cost per square feet (psf).

To give you an idea of what you should spend on a home renovation, the minimal cost in Singapore can range from $45,000 to $60,000, and that's on a minimalist design. A home renovation can be even more expensive if it includes demolishing walls and re-flooring due to the raw material and man-hour costs. Other factors to consider when budgeting includes the following:

• Size of your home
• Moving costs
• Type of appliances and furniture
• Professional fees for Renovation Contractor or Interior Designer
• Type of home (private property or HDB)

Interior Designer versus Contractor: Know Who You Are Hiring

Weighing the costs between your needs, wants and what your budget allows can be one of the biggest challenges in home renovation. Like what we've mentioned earlier, hiring an interior designer can cost more than hiring a contractor. So what exactly makes an Interior Designer (ID) expensive? Generally, here are the roles and responsibilities of a contractor and interior designer.

An Interior Designer is the project manager of your home renovation. All you will have to do is give them your preferred design, and they will handle the rest. They will present your 3D drawings and sketches of the designs they've come up with. This will help you further visualise what you will be getting after the renovation work is completed. With the help of ID firms, they will advise you on furniture pieces, general decorations and you won't have to worry about budget planning and which type of materials to choose or use. If you want to save yourself from all the stressful tasks, you might want to consider hiring an interior designer. You can still make some requests regarding the design ideas you have in mind, and your ID will be more than glad to execute them. While you're waiting for your property to be renovated, your Interior Designer will keep you updated on the progress.

As for Renovation Contractors, their job is to execute whatever you request for. You'll have to be specific with what you want as they may only provide simple design solutions. People usually hire contractors when they need some minor renovations such as the kitchen and bathroom. If you are able to undertake the design aspects, that can save you a lot of money as you'll only be needing a contractor. Remember to carefully assess the portfolios of your contractor to see if they are capable of executing the idea you have in mind. To save you from a costly disaster, research about their reputation through online platforms or recommendations from peers.

If you're looking for a cost-effective home renovation approach in Singapore, your best choice is to opt for a contractor. However, if you want to make some significant changes and have a lot of money to spare, an interior designer will provide you with more services.

What are the Home Renovation Guidelines to Follow in Singapore?

Whether a private home or HDB flat, both properties require planning approval from a local authority. Designs are usually rejected if there is a drastic change of use or if the proposed wall hackings could compromise the safety of the house structure.

Private houses and HDB flats don't have the same guidelines, and here are some of them:

Private Houses

Private properties include apartment buildings, residential units, landed houses, cluster housing, and condominiums. Below are the guidelines for private houses:

• Renovation Work - Some minor building works do not require the approval of plans from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). If the proposed building works are not exempted from approval, renovation plans should be submitted by a qualified person (architect or engineer) to the Commissioner of Building Control for approval. Homeowners should always check if there is a need to obtain any clearances from other authorities whenever they plan to have their property renovated.
• Sanitary Work - Any sanitary work needs to be executed by a Registered Sanitary Plumber (RP).
• Electrical Work - Electrical installations require a licensed electrical contractor to carry out the job. Certain electrical work may also require you to issue a permit before having it done.
• Air-conditioning Work - Generally, such works do not require a permit or approval of plans unless the air-con units are installed in the property's exterior. A trained installer is required to execute the installation if this is the case.
• Fire Safety - Fire safety works in any private property should comply with the regulations under the Fire Safety Act and you need to gain approval for the project plans from the Fire Safety and Shelter Bureau. Such plans are prepared and submitted by professional engineers or registered architects.
• Gas Service - Any gas piping installation or alteration needs to be executed by a Licensed Gas Service Worker (LGSW).
• Window Safety - Any window installation or alteration needs to be executed by a Trained Windows Contractor.

HDB Flats

When renovating HDB flats, there are restrictions in terms of demolishing walls, balcony awning erections, floor finishes, false ceiling erections, wall finishes, and many more. Below is a list of the alterations that require HDB's approval and some of the alterations that are not permitted:

• Reinforced walls, ceilings, and floors cannot be tampered with
• You can replace the bathroom wall finishes after the first three years from the date of completion
• Replacing terrazzo, ceramic, marble parquet, and other tiles will require a permit
• The front door should be fire-rated
• You are not allowed to replace the internal wall finishes up to ceiling level
• A professional Civil Engineer or Structural work is required to supervise the demolition process

Plan the Design of Your Space

If there is extra space around the house, you can always maximise the utility by adding some countertops or shelves. That way, you can create additional storage that will come in handy in future.

With so many factors to consider when designing the different parts of your home, meeting the needs of your family should be your top priority. Here are some tips to get you started on your floor plan:

Kitchen

Having your own house means you can have a few friends over from time to time. With an open kitchen, you can entertain your guests or keep an eye on your children while you cook. If you prefer a closed kitchen, a glass-panelled door or window lets you cook in peace and still allow you to see what’s going on inside the house.

Bedroom

The bedroom is everyone's private sanctuary. As most Asians find it inappropriate for guests to be able to see the bedrooms, design your bedrooms to be away from the entertainment spaces and direct views of your guests when doing a home renovation. If you are someone who loves the open concept, consider having folding doors or partitions so you can close off your bedroom when you have guests over. 

Living Room

As much as you would like to go for street-wise options, the living room is a space where you and your guests will spend most of the time. Go for quality and comfortable furniture that will fit into your overall home interior design. If you have young kids or love entertaining friends or family with kids, remember to create a safe space for the young ones in your living room by designing reducing sharp edges on furniture and avoid heavy or fragile items in your home. Create a hazard-free living room so they can play and have a ball. 

Bathroom

Another part of the house that people consider as private space is the bathroom. If you’re planning to renovate your bathroom, consider designs to maximise the utility such as wall cabinets that can also double up as mirrors. You can also add on light touches like house plants to give the bathroom a cool and relaxing vibe. When renovating bathrooms, be sure to use materials that are durable, water-proof and easy-to-clean. Floor tiles should also not be too smooth to prevent trips and falls.  

Choose Your Materials

Now that you're done the general planning for the interior design, it's time to move forward with choosing the types of materials. If your new home is a canvas, the wall and the floor tiles are the paint to dress up your space. Always make sure that the wall and floor tiles complement each other. There’s also the materials cost and quality to consider. Some materials may look better, but may start to deteriorate faster. It’s worth researching to find out more on the durability and cost of maintenance. Our advice is to invest in good quality materials so you save costs in repairing them down the road. 

Flooring

You might think that the floor doesn't need much attention as guests won't take notice of it. Think of this, besides the door, what's the first thing a person can get in contact with when entering a home? The floor! Floors can create visual and event sensory interest. Wood effect tiles are known to be a popular choice for homeowners who want to achieve an industrial or Scandinavian interior design. 

Ceiling

Just like the floors, the ceiling can bring added appeal to your home. If you're looking to achieve a bright ambience in your home, go for bright coloured tones. Again, materials, maintenance and costs are to personal preference. Some ceiling materials like gypsum boards may only require a pair of pliers and tin snips to install, while others require a much more complicated installation method and you will need someone skilled to do it for you.

Walls

The walls in a property are the most significant part of your home, just like how the skin is the largest organ. The materials used in building the walls is what determines the personality of your home. Some materials may give a more elegant and modern look, while others offer warmth and comfort. Deciding on the right wall building material is very important, so too is your budget. 

There are different types of wall materials such as brick, concrete blocks, limestone, stone veneer, wood, and many more. Whatever material you choose, make sure it goes well with the floor and ceiling. If you are living in an HDB apartment and are looking to upgrade to a bigger flat or home in the future, do note that whatever wall fittings you add may have to be removed when you want to sell your home. 

Furniture, Electronics & Appliances

After planning and designing the spaces and materials to use, the next thing you need to do is to find the perfect furniture and appliances! This is where your window shopping skills come into play. Of the furnishings, lighting is actually one of the most under-rated items. With proper interior lighting, your home decor can easily bring life to the spaces in your home.

Before heading out to buy furniture and appliances, you should consider these two factors to help you narrow down your choices:

1. Budget - The first thing you should always consider is your budget. Furniture, electronics and appliances take up a large portion of your budget, that's why sticking to your plan is important. Before going for expensive brands, why not try cheaper but quality products. Some furniture stores offer home package deals or group buys that'll help you save some cash.
2. Size of your space - As you enter an appliance store, a certain refrigerator caught your attention. It's a two-door, top of the line refrigerator that guarantees durability and quality. You know you have the budget for the item, but does your kitchen area have adequate space for it? Homes in Singapore usually have limited living spaces, especially for areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Before buying the furniture and appliances, take measurements, or you might end up bringing back the item for replacement. Opt for multi-purpose appliances and furniture as it can help save the right amount of space.

Just because you've decided on your home design, interior designer or contractor, and furniture, it does not end there. While renovations are underway, do keep a conscious effort to track your total expenses and any other factors that may increase your overall spend such as material costs and its shipping, labour costs, living arrangements and delays. 

Material Costs

Carpentry usually takes up most of the time and budget for the renovation of your dream home as the job can be quite complicated. Whichever material you choose, ensure they are durable. If you want longer-lasting materials, you should consider investing in quality materials such as marble or granite. It may costs more now but in the long-run, it may saves you the hassle and costs for repairs and maintenance. 

Extra Renovation Costs

Extra renovation costs may include expenses for cleaning and other unexpected work like fixing a burst pipe, amending electrical work or sending back precast items like your kitchen counter tops to be scaled to desired size. When setting a budget, give yourself a 15% buffer so you’ll be able to shoulder any of these unexpected expenses. This will ensure that you do not end up spending more than you can afford. 

Man-Hour Costs

On top of the potential extras during renovation, do factor in man-hour costs when you need to install additional things that may not be part of your renovation costs like the installation of fans, air-con, television set. According to SGHomeNeeds, basic man-hour fee may cost between $50 to $250 per hour depending on the work needed. When purchasing your furniture and home appliances, be sure to check if the installation fees are included in the purchase price so you can minimise these add-ons. 

Even though your home renovations are completed, the process doesn't end there. There are still a couple of loose strings to tie up, like general cleaning and room inspections, to see if things have been done to expectations. 

Renovation Defects Check

In some cases, renovations can come with defects or works that are not up to your expectations. That is why you'll need to inspect the whole property for any defects and problems thoroughly. To know what items need to check or look out for, here's a list to help you out:

1. Paintwork - Check the edges of the wall and if the paintwork is applied evenly across all surfaces. Some small and unnoticeable areas might not be painted, so keep an eye out for that.
2. Flooring - All tiles should be installed smoothly and without any cracks. 
3. Carpentry - Fixtures such as cabinets and doors should be in perfect condition. Try opening them to see if the doors are working correctly.
4. Water - Make sure that the water is flowing properly, and there are no leaks.
5. Electricity - Test out every power socket and turn on the lights to make sure that the electrical works are done properly.

General Cleaning

Once the defect check-up is done, you can end the renovation project with your contractor and ID and proceed with the final step - general cleaning! If you don't have the time to do the cleaning, you can opt for professional cleaning services. Leaving them to do the general cleaning is the best choice. You can also choose to do it yourself and save some money from it. To get you started with the cleaning process, follow these steps:

• Clear out loose items on the shelves 
• Sweep and vacuum the floors, especially the corners
• Mop the floors to make sure that every dust and dirt is gone
• Wipe down the shelves, countertops and other surfaces as they tend to contact dust from time to time 

To reduce renovation costs, try researching online or seek advice from your friends who might've already gone through the renovation process. Their experiences can help you, especially if they have hired an ID or contractor before. There are also some online forums regarding home renovations where you can learn from others' experiences and even, pick up some helpful renovation tips.

Collect at least three quotations to compare before making your final decision on an ID or a contractor. Split your checklist between your wants and your needs. This can help you budget and list the important stuff.

Pro-tips:

1. Do you know that built-in furniture costs more than buying your own furniture? That's because contractors charge by per foot or metre for cabinetry works. Check the furniture stores for discounts if you want to save further.
2. If you're looking for a simple but modern appeal, try to go for a minimalist design. A minimalist home requires less decor, which makes it easier to maintain. 

Home renovating requires a lot of patience and understanding. Things may or may not go as planned so it's important to be flexible when it comes to the work process. 

When you hire an ID, they will provide you with a project timeline and keep you updated. No matter how good ID firms and renovation contractors in Singapore are, there will be occasions where they forget to update you on the status of your renovations. This is common because ID firms and renovation contractors tend to juggle a few clients and projects at a time. One way to avoid this is to agree on a day or two each week to have a progress update with your ID or contractor before embarking on your renovation project. 

Last but not least, don’t forget to purchase home insurance as it safeguards against losses and damages to your biggest and most important asset.