The Ultimate Guide to Affordable HDB Renovation

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Getting your HDB flat keys is an exciting milestone, but planning the renovation? That’s where the real challenge begins.

Renovating your new home can be super rewarding, but it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Costs can quickly add up, from built-ins to kitchen makeovers. The good news is that with some thoughtful planning, you can create a beautiful and functional home without going over budget.

Here’s your ultimate guide to renovating your HDB flat without overspending:

Step 1: Set a realistic budget (and stick to it)

First, you’ll need to decide how much you want to spend. Renovation costs for an HDB flat can range from S$20,000 to S$70,000, depending on the size and how much work you plan to do. Here’s a rough idea of costs:

• 3-room flat: S$30,000 – S$50,000
• 4-room flat: S$40,000 – S$60,000
• 5-room flat: S$50,000 – S$70,000

Prices can vary based on the materials, design, and whether your unit is brand new (BTO) or resale. Renovating a resale flat usually costs more due to extra work like hacking, waterproofing, and rewiring.

Tips for budgeting smartly

• Include a contingency fund: Set aside at least 10–20% of your total budget for unexpected costs like repairs, extra wiring, or last-minute design tweaks.
• Break it down: Divide your budget into categories. For example, S$15,000 for carpentry, S$8,000 for electrical works, and S$10,000 for flooring. This helps you track where your money is going.
• Plan for hidden costs: Don’t forget about fees for permits, haulage, additional air-con trunking, Wi-Fi cabling, and post-reno cleaning. These small costs can add up quickly.

Pro tip: Use spreadsheet to keep track of every quote, invoice, and receipt. It’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when you’re approving individual expenses.

Step 2: Prioritise your renovation needs

When the budget is tight (or even if it isn’t), you’ll need to decide what’s essential and what’s not. The easiest way is to separate your “needs” from your “wants.”

Needs are things that are necessary for your home to function:

• Electrical rewiring (especially for older resale flats)
• Basic plumbing and waterproofing
• Durable and easy-to-maintain flooring

Wants are nice-to-haves that can wait:

• Stone feature walls
• Built-in TV console and designer shelves
• Smart home gadgets in every room

Focus on high-impact areas first. A practical kitchen, a functional bathroom, and good storage solutions can make a big difference. These upgrades not only improve daily life but can also add value to your home.

You can always tackle your “wants” later when you have a larger budget. Taking a phased approach—doing the essentials first and the luxuries later—is a smart way to keep costs manageable.

Read more: How To Save on Your Home Renovation?

Step 3: Do your research

Renovating your home requires careful planning. The more you know, the more you save.

Here’s how to approach it wisely

• Get multiple quotes: Don’t settle for the first interior designer (ID) or contractor you meet. Talk to at least 3–5 companies to get an idea of different packages and prices.
• Check reviews and portfolios: Don’t just look at their social media. Search for customer reviews on platforms like Renotalk, Qanvast, and Google. Real photos and feedback will give you a better understanding of their reliability and quality.
• Ask detailed questions: Find out who handles permits, what materials are included, the renovation timeline, and how defects will be dealt with.
• Clarify payment terms: Never pay the full amount upfront. A typical payment schedule is 10-20% deposit, with further payments made at key milestones (e.g., after demolition, after carpentry).

Pro tip: Always choose HDB-licensed contractors for safety and compliance. You can check the HDB directory online.

Step 4: DIY vs hiring professionals

You might think about saving money by doing the renovation yourself. It’s a good idea, but only to a point.

What you can DIY:

• Install IKEA shelves, hooks, and wall decor
• Painting rooms (if you have the time!)
• Assemble simple furniture like side tables, chairs, or TV stands
• Hang curtains and blinds

What you must hire professionals for:

• Electrical work: Wiring mistakes can be dangerous. Leave it to the professionals.
• Plumbing: A small mistake can lead to major leaks and damage.
• Flooring and tiling: Poor workmanship can cause cracked tiles and uneven floors.
• Structural works: Changing walls or removing them without approval can result in fines or safety issues.

Remember: DIY takes time. If you’re busy with work and only have weekends, it might delay your move-in and end up costing more.

The best approach? Do the finishing touches yourself, but leave the heavy work to the experts.

Step 5: Smart renovation strategies to save money (without compromising style)

You don’t need a huge budget for a stylish home. Here’s how to save smartly:

1. Repurpose furniture

Before replacing everything, think about how you can refresh what you have.

• Repaint wooden tables and chairs
• Change sofa covers for a fresh look
• Reuse sturdy wardrobes in storerooms or kids’ rooms

Bonus: It saves money and reduces waste.

2. Mix built-ins with movable furniture

Built-ins are sleek but expensive and less flexible. Use built-ins only where necessary (like in the kitchen and main wardrobe) and opt for movable furniture elsewhere. It’s more affordable and gives you more flexibility in the future.

3. Focus on energy efficiency

Energy-saving choices can reduce your utility bills in the long run:

• Install inverter air-conditioners
• Use LED lighting
• Pick water-saving taps and showerheads

4. Keep designs clean and simple

The more complex your design (e.g. curved carpentry, fancy lighting), the higher the cost.

Pro tip: Stick to clean lines, minimalist built-ins, and neutral tones. These designs are cheaper and last longer.

5. Shop smart

Sales are your best friend.

• Look out for warehouse sales, clearance events, and online megasales (like 11.11, 12.12).
• Bundle purchases (e.g. fridge + washer + TV) to get better discounts.

Bonus tip: Ask if retailers have display sets or showroom pieces for sale — you might get a significant discount.

Read more: 10 Household Upgrades To Use Your S$300 Singapore Climate Vouchers On

Final thoughts

Renovating your HDB flat is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming.

The key is to budget wisely, prioritise what matters, research thoroughly, and spend carefully. Don’t feel pressured by the ‘Instagram-perfect’ homes with extravagant S$100K renovations. A thoughtful, well-planned S$40K renovation can be just as stunning and more rewarding because you didn’t overspend.

Ultimately, your home should reflect your lifestyle, needs, and budget. There’s nothing better than coming home to a space you love, knowing you made smart choices both aesthetically and financially.