Assuming you intend to stay long term in your first bto, how long would u consider to refresh/update/renovate?

Hi OP, this is a great question. My initial plans for my own BTO (now returned to HDB due to unforeseen circumstances), is that we are going to live at the place for at least 20 years.

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That being said, the renovation costs can actually be affordable as it is closely related to how extensive you want your future home to be.

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It also helps that my own sibling (elder sister) is in the interior design and consultancy line (her own business), so I can get much better workmanship and experience without much markups.

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For your case, $30,000 is relatively a small budget.

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COVID-19 has irrevocably made the manpower costing for this particular industry grow multiple folds over a short span of months, hence the inflation of interior design quotes is very obvious now.

Hey OP, if you feel 30K is too expensive, then it's too expensive! I found this article that gives some tips on how to save on reno costs. Might be helpful for you!!