Is it worth it to go for those higher end designer renovations from an ID for a BTO flat?

My husband and I plan to stay for 7-10 years for this 5 room BTO flat or even long term as the location is convenient for us and the place is big enough even if we have kids.

We browsed through some reno websites and did some research and really love what we saw for the renos done by IDs. We spend much more time at home than outdoors and we wfh partially and so we are thinking to spend a little more to create the environment we like at home.

But we were quoted from 80k to 6 figures for a higher end designer reno, 30-60k for basic renos. If we go for the higher end option, our parents are willing to loan us some money plus we’ll exhaust our current savings.

We do not plan to get a basic one and upgrade to a higher end reno years later as it would be very inconvenient. Thus we want to do everything at one go.

As it is a big financial commitment, we like to ask people who have gone through it:

If you got either a more expensive reno or a basic one, were you satisfied/ regret it?
Is it true that generally the more expensive the reno, the better the quality it is?

Discussion (10)

What are your thoughts?

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Just_Saying

19 Jul 2022

Expensive or not is kind of subjective. My personal preference is to go for minimalistic design, which are usually more future proof. Such design are usually more cost friendly as well. Try not to install spotlights as those are really hot and you probably will not use it after a while (just like me).
It will be true if you are comparing the work done by the same contractor. More costly likely means your raw materials are of higher quality. But not really true if you are comparing across contractors, It is always better to go with contractors with better reviews than new contractors that offer cheap deals.

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Kaimommie

05 Jul 2022

Q1 - I coordinated the reno with a basic contractor. As i have 2 young kids, I am pro loose furniture (ie. minimal carpentry / built-ins except wardrobe and kitchen), so that the space can be adapted accordingly along the years based on our family needs. Also, as i already knew that i wanted a white-based house, there wasnt much design decisions needed, so i didnt go with an ID. All in all, it is good to know what u want so that u can decide if a contractor is sufficient, or if u need an ID to provide design inputs. As I have building experience, I was also ok to manage and be involved in coordinating the works with the contractor. I was generally satisfied with the process (without an ID), but I must highlight that it does take additional effort to follow up on site, make certain design decisions, ensure things are moving, and works are coordinated.

Q2 - Could be true and untrue. True because more high quality finishes (eg. tile, laminate, hardware) are used, and turns out aesthetically nicer. However, it could also be untrue as it also comes down to workmanship. If workmanship is not properly done (eg. misaligned, not installed well), then it will also compromise the overall quality.

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Japheth Lim

Edited 30 Jun 2022

I have recently moved into a resale and I managed my own contractors (from hacking, painting, parquet polishing, bathroom tiling, electrical works).. it all sums up to less than 5k with light fittings. Electrical appliances adds another 5k (AC fridge dryer etc). IKEA furniture *which I passionately self assembled, adds another 15k. TOTAL 25k SGD.

Here's what I learnt, you don't need an ID if your design narrative is straight forward. Architecturally trained, I can say HDB is so straight forward that you just need to pair right colors and lighting, without any advice from ID. Most ID quotes me 20k without carpentry works, easily double fold, hence why I deal with contractors.

Secondly, contextually speaking, I don't pro carpentry built in works because with kids, the space needs grow and hence having a fix carpentry layout limits your flexibility.

I only see a value of full fledge ID and carpentry works if you have a specific needs for your everyday movement that requires customisation (e.g. feature corner for aquarium, or specific kitchen workflow).

Note, I am a big fan of IKEA products because they are modular and can be bought in parts, which grows to your needs and easy to buy replacement.

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Ace

30 Jun 2022

Congrats on embarking on a new journey!

I have just done my reno in 2021... single's home w mum.

Can understand your concerns... for me, I did this:

1) Decide ahead what is compulsory / necessary first - e.g. floors, paint, walls to go, storage, air cons for rooms/living area, desk for WFH, table for dining in, totally new toilet, fridge, washing machine, curtains and 1 tv and list them in my budget - best denki/harvey norman/courts/shopee (reno+ appliances) - got prices+installation and delivery from quotes/talk to ID/contactors.

2) Then what is good to have (dun have I also won't complain day and night and say "if only..." - e.g. built in tv console, additional tv in bedroom, tech up the house - e.g. Google Home also listing them in budget - same as above also in budget

3) I take 1 and 2 and see if my bank account savings (already planned for years for this!) has 1 + 2 or 1+part of 2. so eventually i had enuf for 1+2 but i went for 1+part of 2 first. as i earn now, i top up my wants slowly (wait for sales etc... haha).

4) I prepared myself to accept what I can afford, ensure I don't overspend, no need to lend money/borrow from anyone, still have my emergency fund there, can afford my HDB loan repayment/monthly spending.

Quality of worksmanship - depends on what you comparing to - to the 20 years ago standard - surely current ones have dropped no matter how expensive. Expensive is just a brand name not a gurantee of worksmanship in my opinion. I went to the top IDs w lots of hope (all said my idea won't work w my budget or gave suggestions not meeting my requirements but it did w a smaller firm!). Side note: I extended my toilet (for safety for my aged mum) + becoz no storeroom have built in storage.

Hope this help. Happy renovating and God bless! - Attached is my 3D drawing - quite the same my home now.