How Much Does Condo Renovation Cost in Singapore?
A realistic breakdown of what you’ll spend renovating a condo in Singapore — by trade, with ID fees and timeline.
Answer: A typical 3-bedroom condo renovation costs $30,000–$80,000. High-end renovations with premium materials can reach $150,000+. The biggest cost drivers are carpentry ($8,000–$15,000), kitchen ($5,000–$10,000), and flooring ($5,000–$8,000). Add 10–15% for an interior designer’s fee. Timeline: 8–12 weeks typical.
Cost Breakdown by Trade
These are ranges for a typical 3-bedroom condo (1,000–1,200 sqft). Costs vary based on material choices and scope.
| Trade | Cost Range | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Hacking & masonry | $5,000–$10,000 | Demolition of walls/tiles, disposal, plastering |
| Flooring | $5,000–$8,000 | Vinyl, laminate, or tiles for the whole unit |
| Carpentry | $8,000–$15,000 | Wardrobes, shoe cabinet, TV console, storage |
| Plumbing & electrical | $3,000–$5,000 | Re-piping, new points, DB box, lighting |
| Painting | $2,000–$4,000 | Whole unit, 2–3 coats, ceiling included |
| Kitchen | $5,000–$10,000 | Cabinets, countertop, backsplash, sink, hood/hob |
| Bathroom (per bathroom) | $5,000–$8,000 | Retiling, vanity, shower screen, fittings |
| Total (2 bathrooms) | $38,000–$68,000 |
Ranges are mid-market estimates. Premium materials (marble, solid surface, imported tiles) can push costs 50–100% higher.
Renovation Budget Tiers
| Tier | Budget | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic refresh | $15,000–$30,000 | Painting, overlay flooring, minor carpentry, no hacking |
| Mid-range | $30,000–$80,000 | Full reno: hacking, new flooring, carpentry, kitchen, bathrooms |
| High-end | $80,000–$150,000+ | Premium materials, custom furniture, layout changes, smart home |
New Launch vs Resale Condo Renovation
| Cost Item | New Launch | Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Hacking & disposal | $0 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Flooring | $0–$3,000 | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Kitchen | $2,000–$5,000 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Bathrooms (x2) | $0–$4,000 | $10,000–$16,000 |
| Carpentry | $8,000–$15,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Painting | $1,000–$2,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Typical total | $20,000–$45,000 | $38,000–$68,000 |
New launch savings come from skipping hacking and reusing developer-installed fittings.
Interior Designer (ID) Fees
Percentage-based
Most IDs charge 10–15% of the total renovation cost. On a $60,000 reno, that’s $6,000–$9,000 for design, project management, and coordination.
Fixed fee
Some IDs charge a flat $5,000–$10,000 design fee, then you work directly with their recommended contractor. Clarify what’s included — some fixed fees only cover the design, not project management.
Renovation Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Design + quotation | 2–4 weeks |
| Hacking & masonry | 1–2 weeks |
| Plumbing & electrical | 1–2 weeks |
| Flooring & tiling | 1–2 weeks |
| Carpentry installation | 1–2 weeks |
| Painting & touch-up | 1 week |
| Cleaning & defects check | 1 week |
| Total | 8–12 weeks |
Condo management may restrict renovation hours (typically weekdays 9am–5pm, no weekends/PH). Factor this into timeline.
Tips to Save Money
1. Get at least 3 quotes
Prices vary widely between contractors and IDs. Three quotes give you a realistic range and negotiating leverage. Compare line by line, not just the total.
2. Check the ID’s portfolio
Look for completed projects similar to your unit size and style. Ask for references from past clients. Check CaseTrust accreditation for added protection.
3. Know what’s structural
You cannot hack load-bearing walls or structural beams in a condo. Understand what can and cannot be changed before designing your layout. Your ID should flag this.
4. Budget a 10–15% contingency
Unexpected issues (hidden pipes, uneven walls, material delays) almost always come up. A $60,000 reno should have $6,000–$9,000 set aside for surprises.
Budgeting for a condo purchase + renovation?
Don’t forget to factor renovation costs into your total cash needed. Run the full numbers.
FAQ
How much does a 3-bedroom condo renovation cost in Singapore?
A typical 3-bedroom condo renovation costs $30,000 to $80,000. This covers hacking, flooring, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, kitchen, and bathrooms. High-end renovations with premium materials and custom carpentry can go to $150,000 or more.
How much does an interior designer charge in Singapore?
Interior designers typically charge 10–15% of the total renovation cost, or a fixed fee of $5,000–$10,000. Some charge a design fee upfront and then earn a margin on the contractor work. Always clarify the fee structure before signing.
How long does a condo renovation take?
A typical condo renovation takes 8 to 12 weeks from the start of hacking to handover. Simpler renovations (painting, flooring only) can be done in 4–6 weeks. Major overhauls with custom carpentry and layout changes may take 12–16 weeks.
Should I hire an interior designer or a contractor directly?
An interior designer handles the full design, sourcing, and project management — good if you want a cohesive look and don't have time to manage the project. A contractor is cheaper but you'll need to source materials and coordinate trades yourself. For condos above $50K reno budget, most owners go with an ID.
What are common renovation mistakes to avoid?
The most common mistakes are: not getting at least 3 quotes, skipping the ID portfolio check, not understanding what's structural (load-bearing walls, ceiling beams), underestimating carpentry costs, and not budgeting a 10–15% contingency for unexpected work.
Is it cheaper to renovate a new launch condo vs resale?
Yes, new launch condos are typically $10,000–$20,000 cheaper to renovate because you skip hacking and disposal entirely. The unit comes with new flooring, basic kitchen, and bathrooms. You mainly pay for carpentry, lighting, painting, and any design upgrades. Resale condos often need full hacking and replacement of worn-out fittings.
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Last updated Feb 2026. Cost estimates based on market rates. This is informational, not financial or legal advice.