Resale HDB Renovation Checklist (2025) Plan, Budget & Renovate With Confidence
Buying a resale HDB flat in Singapore is exciting—you get a bigger layout, better location, and often a home full of character. But unlike BTO flats, resale units come with wear-and-tear issues, hidden costs, and stricter renovation timelines.
That’s why a step-by-step renovation checklist is essential. Without one, homeowners risk cost overruns, unnecessary stress, or even penalties from HDB for non-compliance.
This article gives you the ultimate 2025 resale HDB renovation checklist, covering:
- ✅ Budget planning with realistic cost ranges
- ✅ Permits and HDB rules you cannot ignore
- ✅ Contractor selection and red flags
- ✅ Room-by-room renovation tasks
- ✅ Final handover inspection items
💰 Step 1: Budget Planning & Cost Breakdown
Determine Your Budget
In 2025, resale HDB renovation costs typically range between:
- 3-Room Flat: S$51,000 – S$61,800
- 4-Room Flat: S$64,300 – S$80,300
- 5-Room Flat: S$84,300 – S$97,000
👉 Always set aside 10–15% contingency for surprises like rewiring, waterproofing, or floor levelling.
Create a Cost Breakdown (Sample)
| Category | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hacking & Masonry | S$8,000–S$15,000 | Includes demolition & re-tiling |
| Carpentry | S$12,000–S$25,000 | Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, storage |
| Electrical & Plumbing | S$6,500–S$12,000 | Rewiring, new pipes, DB box upgrade |
| Ceiling & Painting | S$3,000–S$7,000 | False ceiling, paint finishes |
| Windows & Doors | S$2,000–S$6,000 | HDB-approved designs only |
| Miscellaneous | S$3,000–S$8,000 | Site protection, permits, testing |
🏛️ Step 2: Understand HDB Renovation Rules
Renovation rules for resale flats are strict:
- ✅ Permit validity: 1 month from approval (vs 3 months for new BTOs)
- ✅ HDB-registered contractors only can submit permits
- ✅ Restricted works include hacking, re-tiling bathrooms, and window replacements
- ✅ Noisy works: strictly weekdays 9 am – 6 pm; weekends & public holidays not allowed
Tip: Print out HDB’s “Renovation Guidelines” and keep a copy with your contractor for quick checks.
👷 Step 3: Select the Right Contractor
Checklist for Contractor Selection
- Is the company HDB-registered?
- Do they provide a detailed quotation with itemised works?
- Can they commit to the 1-month resale renovation timeline?
- Do they offer warranty on carpentry, waterproofing, and electrical works?
- Will they coordinate all permits and inspections?
🚫 Red Flags to Avoid
- Very low “package prices” with vague descriptions
- No written timeline commitments
- Unwilling to provide previous client references
🏠 Step 4: Room-by-Room Renovation Checklist
🍳 Kitchen
- Demolition of old cabinets & wall tiles
- Re-tiling or overlay with waterproofing
- Electrical sockets for oven, hob, fridge
- Gas line safety checks
- New cabinets with moisture-resistant carcasses
- Countertop installation (quartz, granite, laminate)
🚿 Bathrooms
- Waterproofing membrane application
- Ponding test conducted and documented
- Re-tiling or overlay (check substrate condition)
- New sanitary fittings & accessories
- Tempered glass shower screens
🛏 Bedrooms
- Wardrobe installation (check door clearances)
- Painting or wallpaper
- Aircon trunking & concealment
🛋 Living & Dining Area
- TV console or feature wall carpentry
- False ceiling & light troughs
- Electrical wiring for lighting and sockets
- Painting and final finishes
📦 Storage & Utility Areas
- Built-in shoe racks or service yard cabinets
- Laundry fittings and drying racks
✅ Step 6: Handover & Final Inspection
Before signing off, use this handover checklist:
- ✅ All works match quotation (carpentry, finishes, paint)
- ✅ Waterproofing & ponding test reports provided
- ✅ Electrical & plumbing circuits tested
- ✅ Warranty documents received
- ✅ Site cleaned and debris cleared
- ✅ HDB permit officially closed
📞 SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd – Your Renovation Partner
Renovating a resale HDB is stressful without the right team. That’s why many homeowners in Singapore trust SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd.
- 🎯 One-stop solution: design, carpentry, hacking, tiling, and compliance
- ✅ HDB-registered: all works and permits handled
- 📅 On-time delivery: completed within the 1-month HDB window
- 📞 Direct support: speak with our designers anytime
👉 Call or WhatsApp +65 8839 3899 to book a free consultation today.
Renovating a resale HDB flat is more than just a design makeover—it’s about budget control, compliance, and careful execution. With this 2025 resale renovation checklist, you’ll know exactly what to prepare, what to ask your contractor, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Don’t leave your dream home to chance.
👉 Partner with SpeedyDecor.com Pte Ltd for expert design, quality workmanship, and HDB-compliant renovations.
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +65 8839 3899
