Frequently Asked Questions

The checklist becomes a tool to:

• Clearly define scope of work and specifications before signing contract

• Use it during periodic inspections or site visits to verify works done

• Mark off completed items phase by phase (snag list)

• Ensure consistency across phases (e.g. same paint codes, matching material batches)

• Final handover: use checklist to verify all items are done, test plumbing, electrical, finishes

The checklist should include:

• Flooring types, dimensions, and quantities (tiles, vinyl, engineered wood)

• Tile specifications (size, colour, finish) for bathrooms, kitchen, wet areas

• Waterproofing systems & membranes, with compliance to standards

• Cabinetry materials (plywood grade, laminates, hardware, hinges)

• Countertop materials (quartz, solid surface, stone)

• Lighting fixtures, switches, power point types, and locations

• Sanitary wares, faucets, shower screens, bathroom accessories

• Paint / wall finishes & color schemes

• Door, frame, skirting board, molding specifications

A good sequence is:

1. Hacking & demolition (remove old finishes, non-structural walls)

2. Structural works, waterproofing & plumbing

3. Electrical rewiring, lighting rough-ins

4. Flooring replacement / tiling

5. Carpentry & built-in fixtures

6. Final finishes: painting, finishes, fixture installation

7. Quality checks, snagging, cleaning, handover

Before any work begins, homeowners should:

• Conduct a detailed inspection to identify defects (cracks, water seepage, mould, uneven floors)

• Take clear photos of problem areas for reference

• Check the condo’s MCST/management rules (renovation hours, noise restrictions, approval process)

• Secure MCST approval and submit renovation plans and layout changes

• Set a realistic budget with a contingency buffer (10–15%)

Based on insights from the article:

1. Prioritize the big visual zones — kitchen, bathrooms, lighting, and flooring yield the most noticeable transformation.

2. Retain a master plan to ensure consistency across phases — don’t cut corners in one area that will clash later.

3. Negotiate with contractors up front on mobilization, material markups, and coordination for the phases.

4. Reserve a contingency buffer (~10–15%) for surprises like hidden structural, plumbing, or waterproofing defects.

5. Source smartly — direct trade purchasing or factory outlets may reduce markups on tiles, cabinetry, lights.

6. Engage a designer / design-and-build model to help foresee problems and keep aesthetic cohesion.

In the article’s featured case studies, the full renovation turnaround is about 12 weeks (≈ 3 months) for the $60,000 makeover. SpeedyDecor.com

Of course, the timeline depends on unit size, scope of demolition, complexity of design, permit approvals, and contractor coordination.

Some of the key design lessons and practical tips are:

• Open concept improves space & value — knocking down kitchen walls and opening up layouts allows more natural light and a more modern feel.

• Bathrooms are high-impact areas — investing in waterproofing and quality fittings here yields strong visual returns.

• Neutral, timeless finishes are safer for future resale (e.g. avoid overly trendy colors or textures).

• Lighting is often overlooked but transformative — layering light sources can dramatically change mood and perception of space.

• Flooring sets the tone — choosing a neutral, consistent flooring helps unify the space and makes it feel larger.

• Balance between ambition & budget — even with limited budget (e.g. $60K case), focusing on the “high ROI zones” (kitchen, bathrooms, lighting, layout) creates major impact.

The article gives approximate budget ranges for different components:

• Kitchen (hacking + rebuild): SGD 25,000 – 40,000

• Bathroom (each): SGD 12,000 – 20,000

• Carpentry (throughout a 3-bedroom unit): SGD 15,000 – 35,000

• Lighting upgrades: SGD 5,000 – 12,000

• Flooring: around SGD 8 to 15 per square foot (depending on material)

• Balcony / outdoor transformation: SGD 3,000 – 8,000

Also, the article includes a real case where a $60,000 renovation yielded a dramatic “before & after” makeover over ~12 weeks.

The article showcases several key transformation themes, such as:

• Converting a dark, enclosed kitchen into a bright, open-concept kitchen with island counters and integrated appliances.

• Upgrading old, cramped bathrooms into spa- or hotel-style retreats with frameless glass showers, floating vanities, and luxury finishes.

• Replacing bulky or dated carpentry with sleek, full-height built-in wardrobes, slim TV walls, and modular storage.

• Introducing layered lighting (cove, track, pendants, under-cabinet) to enhance ambiance and visual depth.

• Updating flooring from parquet or old tiles to vinyl planks, large porcelain tiles, or engineered timber finishes.

• Converting balcony or outdoor area into a usable “lifestyle corner” with decking, greenery, and sliding glass enclosures (with MCST permission).

Some of the main lessons are:

1. Prioritize renovations in areas that deliver the greatest visual & functional impact (kitchen, flooring, storage).

2. Use a design-and-build model to streamline project management and avoid miscommunication.

3. Source materials directly where possible to save markups.

4. Plan for resale: choose neutral and durable finishes to appeal to future buyers.

5. Always include a contingency budget (e.g. 10–15%) to handle hidden defects or unexpected costs.

• The whole renovation was completed in about 12 weeks (≈ 3 months) from start to move-in. speedydecor.com

• After renovation, the property’s market value increased by an estimated SGD 100,000 to 120,000, representing a strong return on the SGD 60,000 investment.

Key cost-saving strategies used in the project include:

• Direct sourcing from factories for tiles, laminates, fixtures, bypassing showroom markups.

• Using a design-and-build contractor instead of separate designer + contractor to reduce coordination overheads.

• Focusing on selective renovations (only the most impactful areas) rather than doing a full “from scratch” overhaul.

• Choosing neutral, timeless finishes instead of trendy or luxury imported materials that would push costs up.

• Avoiding high-end premium finishes like marble or branded luxury items.

Approximate cost breakdowns from the case study:

• Hacking, haulage, reinstatement (for opening up walls): SGD 8,000 – 10,000

• Kitchen upgrade (cabinetry, countertop, appliance, backsplash): SGD 15,000 – 18,000

• Vinyl flooring (unit wide): SGD 6,000 – 8,000

• Built-in wardrobes: SGD 10,000 – 12,000

• Painting & lighting: SGD 7,000 – 9,000

The renovation covered key high-impact areas:

• Hacking and removing a wall to create an open layout (with sliding glass partition)

• Upgrading the kitchen with new cabinets, quartz countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and backsplash

• Installing wood-look vinyl flooring throughout instead of replacing parquet

• Custom built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms

• Repainting all walls and upgrading lighting (cove, track, pendants, bedside sconces)
  Bathrooms were refreshed but not fully rebuilt.

Some risks and hidden costs to guard against:

1. Structure surprises — hidden damage, cracked walls, mold, plumbing leaks, or water damage uncovered during hacking.

2. Upgrading to modern systems — the need to upgrade DB boards, wiring, load capacity, or aircon trunking.

3. Mobilisation / repeated labour cost — if phases are done separately, repeated setup/dismantle costs.

4. Material cost escalation — prices can rise between phases or before ordering bulk quantities.

5. Condo / MCST approvals and lifting fees — logistics, permits, debris disposal, MCST inspection charges.

6. Mismatch in finishes — if materials/styles are discontinued, later phases may not match earlier ones exactly.

Yes. For a 1,000 sqft (≈3-bedroom) resale condo, the article provides a sample budget:

speedydecor.com

This gives homeowners a ballpark figure to compare with contractor quotes.

The article suggests:

• Prioritize functional, essential works (plumbing, waterproofing, electrical) before aesthetics.

• Allocate a 10–15% contingency buffer to absorb unexpected costs.

• Be realistic about material grades — for example, choosing more cost-effective flooring or cabinetry where possible.

• Don’t overcommit to trendy finishes that may go out of style or be harder to resell later.

The article breaks down major categories including:

• Hacking & demolition (removal, debris disposal).

• Carpentry & built-ins (kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV console, shelving).

• Flooring & tiling (vinyl, tiles, timber options).

• Plumbing works & fixtures (pipes, bathroom & kitchen fixtures).

• Electrical works (rewiring, DB board upgrade, lighting & switches).

• Painting & wall finishing (whole unit repaint, feature walls).

• Bathroom renovation (waterproofing, tiling, vanity, WC, shower).

• Kitchen renovation (cabinets, countertops, appliances).

• Air-conditioning (new inverter systems, trunking).

• Miscellaneous items (curtains, lighting, automation, fees).

Based on the case study, luxury condo renovations usually emphasize:

• Use of premium natural materials (e.g. marble, high-end stone).

• Bespoke carpentry & custom furniture tailored to the homeowner’s lifestyle.

• Smart home integration and automation systems.

• Professional interior styling and imported furnishings.

• Attention to fine details—lighting, hidden storage, high-end fittings, etc.

Costs vary by unit size, current condition (e.g., plumbing or waterproofing issues), materials, and design complexity. For example, a 1,200 sq ft condo might cost around SGD 108,000 in four phases:

• Phase 1 (basic works): SGD 20,000

• Phase 2 (kitchen & bathrooms): SGD 45,000

• Phase 3 (carpentry): SGD 25,000

• Phase 4 (finishes & décor): SGD 18,000

This breakdown helps homeowners spread costs over time without compromising on quality.

Key points include:

• Define scope and deliverables for each phase clearly (e.g., material specs, waterproofing standards).

• Fix timelines and milestones, with agreed handling of delays or changes.

• Ensure material and colour consistency to avoid mismatched finishes later.

• Protect existing works (e.g., flooring, furniture) during subsequent phases.

• Confirm payment structure — stage-by-stage payments tied to completion and inspection.

A practical sequence is:

1. Structural & essential works — waterproofing, plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning.

2. Kitchen & bathroom upgrades — key areas for both comfort and property value.

3. Carpentry & built-in furniture — wardrobes, TV consoles, study desks, shelving.

4. Finishing & aesthetics — flooring, painting, lighting, curtains, and décor.

For budgeting:

• Always start with a full master plan to ensure design and material consistency across all phases.

• Set aside 10–20% contingency for unexpected costs or price fluctuations.

• Clarify with your contractor about additional mobilization charges for separate phases.

Pros:

• Better financial flexibility — you don’t need to pay the full renovation cost upfront.

• Live-in renovation possible — you can move in after key phases are done and continue upgrading gradually.

• Flexibility in design — adjust later stages based on actual living experience.

• Lower stress and risk — smaller projects are easier to manage and track.

Cons:

• Longer overall timeline — total completion may take up to a year or more.

• Repeated disruptions — each phase brings dust, noise, and inconvenience again.

• Potentially higher costs — mobilization fees and separate material purchases can add up.