Resale Condo Renovation Checklist Singapore 2025

Buying a resale condo in Singapore can be a smart move. Compared to new launches, resale units often offer larger layouts, better locations, and faster move-in times. But many of these condos are 10 to 30 years old, which means hidden defects are common.

Renovation costs can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t identify issues early. A simple leaky pipe or outdated electrical wiring can turn into thousands of dollars in repairs once renovation starts.

That’s why every homeowner should run through a resale condo inspection checklist before confirming design works with your interior designer (ID) or contractor. Below are the 10 most important things to check—with practical tips, real-life scenarios, and cost implications.

1. Bathroom Waterproofing

Bathrooms are the first place where problems show up in older condos. Look out for:

• Water stains or mould on walls and ceilings.

• Loose or hollow tiles, which may mean water seepage underneath.

• Complaints from downstairs neighbours—a sure sign of waterproofing failure.

Why it matters: If waterproofing is compromised, water will seep into the slab and leak into the unit below. Rectification usually means hacking up the entire bathroom floor and relaying the waterproof membrane.

💰 Estimated rectification cost: $3,000 – $8,000 per bathroom.

👉 Pro Tip: Even if there’s no visible problem, consider re-doing bathroom waterproofing during renovation. It saves future disputes with MCST and neighbours.

2. Ceiling Leaks & Water Stains

Ceiling issues often signal problems above you:

• Top-floor units: Roof or external wall leaks.

• Lower floors: Leaking pipes from upstairs neighbours.

• Signs to check: Yellow patches, bubbling paint, sagging false ceilings.

💰 Repair costs: From a few hundred (plaster patch) to several thousand (full ceiling replacement + waterproofing above).

👉 Always check with MCST for building history. If leaks come from common property, the MCST may share responsibility for repairs.

3. Electrical Wiring & Power Points

Older condos were built before today’s appliance-heavy lifestyles. Problems include:

• Insufficient power points (most older units only have 1–2 per room).

• Old wiring insulation that’s brittle and unsafe.

• Frequent breaker trips when using multiple appliances.

💰 Rewiring cost: $4,000 – $12,000 for a typical 3-bedroom condo.

👉 Consider a full rewiring if the condo is over 15 years old. Request additional sockets in key areas (TV console, kitchen counters, home office).

4. Plumbing Pipes & Water Pressure

Condo plumbing is hidden behind walls and under floors. Warning signs:

• Rusty pipes or visible corrosion.

• Low water pressure in showers (can indicate pipe blockage).

• Slow drainage in sinks and toilets.

💰 Pipe replacement cost: $2,500 – $8,000 depending on scope.

👉 Replace plumbing during renovation to avoid hacking finished tiles later.

5. Built-In Wardrobes & Cabinets (Check for Termites)

Older built-ins are often made of plywood or chipboard, which attract termites. Signs include:

• Tiny holes or powdery residue around cabinets.

• Warped doors and weakened panels.

• Musty smell from dampness or infestations.

💰 Cost of removal + new carpentry: $8,000 – $30,000 for whole unit built-ins.

👉 If infestation is found, call pest control before installing new carpentry.

6. Windows & Balcony Doors (MCST Approval Required)

Windows are both functional and safety-critical. Inspect:

• Loose or faulty locks.

• Rusty or corroded aluminium frames.

• Broken seals that cause condensation and water seepage.

💰 Replacement cost: $5,000 – $15,000 depending on size and type.

👉 Important: All external windows and balcony doors require MCST approval. Some condos mandate specific colours, tints, or grille designs to maintain uniformity.

7. Kitchen Exhaust & Ventilation

A poorly ventilated kitchen is a long-term nuisance. Look out for:

• Weak cooker hood suction.

• Grease stains on walls/ceilings.

• No external venting (some condos only allow recirculating hoods).

💰 Cost to upgrade hood + ducting: $1,500 – $3,000.

👉 Choose a powerful hood (suction ≥1,000 m³/hr) if heavy cooking is expected. Clean filters regularly to maintain performance.

8. Flooring Cracks & Hollow Tiles

Flooring problems are common in older condos:

• Hairline cracks in tiles or marble.

• Hollow sounds when tapping tiles (indicates poor adhesion).

• Scratches or water damage on parquet or wood flooring.

💰 Replacement/overlay cost:

• Vinyl overlay: $4 – $8 psf.

• Tile replacement: $8 – $15 psf.

• Parquet refinishing: $25 – $35 psf.

👉 If overlaying vinyl, ensure the base floor is level and defect-free.

9. Air-Conditioning System

Aircon systems age faster in Singapore’s climate. Inspect for:

• Leaking indoor units.

• Noisy compressors.

• Inefficient cooling.

💰 New system cost: $4,000 – $10,000 for a 3- to 4-bedroom condo (inverter system).

👉 If the system is over 7–10 years old, replace it. Newer inverter models reduce electricity bills by up to 30%.

10. Fire Safety & Regulations

Fire safety is often overlooked in resale units. Ensure:

• Smoke detectors are present and functional.

• Escape routes are accessible.

• Sprinklers (if provided) are not obstructed.

• Renovation layouts comply with fire codes (e.g., no blocking of access doors).

👉 Fire safety checks protect your family and are mandatory under SCDF guidelines.

Why Hire a Professional Inspector?

Even with this checklist, some problems are invisible to the untrained eye. A professional home inspector can:

• Detect structural cracks hidden behind false ceilings.

• Test for water seepage using moisture meters.

• Provide a defect report you can use to negotiate with sellers.

💰 Inspection cost: $500 – $1,200 depending on condo size.
💡 Value: Prevents unexpected $20,000–$50,000 in renovation overruns.

Extra Tips for Smooth Resale Condo Renovation

1. Always check MCST rules before hacking, changing windows, or altering balconies.

2. Plan for contingencies: Set aside 10–15% of your budget.

3. Get multiple quotes from contractors for fair pricing.

4. Phase your works: Prioritise essentials (waterproofing, wiring, plumbing) before aesthetics.

5. Document everything: Photos, receipts, and warranties help during resale or disputes.

Renovating a resale condo in Singapore can be extremely rewarding—you get modern finishes and smart storage in a spacious unit. But the hidden condition of the property will decide how much you spend.

By checking these 10 areas carefully, you can:

• Avoid surprise costs.

• Protect your family’s safety.

• Stretch your renovation budget further.

With the right inspection and planning, your resale condo renovation can be smooth, cost-effective, and future-proof.