Slow & Steady: Phased Resale Condo Renovation in Singapore (2025 Guide)

Learn how to renovate your resale condo in Singapore step by step. A phased approach helps manage cash flow and reduce stress.

Not every homeowner in Singapore wants or can afford to renovate their resale condo all at once. With renovation costs rising in 2025, more owners are turning to a phased renovation strategy—renovating in stages instead of a lump-sum project.

This approach allows you to:

• Spread out cash flow.

• Reduce lifestyle disruption.

• Focus on essential works first.

• Avoid rushing into design mistakes.

In this guide, we break down how to plan a step-by-step condo renovation, the pros and cons, and tips to keep your project on track.

Why Choose Phased Renovation?

✅ Benefits

1. Financial Flexibility – Pay in stages rather than committing $80K–$120K upfront.

2. Live-in Option – Stay in your unit while renovating section by section.

3. Design Flexibility – Adjust plans after testing what works in real life.

4. Less Stress – Smaller, shorter projects are easier to manage.

❌ Challenges

1. Longer Timeline – Full completion may take 1–2 years.

2. Repeated Disruption – Dust, noise, and workers coming back multiple times.

3. Higher Overall Cost – Contractors may charge more for multiple mobilisations.

The 4 Phases of Resale Condo Renovation

Phase 1: Essential Repairs & Safety Works

• Waterproofing bathrooms and kitchen.

• Replacing plumbing and electrical systems.

• Fixing structural cracks or ceiling leaks.

• Installing new air-conditioning if old units are failing.

💰 Budget: $15,000 – $30,000
⏱ Timeline: 2–4 weeks

👉 Tip: Do this first, even if you delay everything else. It prevents costly damage later.

Phase 2: Kitchen & Bathrooms Upgrade

• Hacking old cabinets and tiles.

• Installing new kitchen cabinets, countertops, and fittings.

• Renovating bathrooms with new tiles, shower screens, vanities, and fittings.

💰 Budget: $25,000 – $50,000
⏱ Timeline: 4–8 weeks

👉 Tip: These are high-ROI areas that increase comfort and property value.

Phase 3: Carpentry & Built-Ins

• Full-height wardrobes in bedrooms.

• TV console, display cabinets, or feature wall in living room.

• Study desks or home office cabinetry.

💰 Budget: $15,000 – $35,000
⏱ Timeline: 3–6 weeks

👉 Tip: Move in with temporary furniture if needed. Add carpentry later when budget allows.

Phase 4: Aesthetics & Lifestyle Enhancements

• Painting and feature walls.

• Flooring upgrades (vinyl, parquet, tiles).

• Lighting overhaul and smart home systems.

• Curtains, blinds, and soft furnishings.

💰 Budget: $10,000 – $25,000
⏱ Timeline: 2–4 weeks

👉 Tip: This phase is flexible. You can do it gradually, room by room, without affecting daily living.

Case Study: Phased Renovation of a 1,200 sqft Condo

• Phase 1: Waterproofing + electrical rewiring – $20,000

• Phase 2: Kitchen + 2 bathrooms – $45,000

• Phase 3: Carpentry for bedrooms + study – $25,000

• Phase 4: Flooring + painting + lighting – $18,000
  Total Cost: ~$108,000 (spread over 18 months)

👉 Result: The family was able to move in after Phase 1, and continued upgrading the home gradually without financial strain.

Tips for a Smooth Phased Renovation

1. Plan the whole project upfront – Even if works are done in stages, prepare one complete design to avoid mismatched finishes later.

2. Prioritise hidden works first – Always tackle waterproofing, plumbing, and wiring before aesthetics.

3. Negotiate with contractor – Some firms offer phased packages with consistent pricing.

4. Protect existing works – Cover flooring and cabinetry during later phases to prevent damage.

5. Stay consistent with materials – Buy tiles, laminates, or flooring in bulk to avoid discontinued stock.

Phased renovation is a practical solution for resale condo owners in Singapore who want to spread out costs and minimise disruption. By focusing first on essential repairs, then upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, followed by carpentry and finishing touches, you can gradually achieve a dream home without financial stress.

👉 Pro Tip: Even if you choose a slow and steady renovation path, always start with a comprehensive master plan—this ensures your condo looks cohesive and timeless once all phases are completed.