For most Singaporeans, getting the keys to a new BTO or resale HDB flat is one of life’s biggest milestones. But once the excitement fades, reality sets in: how do you renovate your flat, stay within budget, and follow HDB’s strict guidelines?
This 2025 HDB Renovation Guide gives you everything you need to know — from costs, permits, and design trends, to practical tips and case studies. At HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners transform their BTO and resale flats with cost-effective group renovation packages and free 3D virtual tours.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or upgrading to a bigger flat, this guide ensures your renovation journey is smooth, affordable, and inspiring.
Section 1: HDB Renovation Costs in 2025
Average Renovation Costs by Flat Type
| Flat Type | Essential Reno | Mid-Range Reno | Premium Reno |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Room | S$20,000 – S$30,000 | S$30,000 – S$40,000 | Up to S$55,000 |
| 3-Room | S$25,000 – S$40,000 | S$40,000 – S$55,000 | S$60,000 – S$75,000 |
| 4-Room | S$30,000 – S$50,000 | S$50,000 – S$70,000 | S$80,000 – S$100,000 |
| 5-Room | S$40,000 – S$60,000 | S$60,000 – S$85,000 | S$90,000 – S$130,000 |
Key Factors That Affect Cost
- Floor area & layout complexity
- Choice of materials (laminate vs quartz, vinyl vs marble)
- Custom carpentry (wardrobes, TV console, study desk)
- Electrical & lighting rewiring
- Hacking & reconfiguration works
💡 Pro Tip: Joining a Group Reno Project with HDBGROUPRENO.SG saves 10–20% on bulk carpentry and standardised fittings.
Section 2: HDB Rules & Permits You Must Know
HDB imposes strict guidelines to maintain safety and structural integrity.
Works That Require HDB Approval
- Hacking of non-structural walls
- Changing floor/wall tiles in bathrooms
- Replacing windows/grilles with non-HDB-approved types
- Repositioning doors or gas pipes
Works That Don’t Need Approval
- Painting and wallpaper
- Installing wardrobes, cabinets, or shelves
- Overlaying vinyl/laminate flooring
- Changing light fittings or curtains
⚠️ Important Regulations:
- Bathroom walls & floors: No hacking for the first 3 years in BTO units
- Renovation hours: 9am – 6pm (weekdays), no noisy works on weekends/public holidays
- Contractor requirements: Must be HDB-approved
👉 At HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD, all projects comply strictly with HDB regulations.
Section 3: Renovation Timeline
Typical BTO Reno Timeline (8–12 Weeks)
- Pre-Planning (1–2 months before key collection)
- Budgeting, shortlisting contractors, confirming design theme
- Approval & Permits (2–3 weeks)
- Submit hacking/electrical plans for HDB clearance
- On-Site Works (Week 1–10)
- Week 1–2: Masonry & hacking
- Week 3–4: Electrical rewiring & plumbing
- Week 5–7: Carpentry fabrication (off-site)
- Week 8–10: Installation, painting, finishing touches
👉 With Group Reno Projects, carpentry is batch-produced, reducing waiting time.
Section 4: Must-Have Works for BTO & Resale HDB
- Kitchen Cabinets: Top + bottom, quartz countertops, soft-close drawers
- Wardrobes: Master bedroom + common rooms, sliding or casement doors
- Flooring: Vinyl for budget-friendly durability, tiles for bathrooms & kitchens
- Lighting & Electrical: Extra sockets, smart switches, energy-saving LEDs
- Bathroom Upgrades: Vanity cabinets, shower screens, water-efficient fixtures
- Storage Solutions: Space-saving beds, bookshelves, shoe cabinets
Section 5: 2025 Interior Design Trends for HDB
- Japandi Minimalism – Warm wood tones, open layouts, natural light
- Scandinavian Clean Lines – Whitewashed walls, functional storage
- Industrial Modern – Cement screed walls, track lighting, black metal accents
- Luxury Urban Chic – Marble, gold trims, high-end finishes
- Smart Homes – IoT lights, voice-controlled appliances, automated blinds
- Eco-Friendly Designs – Low-VOC paints, E0 boards, solar-ready fittings
📌 With HDBGROUPRENO.SG’s Free 3D Virtual Tours, you can visualise these styles before confirming your renovation package.
Section 6: Financing Your Renovation
- HDB Renovation Loan (via banks): Up to S$30,000, tenure up to 5 years
- Personal Loans: Higher limits but higher interest
- Group Renovation Payment Plans: Lower upfront costs, milestone-based payments
Section 7: Case Studies
📍 Tengah Parc Clover – 4-Room BTO (Budget: S$50,000)
- Japandi-inspired design, vinyl flooring, quartz kitchen top
- Custom wardrobes for 3 bedrooms
- Completed in 10 weeks
✅ Saved 15% via Group Reno
📍 Tampines GreenEmerald – 5-Room BTO (Budget: S$90,000)
- Luxury Urban Chic with marble kitchen island
- Walk-in wardrobe & smart home lighting
- Completed in 12 weeks
✅ Reduced timeline with bulk carpentry fabrication
Section 8: Pro Tips for Homeowners
- ✅ Plan 3–6 months before key collection
- ✅ Always buffer 10–15% budget
- ✅ Choose flexible, timeless designs if you plan to resell
- ✅ Avoid over-customisation in wet areas (bathroom/kitchen)
- ✅ Join Group Renovation Projects for shared savings
FAQ (Optimised for Google Snippets)
Q1: How much does a 4-room HDB renovation cost in 2025?
👉 Around S$45,000–70,000 depending on materials and design.
Q2: How long does BTO renovation take?
👉 Typically 8–12 weeks, but group projects can be faster.
Q3: Can I hack my BTO bathroom tiles?
👉 No, HDB prohibits hacking for the first 3 years.
Q4: Why are group renovations cheaper?
👉 Shared logistics and bulk carpentry production reduce costs.
Q5: Does HDBGROUPRENO.SG handle resale flats too?
👉 Yes, with tailored packages for resale HDB, condos, and landed properties.
Why Choose HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD
- 🛠️ Group Buy Savings: 10–20% cheaper
- 🎨 Custom Carpentry: Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, feature walls
- 🖥️ Free 3D Virtual Tours: Visualise before committing
- 🏆 Trusted Expertise: 30+ years in Singapore renovation
- 💵 Transparent Pricing: Milestone-based payments
Transform your BTO or resale flat into your dream home — without breaking the bank.
👉 View Active Group Reno Projects
👉 Book a Free 3D Virtual Tour + Quotation
HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD – Your trusted partner for affordable, high-quality HDB renovations in Singapore.
