Why 3-Room BTO Renovation Is Different
A 3-room BTO flat is compact — averaging about 65 sqm — but with clever carpentry and design, it can feel spacious and functional.
In 2025, homeowners are spending anywhere from S$30,000 to S$90,000 to turn these smaller units into dream homes.
Unlike 4- or 5-room flats, every square foot counts. That means smart carpentry, multi-purpose furniture, and efficient layouts are key.
Average 3-Room BTO Renovation Costs in 2025
| Budget Level | Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | S$30,000 – S$40,000 | Painting, essential carpentry, vinyl flooring, basic lighting |
| Mid-Range | S$45,000 – S$65,000 | Full kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, bathroom vanities, electrical upgrades |
| Premium | S$70,000 – S$90,000 | Quartz tops, feature walls, smart home systems, designer furniture |
Case Studies: 3-Room BTO Renovations
Case Study 1: Budget Minimalist – S$32,000 (Tengah BTO)
- Owners: Newlywed couple, first-time homebuyers.
- Works Done:
- 12ft kitchen cabinets with laminate finish
- Sliding wardrobe in master bedroom
- Vinyl flooring in bedrooms
- Full-unit painting
- Style: Minimalist Scandinavian
- Timeline: 8 weeks
✅ Result: A practical and affordable home. Achieved 15% savings with HDBGROUPRENO group-buy.
Case Study 2: Japandi Comfort – S$55,000 (Yishun BTO)
- Owners: Small family with toddler.
- Works Done:
- Quartz kitchen countertop + top/bottom cabinets
- 2 wardrobes (casement + drawers)
- Bathroom vanity cabinets + shower screens
- False ceiling + cove lights
- Style: Japandi (Japanese x Scandinavian fusion)
- Timeline: 10 weeks
✅ Result: Warm, functional, with hidden storage. Designed for family lifestyle.
Case Study 3: Modern Chic – S$82,000 (Tampines BTO)
- Owners: Professional couple working from home.
- Works Done:
- Open kitchen with quartz island
- Walk-in wardrobe with glass doors
- Home office with customised desk + shelves
- Feature wall with fluted panels + hidden storage
- Smart lighting & aircon system
- Style: Modern Luxury
- Timeline: 13 weeks
✅ Result: Small flat turned into stylish “mini-condo”. Group Reno saved ~18% on carpentry.
Breakdown of 3-Room Renovation Works
- Carpentry: Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, study desks, feature walls
- Flooring: Vinyl (cost-effective), tiles, parquet
- Electrical: Extra power points, concealed wiring, cove lights
- Plumbing: Bathroom fittings, vanities, heaters
- Painting: Nippon/Dulux low-VOC paint
- Décor: Fluted panels, wallpaper, accent walls
HDB Rules You Need to Know
- Approval Required: Hacking structural walls, bathroom tiles, windows, entrance door relocation.
- No Approval Required: Carpentry, painting, vinyl flooring.
- 3-Year Restriction: Bathroom wall/floor tiling in new BTO cannot be hacked until after 3 years.
⚠️ Many first-time owners overlook HDB’s hacking rules. Always engage HDB-approved contractors like HDBGROUPRENO.SG.
2025 Renovation Trends for 3-Room Flats
- Japandi Minimalism: Natural wood + neutral colours.
- Smart Homes: Compact units with app-controlled lighting.
- Industrial Compact: Cement screed walls, black frames.
- Eco-Friendly Living: E0 formaldehyde-free boards, water-saving fittings.
- Space-Saving Carpentry: Foldable dining tables, hidden storage beds.
Renovation Timeline
- Week 1–2: Design finalisation, HDB permits
- Week 3–4: Masonry, electrical works
- Week 5–7: Carpentry fabrication
- Week 8–10: Carpentry installation, painting, fittings
With Group Reno, production is optimised and delivery is faster.
Financing Options
- HDB Renovation Loan: Up to $30,000, 3.5–4.5% interest
- Personal Loan: Higher limit, flexible repayment
- HDBGROUPRENO Packages: Lower deposit, milestone payments, group discounts
Smart Tips for 3-Room BTO Owners
- ✅ Focus on essentials first (kitchen, wardrobes, bathroom).
- ✅ Use vertical space (wall-mounted storage).
- ✅ Plan for resale — don’t over-customise.
- ✅ Budget +10–15% for hidden costs.
- ✅ Join Group Renovation Projects for bulk discounts.
FAQ
Q1: How much does a 3-room BTO renovation cost in 2025?
👉 Average mid-range is S$45,000 – S$65,000.
Q2: Can I hack walls in my 3-room BTO?
👉 Only non-structural walls with HDB approval.
Q3: Why are group renovations cheaper?
👉 Bulk carpentry, shared logistics, centralised suppliers.
Q4: How long does a 3-room BTO renovation take?
👉 Typically 8–10 weeks.
Q5: Does HDBGROUPRENO handle resale as well?
👉 Yes, with customised packages for both BTO & resale.
Why Choose HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD
- ✅ Group Savings: 10–20% lower than solo projects
- ✅ Custom Carpentry: Kitchen, wardrobes, study desks, feature walls
- ✅ Free 3D Virtual Tours: Visualise before you commit
- ✅ 30+ Years Expertise: Trusted by thousands of Singapore homeowners
- ✅ Transparent Pricing: Milestone payments, no hidden costs
Your 3-room BTO may be compact, but with the right design and carpentry, it can become your dream home.
👉 View Our Ongoing Group Reno Projects
👉 Get a Free 3D Virtual Tour + Quotation
With HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD, you’ll enjoy affordable, stylish, and functional renovations designed for Singapore families.
