When you collect the keys to your new BTO, one of the earliest questions is:
👉 Should I buy ready-made furniture from IKEA/Taobao/Courts, or invest in custom built-in carpentry?
Both have merits: loose furniture is cheaper and flexible, but built-ins maximise storage and resale appeal. This article gives you the 2025 cost breakdown and decision framework to help you choose wisely.
1. Cost Breakdown: Furniture vs Carpentry (2025 Estimates)
| Item | Off-the-Shelf Furniture | Built-in Carpentry |
|---|---|---|
| Wardrobe (5–7 ft) | S$700 – S$1,100 | S$1,275 – S$1,785 |
| Kitchen Cabinets (20–30 ft) | S$3,000 – S$6,000 (modular kitchen set) | S$4,800 – S$7,200 |
| TV Console (6–8 ft) | S$400 – S$650 | S$780 – S$1,040 |
| Study Desk (4–6 ft) | S$300 – S$500 | S$560 – S$780 |
| Shoe Cabinet (3–5 ft) | S$600 – S$900 | S$1,000 – S$2,500 |
💡 Insight: Carpentry costs are usually 1.5x – 2x higher than loose furniture, but lifespan, integration and storage efficiency are significantly better.
2. Pros & Cons of Off-the-Shelf Furniture
Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Immediate availability, short setup time
- Flexibility to change or move
Cons:
- Poor fit for awkward BTO layouts
- Wasted corners and vertical space
- Less cohesive design look
- May hurt resale appeal (buyers expect built-ins)
3. Pros & Cons of Built-in Carpentry
Pros:
- Maximises every inch of compact BTO layouts
- Seamless integration with appliances, wiring, storage
- Higher durability with quality boards (E0 grade)
- Better resale value (seen as premium feature)
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Longer timeline (6–10 weeks from design to installation)
- Permanent, not easily changeable
4. Which BTO Flat Type Benefits Most?
- 3-room BTO → Space is tight, built-ins in kitchen + master wardrobe are highly recommended.
- 4-room BTO → Balance approach: built-in kitchen + wardrobes, loose furniture for living/dining.
- 5-room BTO → More space = more carpentry. Built-ins raise luxury appeal and resale potential.
5. Case Study Comparison
Scenario A – Budget Buyer (3-room BTO)
- Loose wardrobes + modular kitchen
- Spend ~S$12,000
- Quick move-in but storage limited
Scenario B – Balanced Approach (4-room BTO)
- Built-in kitchen + master wardrobe, loose furniture elsewhere
- Spend ~S$18,000
- Best balance of budget + efficiency
Scenario C – Premium Owner (5-room BTO)
- Full carpentry (kitchen, wardrobes, feature wall, shoe cab)
- Spend ~S$25,000
- High resale appeal, modern integrated look
6. How HDBGROUPRENO.SG Makes Built-in Carpentry Affordable
- Group-buy carpentry packages → save 10–20% compared to individual projects
- Bulk fabrication in shared factory runs → faster lead time, lower cost
- Standardised modules + custom add-ons → best of both worlds
- Transparent milestone payments → no hidden charges
FAQ (Google Snippet Ready)
Q1: Is built-in carpentry worth it for a BTO?
👉 Yes, if you plan long-term stay, want more storage, and care about resale appeal.
Q2: Can I mix built-in and loose furniture?
👉 Absolutely. Many homeowners do built-in kitchen + wardrobes and use loose furniture elsewhere.
Q3: Which option is more budget-friendly?
👉 Loose furniture is cheaper upfront, but built-ins offer better long-term value.
Why Choose HDBGROUPRENO.SG PTE. LTD
- 🏆 30+ years of carpentry & renovation experience
- 💰 Group carpentry savings of 10–20%
- 🖥 Free 3D virtual tours before fabrication
- 🛠 E0 boards + Blum hardware for long lifespan
- 📑 HDB-compliant contractors, transparent quotes
Still debating between furniture and carpentry for your BTO? Let us help.
👉 Book a Free 3D Virtual Tour + Quotation
👉 See Our Current Group Carpentry Projects
