Kitchen Renovation Costs in Singapore (Updated 2023)
Having a beautiful, elegant, and functional kitchen is everyone’s dream whether they live in an HDB, BTO, condo, or a landed property. However, often when we plan to renovate our homes, the kitchen is left out or very basic renovation is done in the kitchen. Kitchen renovation may seem like a tricky and gigantic task but with the right information, expertise, and professional kitchen renovation Singapore packages, you can get your dream kitchen.
This article discusses why kitchen renovation is important and sheds light on the cost of kitchen renovation in Singapore in detail so that the major apprehension of homeowners during renovation i.e. cost can be talked about in detail so they can plan accordingly. We will also discuss the factors that affect Singapore kitchen renovation costs followed by some tips on how you can reduce these costs.
So let’s dive into all these details without any further ado.
Why should you renovate your kitchen?
When you are renovating your home, the first benefit you achieve from it is the beauty and elegance it brings with it. But home interior design also plays a very important role in increasing your property’s value in case you plan to sell your place.
If your home is renovated but its kitchen is not, it will put a bad impression on prospective buyers who most probably would be looking for a fully renovated home. Secondly, kitchen renovation allows you to design your kitchen according to your needs so that it offers more storage and creates a highly functional space. This way, you enjoy your time spent in the kitchen and are able to complete your tasks much more efficiently and effectively.
The cost of kitchen renovation may seem like an impossible feat at times and rightly so; however, there are ways in which you can reduce kitchen renovation costs and be more informed about what kitchen renovation entails so that you can make your choices effectively and renovate your kitchen on budget.
How much does kitchen renovation cost in Singapore?
Kitchen renovation costs in Singapore can vary depending on whether the project entails basic, moderate, or extensive renovation. A basic kitchen renovation project can cost SG$ 5,000 to SG$ 10,000 while a moderate renovation will cost you between SG$ 15,000 and SG$ 20,000. In the case of extensive kitchen renovation, you can expect this cost to start from SG$ 25,000 and can go up based on the extent of the project.
To get a better understanding of the cost of kitchen renovation in Singapore, it is a good idea to break down the major tasks involved. This way, you can have a clear understanding of how much each task is going to cost you and then you can choose to skip that particular task or try to reduce its cost.
Dismantling and demolition
The first step in kitchen renovation is dismantling any previously installed structures like removal of wall and floor tiles or demolishing the old structures like kitchen cabinets, sink, and countertops. This cost can range anywhere from SG$ 500 to SG$ 3,500 depending on the size of the kitchen and the amount of dismantling and demolition required. If you wish to change the layout of the kitchen, you may have to demolish some walls which is going to cost you more.
Carpentry and kitchen cabinets
Carpentry involves any work that needs to be done to create storage cabinets and shelves. Kitchen cabinets renovation can cost anywhere between SG$ 3,500 and SG$ 6,000. On average, you would need to put aside SG$ 150 to SG$ 500 per square foot for kitchen cabinet renovation. Since the kitchen cabinets play a vital role in creating an aesthetic visual image of the space, you can plan to choose the one that best fits your dream kitchen vision. Of course, depending on the type of material and design chosen for the kitchen cabinets, its cost will vary.
Kitchen countertops
The kitchen countertops can be called the main focus of any kitchen; they should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but be made of a durable material that requires very little maintenance because they bear the major brunt of heat, spills, knife cuts, and grease. That is why kitchen countertops will cost more during renovation; you can expect anything from SG$ 2,500 to SG$ 7,000 for this. In terms of per square feet, this cost becomes SG$ 60 to SG$ 350 per square foot of countertop.
Tiles and flooring
The cost of tiles and flooring will depend on two factors: whether you choose to remove the old flooring first and then lay the new tiles or you just overlay the new tiles on the old floor. Another factor that will affect the cost of flooring is the kind of tiles you choose; marble and granite will cost you more while ceramic tiles will cost you relatively less.
For ceramic tiles, you can expect the tiles and flooring cost to be between SG$ 9 and SG$ 12 per square foot whereas for marble or granite tiles, you can expect up to SG$ 15 per square foot. This can amount to anywhere between SG$ 1800 and SG$ 7000 for the complete tiles and flooring renovation. This cost may also include the cost of waterproofing.
Plumbing and sink renovation
Plumbing and sink renovation includes replacing or updating the sink and changing the plumbing accordingly so that it matches the new sink. This process can cost SG$ 800 to SG$ 1,100 for an average new sink. If you choose a relatively expensive sink and wish to update the inlets and outlets of plumbing, it can cost you up to SG$ 2,000.
Kitchen electric appliances
Another important aspect of kitchen renovation is to completely update your kitchen appliances and incorporate them as fitted elements during renovation. These appliances can include a refrigerator, microwave oven, baking oven, coffee maker, toaster, and others. Depending on which appliances you want to upgrade, their model, and brand, this renovation aspect can cost you anywhere between SG$ 1500 and SG $10,000.
Paintwork
Paint work is a relatively cheaper component of kitchen renovation which can cost you SG$ 200 to SG$ 500. Ideally, you should scrap off the old paint and then paint a new coat to give a smooth and seamless finish.
Electric work
Having electrical work done as part of a kitchen renovation can cost SG $150 to SG $600.
Miscellaneous works
On top of the above-mentioned renovation prices, the total cost of kitchen renovation in Singapore may include some other miscellaneous charges like waterproofing, debris removal, general cleaning and chemical washing after completion of project, and permit charges.
Things to consider while renovating your kitchen
Whether you are doing a basic renovation for your kitchen or opting for extensive work, there are certain elements that should be kept into consideration so they do not become an issue later on.
HDB rules
There are certain rules and guidelines laid out by Singapore’s Housing and Development Board with which you must comply before removing your HDB kitchen. You need to have written approval from the board to do any type of demolition in the house and you cannot change the overall layout of the house. You must choose renovation contractors from the Directory of Renovation Contractor Singapore (DRC); failing to comply with thereof can result in prosecution. Similarly, you must ensure that all other HDB guidelines are met for the renovation project.
Renovation timings
According to Singapore HDB guidelines, there are certain specified times during which you can carry out renovation work; at other times, it is not allowed to carry out renovation tasks so as not to cause any inconvenience to the neighbors. So you must comply with those specified timings.
Scope of renovation
Make sure your scope of kitchen renovation does not violate any rules and guidelines by the Housing and Development Board Singapore and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Waste disposal
All the waste material during and after completion of the renovation project must be disposed of correctly. You must ensure that the renovation contractors dispose of waste materials in the proper way and not just throw it in the regular garbage space.
Choosing professional renovation contractors
Lastly, ensure that you only hire registered renovation contractors in Singapore so that all the relevant HDB rules are met.
Which factors affect kitchen renovation costs?
If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen and are on the lookout for how much kitchen renovation costs in Singapore, then you must know that there are some factors that affect this cost.
Kitchen size
First and foremost, the size of the kitchen is directly proportional to the cost of its renovation. The larger the kitchen, the more materials you would need and all related aspects of renovation will automatically cost more. For example, most of the renovation work like kitchen countertops, flooring, and cabinets are charged according to per square foot.
Type of property
The cost of kitchen renovation in Singapore also depends on the type of house. If it is an HDB flat or BTO, its renovation will cost less because of its smaller size as well as the fact that you cannot change the overall layout of the kitchen, so demolishing and other wall hacking charges get reduced. In contrast, a condominium or landed property can be renovated in whatever way you want; you can even change its complete structure and layout, so obviously, it can cost more.
Kitchen layout
In the case of landed properties or condos, you may wish to change the kitchen layout which will cost you more than a regular renovation without layout change.
Quality and types of material
Another intuitive factor is the quality and types of materials you use for renovation. If you choose high-quality materials like marble, granite, and wood instead of ceramic and laminate, the cost of renovation would become much higher. Similarly, while upgrading your kitchen appliances, choosing higher-quality brands will be more expensive, adding up to the total costs.
Renovation contractors
The renovation contractors you choose will also directly affect the total cost of kitchen renovation. Experienced contractors with 5-star reviews may charge you more because of the higher-quality service they provide.
Carpentry and storage
The amount of carpentry work and storage upgrade you require will also increase the cost of renovation. If you wish to add more cabinets and shelves in the kitchen and want to choose higher-quality cabinets, it will increase the total cost.
Maintenance in the long run
When renovating your kitchen, you must think about maintenance in the long run. If you choose high-quality materials that will require less maintenance over the years, it will cost you more as compared to choosing cheaper materials which will keep on costing you more in maintenance.
Stove and other kitchen appliances
If you want to just change the kitchen cabinets, countertops, and flooring of the kitchen during renovation while still keeping all your old appliances and stoves, it will cost you relatively much less as compared to the situation where you opt to get new appliances and stoves. So this factor also determines the total cost of renovation.
Tips to reduce kitchen renovation costs
Although kitchen renovation can cost a lot, that shouldn’t compel you to completely forget about it in fear of the high expenditure. There are ways in which you can reduce kitchen renovation costs in Singapore so that you are able to get the work done within your budget.
Look for renovation packages
Often renovation contractors offer packages that are quite affordable. These packages cover basic renovations in the kitchen and can be a useful option if you just want to change the kitchen’s outlook without having to spend a lot. Such packages may offer generalized renovations without any option for customization but are affordable.
Buy items from wholesale in bulk
One way you can reduce the cost of kitchen renovation is by buying materials and appliances from wholesale markets or when they are on sale. Your choice of materials may become limited in this option but you will save on the total cost of renovation.
Reuse!
When thinking about kitchen renovation, think of the elements and products that are in relatively better shape and can still be used. Maybe the wall tiles and backsplash of your kitchen just require a thorough cleaning and they will be as good as new. Then why waste money on redoing all of them? Similarly, if you want to change an appliance, check to see if you can get it repaired at a much lower cost than the cost of entirely replacing it. The idea is to reuse as much as you can, so you will have to spend less on renovation.
Lay new tiles on old ones
Another way to reduce kitchen renovation costs is to overlay the new tiles on the old ones without taking them off. Removing old tiles and preparing the walls and floors for the new tiles will cost you extra. If you can, simply lay the new tiles on the old tiles to get an added cushion while saving on costs. Wondering what kind of tiles are trending this year? Check out this article for the latest kitchen tiles.
Choose an appropriate design theme
Choosing the right interior design theme can also help you cut costs during kitchen renovation. If you choose a theme that would call for a complete layout change in the kitchen, it should be avoided as it will cost you a lot. So keeping in view your current kitchen layout and other structures, choose an appropriate design theme that will help you carry out the renovation work on a minimum budget.
Whatever kitchen renovation idea you have in mind, choosing the right renovation contractors can help you realize your dream and make all the kitchen renovation costs worth it. Swiss Interior is a recommended interior designer in Singapore that will help you design the heart of your home in the best possible way. Book an appointment today for further information and kitchen renovation costs!