If you are planning a condominium renovation in Singapore, whether for a brand-new condo or giving your current unit a fresh look, the very thought of renovations and all the ups and downs that go with it would weigh a lot on your mind. There is the need to look for dependable contractors, file paperwork, and deal with many other headaches, and all that is before the work even begins.
To help you manage your worries and stay focused on a smooth-sailing condo renovation, we have prepared this handy ultimate guide that tells you everything you need to know. From the general renovation process to what you must prepare for before work starts, we have all the essentials to help you minimise difficulties throughout the renovation process.
Condo Renovation Cost Estimates
Renovation projects can typically have varying degrees of cost estimates, depending on various factors, from material quality to the contractor(s) you hire to undertake the renovations. General estimates also vary based on the overall size of your condo unit and how much of it you plan to renovate. For example, a modestly sized 3-room condo unit may need a budget of at least SG$ 45,000, while a 4-room condo may need at least SG$ 70,000. You can still tweak the cost estimates to be lower, but that may usually involve a trade-off in quality or some other aspect.
| 2-room Condo Unit | 3-room Condo Unit | 4-room Condo Unit | |
| General Estimates | SG$ 25,000 – 40,000 | SG$ 45,000 – 65,000 | SG$ 70,000 – 90,000 |
(Cost estimates are based on prevailing market rates and may vary depending on materials, contractor and scope of work)
Comparing the costs of renovating a condo and an HDB flat can also give different answers. For one, condo renovations are more complex since you must discuss the details with the condominium management body and the relevant authorities. In most cases, you will be speaking with the MCST on their general renovation guidelines, which can differ immensely from one MCST to another. These can entail more stringent rules on structural changes or engaging the services of a board-approved contractor or interior design firm.
Some of these stipulations by the MCST may require more creative (or brute force) solutions to carry out some renovations. That may result in more costly fees to undertake some of these initiatives, as they can require much work to implement correctly. In this case, you will need to be flexible and find other ways to overcome these hurdles that may arise occasionally. The worst case is that you may have to abandon a particular renovation idea, but you can still look into alternative methods.
What Are the MCST Requirements for Condo Renovation in Singapore?
Before looking for an interior design firm to help oversee the renovation, you must first understand the regulations for strata-titled residential property, which typically involves condominium units.
Per Singaporean law, a set of Strata Management Guides outlines the specifics surrounding the management of condo units for both strata owners like yourself and management corporations (Management Corporation Strata Title, or MCST) that manage the everyday aspects of an entire condominium or apartment. In a nutshell, this prevents violations of existing building codes and relevant regulations and ensures renovation work proceeds safely and smoothly.
What Are the Common MCST Renovation Requirements?
Before beginning your condo renovation, check with your MCST or managing agent about the development’s specific renovation rules. Depending on the condominium’s by-laws and the type of work involved, you may need to:
- Seek permission from your MCST before beginning renovation work
- Submit a full breakdown of the renovation work you plan to carry out
- Provide renovation plans, drawings and other relevant supporting documents
- Provide your contractor’s details
- Obtain endorsement from a Professional Engineer if structural work is involved
- Obtain approval from the relevant authorities where required
- Follow the condominium’s noise and renovation timeframe restrictions
Is Approval from URA or Other Authorities Required?
According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority, internal renovation work generally does not require planning permission if it does not increase the unit’s gross floor area or change it into separate residential units.
Aditional approval may be required if your renovation works include:
- Increases the development’s gross floor area
- Balcony, roof terrace and private enclosed space changes
- Changes that affect building appearance or fire-safety requirements
- Involves common property
Approval may be needed from agencies such as URA, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) or the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) depending on the work involved.
The Singapore Condo Renovation Process
The general process involved with condo renovation work is pretty straightforward, but it does help to know the few crucial elements you need to do before you begin work. Improper preparation can cost you a hefty fine, so it helps to be extra meticulous from start to finish!
Define Your Renovation Plans and Budget
Drawing up your renovation blueprint is vital for creating the living space you want while abiding by regulatory requirements. A good starting point is to list all the possible avenues of renovation work you want to pursue: for example, do you plan on renovating the balcony, and to what extent will renovation work be needed? Take note of every facet of your condo that you would like to work on and find ideas that will suit your preferences while keeping in line with regulatory requirements. For example, any changes to your unit’s gross floor area (GFA) will require approval beforehand.
Equally important is your renovation budget. Given how much renovation work can quickly become costly, how much will you spend renovating your condo unit? Can you find cost-effective alternatives for various materials and furnishing choices that are still of good quality? Be sure to do extensive research on where you can find quality items for a fair price, as you can potentially save plenty of dollars with more prudent, economical choices without giving up on overall quality.
If you have lingering uncertainties about executing some aspects of your renovation work, consulting an interior design firm may help open your eyes to new ideas and perspectives. Be sure to choose one with a positive reputation, a well-reviewed portfolio, substantial experience, and a good level of communication to work with them for the best results.
Consult an Interior Design Firm and Finalise the Design
The consultation process generally takes a day or two. During this time, you will outline everything you want in your renovated living space to the interior design team. With a detailed floor plan, they can help you fine-tune or even upgrade your proposed design with recommendations and changes to your blueprint to achieve a more space-efficient or better-looking space when renovations are complete. They can also propose material and furnishing choices that would go well with your blueprint, but you still have the final say in agreeing with their ideas or sticking to your guns.
With all the relevant information, interior designers can prepare a detailed model to help you visualise your new condo’s look and fine-tune its designs and other details. This visual guide is convenient since you can see how many suggestions come together to create your desired living space. You must be flexible with your renovation ideas and work closely with the interior designer to find solutions or workable alternatives that still satisfy your preferences.
An excellent interior design firm may also offer advantages you can leverage for stress-free renovation work, such as a reliable network of contractors for greater cost efficiency or a more streamlined and manageable schedule, thanks to their wealth of experience. So, once everything looks in order, you can plot out the renovation timeline with their help and sign the quotation when everything is finally in place.
Obtain Approval and Prepare for Renovation Work
- Renovation work generates a lot of waste, and getting rid of it promptly ensures it will not be a nuisance to your neighbours. Discuss with the contractor how to effectively remove waste and debris and consult your MCST for guidelines on proper waste disposal.
- Once you acquire a permit for the renovation work, ensure that you display it for others’ information from the beginning of the project until it is finally complete.
- Be sure to notify your neighbours about your renovation plans well in advance. Being considerate to your neighbours can help you avoid issues later on when the noisy renovation work begins. Also, abide by the timeframe regulations for renovation projects to prevent disrupting your neighbours’ daily lives.
- Be sure that everything necessary is clearly spelt out in a written contract, including the scope of work, the overall timeline, payment terms, and any additional guarantees stipulated by the contractor. This can prevent disputes and ensure that everything can proceed smoothly.
Monitor the Condo Renovation Work
Once renovation work does start, you will need to work closely with the interior designer to manage the project and keep it on schedule effectively. Whether it is overcoming material delays or unexpected changes in plans, regular communications with all involved parties and staying proactive can do much good in mitigating problems and staying on track. You will need to visit the renovation site occasionally to monitor progress and communicate clearly with the contractors if any changes are required or if you need to be notified of events during the renovation, like potential challenges to specific installations.
While changes are bound to happen from time to time, be sure to stick closely to your schedule and avoid overruns from unnecessary changes on a whim. Prioritise more critical elements of the renovation rather than spend extra on frivolous aesthetic choices based on trends or short-sighted decision-making.
Practical Considerations During Condo Renovation
- You may need to discuss details about your condo renovation with your MCST, especially if your renovation work is extensive and may affect a common property, such as installing awnings on a shared property wall.
- If you are consulting with an interior design firm, they can help you understand the approval processes for specific renovations in detail, so feel free to ask them plenty of questions to ensure you are doing everything correctly.
- Avoid moving fixtures from one end to another. If the bathroom is already in place in one part of your condo unit, it would be better to leave it there than spend a fortune reworking it into something else.
Conduct the Final Inspection and Handover
As the renovation work winds down towards completion, a final round (or two) of inspections will ensure that the completed works are done according to specifications and meet all regulatory requirements. Building inspectors or other authorised persons may also be present to undertake their own inspections, but it never hurts to do your own checks to ensure everything is up to quality standards. If shortcomings are found, have the contractors fix them promptly to avoid later complications.
Once the inspections are complete, the interior designers will help you complete your living space with the pre-arranged furnishings and fixtures to match your new look. You should be around to oversee the placement of your new furniture and also go about painting your condo unit. You can also take care of painting and arranging the furniture on your own or take on other tasks that do not require a specialist to take care of.
Condo Renovation Ideas
Given the spatial limitations even for a condo unit, maximising available space is a practical choice that gives you more room and maintains decent levels of comfort throughout your home. Besides opening up your home and using light and mirrors to present an illusion of space, you can also incorporate many space-saving techniques and furnishings to help you with this. That may include using multifunctional furniture with multiple uses, like ottomans that can serve as footstools and makeshift tables or island cabinets that can double as storage and a small dining table. You can also open the walls with cabinets or shelves for added storage or display spaces without using too much internal real estate.
Taking a minimalist approach is also a pragmatic idea that emphasises aspects or elements you hold dear, decluttering and prioritising what is truly important for your home. There is no right or wrong way to look at or incorporate minimalism. To some, it can be a simple home with just the bare essentials. Others may opt for simplicity in their choice of furnishings, focusing more on showcasing mementoes and other items of importance. Others may pick a few things to add warmth or comfort to the home.
Bring Out the Best With Your Condo Through Niche Koncept
If you need help with a budget-friendly blueprint for renovating your condo, Niche Koncept is here to help. Our imaginative team can help shape your condo into a beautiful, picturesque space where you can thrive while keeping your expenses low and using affordable but high-quality materials. Whether you opt for a luxurious, modern, minimalist space or prefer a vintage-style layout with repurposed or reclaimed furnishings, we are happy to help you. Reach out to us today to Design Your Perfect Space together.
Our Recent Condo Renovation Projects
Niche Koncept offers various condo interior designs specific to different measurements and layouts. We can accommodate your preferred design cues and even include rich, high-quality materials to enhance your home’s beauty. We strive to exceed your expectations in every way possible and deliver a home you can admire.
