HDB Renovation Cost Calculator 2026
How much does an HDB renovation cost in 2026?
A typical full renovation of a 4-room flat costs about $50,000–$60,000 for a BTO and about $70,000–$81,600 for a resale flat, based on Qanvast's 2026 projections from 2025 project data (Qanvast, third-party). Resale costs more because of hacking, rewiring and waterproofing, and renovation must be paid in cash, not CPF (CPF Board).
Based on Qanvast 2026 projections (2025 project data) and MoneySmart 2026; actual quotes vary.
Ranges are typical full-renovation totals from Qanvast’s Feb 2026 projections (2025 medians across 341 BTO and 449 resale projects), corroborated by MoneySmart 2026. They are third-party figures, not official data or quotes. Line items below are an indicative split of those totals. Always compare itemised quotes.
How do I estimate my own renovation budget?
Build a rough budget item by item. Per-item prices are ContractorSG editorial estimates, not quotes; compare your total with the typical 2026 ranges above.
HDB Renovation Calculator
Select your flat type and renovation items
Select Renovation Items
Hidden Costs to Consider
Typical full renovation, 4-room (2026): BTO $50,000–$60,000 · Resale $70,000–$81,600
Based on Qanvast 2026 projections (2025 project data) and MoneySmart 2026; actual quotes vary. Resale flats usually also need hacking, waterproofing and rewiring.
Disclaimer: Per-item prices are ContractorSG editorial estimates (reviewed Oct 2026), not quotes or survey data. Typical totals shown above are third-party figures (Qanvast, MoneySmart). Actual prices vary with scope, materials and contractor. Permit-related admin charges, if any, vary — ask your contractor. Always get multiple itemised quotes before committing.
Planning your HDB renovation in 2026? This guide breaks a typical renovation into line items so you can sanity-check quotes. Typical totals are based on Qanvast 2026 projections (2025 project data) and MoneySmart 2026; per-item prices are indicative. Always compare several itemised quotes.
What do individual renovation items cost? (ContractorSG estimates)
Indicative prices for common individual items by finish level (ContractorSG editorial estimates). These tables cover selected items only, so the subtotal is below a full renovation; the last row shows the typical full-renovation total for that flat type.
3-Room HDB
| Work Item | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring (Vinyl/Tiles) | $2,500 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Kitchen Cabinet | $2,000 | $3,500 | $5,500 |
| Toilet Renovation | $3,000 | $4,500 | $6,000 |
| Painting | $800 | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| Electrical Works | $1,500 | $2,200 | $3,500 |
| Carpentry (Wardrobes) | $3,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| False Ceiling | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,500 |
| Doors (3 bedrooms) | $1,800 | $2,700 | $4,200 |
| Window Grilles | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Subtotal (listed items only) | $19,000 | $30,900 | $46,500 |
| Typical full renovation (Qanvast 2026) | BTO $40,800–$52,500 · Resale $55,000–$68,300 | ||
4-Room HDB
| Work Item | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring (Vinyl/Tiles) | $3,500 | $5,500 | $8,500 |
| Kitchen Cabinet | $2,500 | $4,500 | $7,000 |
| 2 Toilet Renovations | $6,000 | $9,000 | $12,000 |
| Painting | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Electrical Works | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| Carpentry (Wardrobes) | $4,000 | $7,000 | $12,000 |
| False Ceiling | $1,800 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Doors (4 bedrooms) | $2,400 | $3,600 | $5,600 |
| Window Grilles | $1,600 | $2,400 | $3,500 |
| Subtotal (listed items only) | $25,000 | $39,800 | $60,600 |
| Typical full renovation (Qanvast 2026) | BTO $50,000–$60,000 · Resale $70,000–$81,600 | ||
5-Room / Executive
| Work Item | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flooring (Vinyl/Tiles) | $4,500 | $7,000 | $11,000 |
| Kitchen Cabinet | $3,000 | $5,500 | $9,000 |
| 2 Toilet Renovations | $6,500 | $10,000 | $14,000 |
| Painting | $1,500 | $2,200 | $3,200 |
| Electrical Works | $2,500 | $3,800 | $5,500 |
| Carpentry (Wardrobes) | $5,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 |
| False Ceiling | $2,500 | $4,000 | $6,500 |
| Doors (5 bedrooms) | $3,000 | $4,500 | $7,000 |
| Window Grilles | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| Living Room Feature | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Subtotal (listed items only) | $32,000 | $52,000 | $80,700 |
| Typical full renovation (Qanvast 2026) | BTO $60,600–$76,500 · Resale $80,800–$98,900 | ||
What hidden costs do homeowners miss?
Warning: These extras are easy to leave out of a budget. Figures are ContractorSG estimates; ask each contractor which are already in their quote.
Pre-Renovation Costs
- HDB permit application / adminAsk your contractor
- Protection Works (Lift, Corridor)$300-$500
- Minor hacking & disposal (small areas)$800-$2,000
- Temporary Storage$200-$500/month
Post-Renovation Costs
- Deep Cleaning$300-$600
- Touch-up Works$200-$500
- Defects Rectification$500-$1,500
- Contingency (10-20%)$2,000-$8,000
How do BTO and resale costs differ?
| Aspect | BTO Flat | Resale Flat |
|---|---|---|
| Typical total, 4-room (Qanvast 2026) | $50,000–$60,000 | $70,000–$81,600 |
| Flooring | Already provided | Overlay/Hack & retile |
| Doors | Basic doors provided | Usually need replacement |
| Electrical | New installation | May need rewiring |
| Toilets | Basic fittings provided | Often renovated (needs HDB permit) |
| Kitchen | Service yard provided | May need total makeover |
| Timeline | About 4-8 weeks | About 8-14 weeks |
Full breakdown: BTO vs resale renovation cost comparison (same 2026 ranges).
How should I schedule payments?
Pro Tip: Keep the initial deposit to 20% or less. CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses must cap the initial deposit at 20% of the total cost and protect it with a performance bond, with the rest paid progressively (CaseTrust).
How can I save on renovation?
Savings shown are rough ContractorSG estimates.
Smart Material Choices
- ✓Choose vinyl over tiles (save $2,000-$3,000)
- ✓Overlay instead of hacking tiles (save $1,500)
- ✓Laminate vs solid surface tops (save $1,000)
- ✓Buy appliances during sales
Design Strategies
- ✓Keep existing layout (save $3,000-$5,000)
- ✓Paint instead of wallpaper (save $800)
- ✓Open shelving vs upper cabinets (save $1,200)
- ✓DIY simple tasks like painting (save $500)
Contractor Package Comparison
| Package Type | Price Range | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic Package Essential renovations only | $15,000 - $25,000 | Flooring, painting, basic electrical, toilet upgrade | Budget-conscious, rental properties |
Standard Package Comfortable living upgrade | $25,000 - $45,000 | All basic + kitchen cabinet, wardrobes, false ceiling | Young couples, first-time homeowners |
Premium Package Designer finish | $45,000 - $80,000 | All standard + feature walls, smart home, premium materials | Families, luxury living |
Frequently asked questions
How much does HDB renovation cost in 2026?
Typical full-renovation totals in 2026 (Qanvast projections from 2025 project data): 3-room $40,800-$52,500 (BTO) or $55,000-$68,300 (resale); 4-room $50,000-$60,000 (BTO) or $70,000-$81,600 (resale); 5-room $60,600-$76,500 (BTO) or $80,800-$98,900 (resale). Costs depend on scope, materials and design. Based on Qanvast 2026 projections (2025 project data) and MoneySmart 2026; actual quotes vary.
What is a reasonable budget for BTO renovation?
Qanvast's 2026 projections put a typical 4-room BTO renovation at $50,000-$60,000 (versus $70,000-$81,600 for a 4-room resale flat). Lighter scopes cost less; BTOs usually need less work than resale flats. Based on Qanvast 2026 projections (2025 project data) and MoneySmart 2026; actual quotes vary.
What are hidden costs in HDB renovation?
Commonly missed costs (ContractorSG editorial estimates) include minor hacking and disposal ($800-$2,000 for small areas; full hacking of a resale flat costs more), protection works for lifts and corridors ($300-$500), post-renovation cleaning ($300-$600), defect touch-ups, and a 10-20% contingency for surprises.
Can I use CPF to pay for HDB renovation?
No. CPF Board says renovation costs must be paid in cash, so CPF savings cannot be used for renovation. Banks offer renovation loans; MoneySmart notes most bank renovation loans are capped at $30,000 (check current terms with the bank).
How long does HDB renovation typically take?
As ContractorSG estimates, a BTO renovation takes about 4-8 weeks and a resale renovation about 8-14 weeks, mainly because of hacking and waterproofing. HDB asks that works be completed within 3 months of approval for new flats and 1 month for existing flats.
Source: MyNiceHome (HDB) — How to Renovate Your HDB Flat (updated 24 Jun 2026)
Do I need HDB permits for renovation?
Many works need an HDB permit, for example hacking down or building walls, removing and replacing floor finishes, changing toilet wall or floor finishes (new BTO flats must wait 3 years), and moving internal doors. You are responsible for getting permits, and you can authorise your DRC-registered contractor to apply online for you. Window replacement needs a permit applied for by a BCA Approved Window Contractor.
Source: MyNiceHome (HDB) — How to Renovate Your HDB Flat (updated 24 Jun 2026)
Can I renovate immediately after getting keys?
Yes, once any permits your works need have been approved. General works are allowed Monday to Saturday, 9am-6pm; noisy works such as hacking or removing finishes only Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. No works on Sundays and public holidays, and no noisy works on the eves of major public holidays.
Source: Housing & Development Board (HDB) — Important Information on Renovations
What is the difference between an interior designer and a contractor?
An interior designer (ID) provides design concepts and drawings and usually manages the project, which typically costs more than going direct. A direct contractor executes the works while you manage design and coordination. Either way, the firm doing the works in an HDB flat must be in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors.
Source: HDB via data.gov.sg — Directory of Renovation Contractors (dataset)
How do I avoid renovation scams?
Watch for requests for more than a 20% deposit (the CaseTrust cap), no proper contract or itemised quotation, prices far below other quotes, no past projects to show, and firms not listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors.
Source: CASE / CaseTrust — CaseTrust Accreditation for Renovation Businesses
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
Browse renovation contractors listed on ContractorSG, request several quotes and compare them line by line.
Related Articles
Sources
Rules and figures in this guide are checked against these sources. Prices marked as estimates are ContractorSG editorial estimates, not official figures — always get written quotes.
- How to Renovate Your HDB Flat (updated 24 Jun 2026) — MyNiceHome (HDB)Owner must obtain HDB renovation permits; contractor must be in HDB’s DRC and may apply on your behalf. General works Mon–Sat 9am–6pm; noisy works Mon–Fri 9am–5pm only (not weekends, public holidays or eves of major public holidays). Renovation to be completed within 3 months (new flats) or 1 month (existing flats) of approval. 3-year wait before removing toilet wall/floor finishes in new BTO flats.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- Important Information on Renovations — Housing & Development Board (HDB)Engage only DRC contractors. General works 9am–6pm Mon–Sat; noisy works (hacking, removing finishes, tile cutting, heavy drilling) 9am–5pm Mon–Fri only, not on public holidays or the eves of New Year’s Day, CNY, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa and Christmas. Works must finish within 3 months (new blocks) or 1 month (existing blocks) of the permit; window-only works within 2 weeks. Disallowed: overloading the floor slab beyond 150kg per m². Owner and contractor must do a water test after replacing bathroom floor finishes.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- Renovation Guidelines for Building Works — Housing & Development Board (HDB)Newly built flats have a 3-year restriction on removing bathroom/toilet wall and floor finishes. Replacing floor tiles needs a permit; bathroom waterproofing membrane must be upturned at least 150mm against walls, kerbs and pipes; floor finishes + screed max 50mm. Painting, vinyl/carpet, false ceilings and 63mm hollow-block or gypsum partitions need no permit (guidelines still apply). Wall demolition needs approval; a PE must supervise demolition of non-load-bearing RC elements.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- CaseTrust Accreditation for Renovation Businesses — CASE / CaseTrustAccredited renovation businesses: initial deposit capped at 20% of total cost, deposit performance bond, standard contract, 12-month workmanship warranty.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- Directory of Renovation Contractors (dataset) — HDB via data.gov.sgOfficial list of HDB-registered renovation contractors with registration numbers (format e.g. HB-01-0014E) and status.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- What are the Expected Renovation Costs for HDB Flats in 2026? (12 Feb 2026) — Qanvast (third-party, not official)Projected from 2025 medians across 341 BTO and 449 resale projects on Qanvast: BTO 3-room $40,800–$52,500, 4-room $50,000–$60,000, 5-room $60,600–$76,500; resale 3-room $55,000–$68,300, 4-room $70,000–$81,600, 5-room $80,800–$98,900.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- 3, 4 & 5 Room HDB Renovation Cost Guide Singapore 2026 (updated 12 Jun 2026) — MoneySmart (third-party, not official)Estimated ranges: BTO 3-room $36,100–$57,000, 4-room $51,000–$70,000, 5-room $62,000–$82,400; resale 3-room $40,000–$90,000, 4-room $55,000–$85,000, 5-room $70,000–$100,000+. Says most bank renovation loans are capped at $30,000.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- Home buying guide for members below 55 — CPF BoardRenovation costs must be paid in cash — CPF savings cannot be used for renovation.Checked 13 Oct 2026
- Renovation Guidelines for Window Works — Housing & Development Board (HDB)All window replacement needs an HDB permit, applied for by a BCA Approved Window Contractor listed in the DRC. Grilles at service yard/balcony parapets must be HDB-approved designs; internal grilles may be any design but must not protrude from the facade.Checked 13 Oct 2026