Planning your renovation and just received a quotation from your interior designer or contractor? If you're feeling confused about why one quote looks so different from another — you're not alone.

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Whether you're renovating an HDB or a private condo, understanding the real cost behind a renovation quotation in Singapore can help you make smarter decisions, avoid hidden costs, and stay within budget.

Here are 5 important things every homeowner should know about renovation quotations — including tips that could save you thousands.

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1. HDB vs Condo: What Do Renovations Really Cost?

For a BTO flat, you’re often starting from a clean slate, so light renovations for a 4-room unit can cost around $25,000–$35,000.

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A resale flat, on the other hand, may need hacking, rewiring, or waterproofing — pushing costs for a 5-room unit up to $50,000–$70,000.

Renovating a condo? The average cost ranges from $30,000–$60,000, depending on the layout, finishings, and whether you're upgrading a resale unit or a newer development.

• 4-room BTO flat: ~$25,000–$35,000
  
  
• 5-room resale flat: ~$50,000–$70,000
  
  
• Condo unit: ~$30,000–$60,000 (depending on layout, fittings, and complexity)

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💡 What you pay depends more on your design goals and scope of work — not just the type of property.

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2. What Are the Most Expensive Components in a Renovation Quote?

When you open up a renovation quotation, not all items carry equal weight. Some works can cost more than you expect — and it’s not always just the carpentry.

Here’s a breakdown of where your renovation budget usually goes:

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• Tiling and hacking often involve labor-intensive work, especially in resale flats where old materials need to be removed and reinstated.
• Carpentry still makes up a large portion, particularly for custom kitchen and wardrobe builds.

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💡 Tip: Always request a line-by-line cost breakdown — it’ll help you understand where your money’s going, and which parts are open for adjustments.

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3. Best Tip to Save on Your Renovation? Know Where to Spend — and Where Not To

You don’t need to sacrifice design to stay within budget — just be intentional about where to save and where to spend.

Save on:

• Off-the-shelf sanitary fittings or tapware
  
  
• Vinyl flooring instead of tiles
  
  
• Loose furniture (TV consoles, shelves, mirrors)
  
  
• Shopping online via Taobao, Shopee, or other e-commerce platforms for lights, vanities, and accessories

💬 Tip: Just ensure measurements and electrical specs are correct when buying online — and factor in delivery timelines.

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Spend on:

• Built-in carpentry like kitchen cabinets or wardrobes
  
  
• Ceiling lights, downlights, and major electricals — it’s worth paying more for items with proper warranties and safe installation
  
  
• Quality hinges, drawer systems, and everyday-use fittings
  
  

💡 Ask your ID to design around standard sizes or layouts — that way, you can swap in more affordable store-bought pieces without compromising the overall look.

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4. Can Interior Designers Get Materials Cheaper Than You?

Yes — in many cases, interior designers and renovation firms enjoy trade discounts or exclusive supplier relationships.

What they often get at lower rates:

• Laminates, tiles, and flooring
  
  
• Sanitary fittings and light fixtures
  
  
• Kitchen appliances (in some bundled packages)

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However, some designers mark up materials as part of their service fee — others pass the savings back to you. It depends on the firm.

💡 Tip: Request a version of your quote with and without materials, so you can do a side-by-side cost check.

‍ 5. Why Do Homeowners Get Different Quotes for the Same Work?

It’s a common question — and the answer lies in the fine print.

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Two IDs may quote wildly different amounts for the same “kitchen renovation” — but what's actually included could vary a lot:

• Different materials (plywood quality, soft-close systems, tile brands)
  
  
• Workmanship level — more experienced teams tend to charge higher for tighter finishings
  
  
• Scope clarity — one quote may include rewiring, while the other doesn’t
  
  
• After-sales support — some include post-reno service and warranty

💬 Don’t just look at the total number — look at what's behind it.

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Final tip: Don’t rush to accept the first quote you receive

Comparing at least two to three quotations can help you spot hidden costs, inflated markups, or better-value alternatives.

Getting a renovation quote can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be.

When you understand what’s behind the numbers, compare smartly, and work with the right interior designer, you’ll feel more confident at every step. Whether you're sprucing up a resale or fitting out your BTO from scratch, being quote-savvy is the first step toward a home you’ll love coming back to.

EZiD connects you with Ryan’s trusted interior designers in Singapore — so you can get fair, transparent quotes and renovate with clarity, purpose, and peace of mind. There’s literally no other platform that narrows it down like we do so head over to connect to our IDs today. 

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