A Guide to Planning Your HDB Home Renovation

A Practical Guide to Planning Your HDB Home Renovation

Embarking on a home renovation can be an exciting venture, especially for those new to homeownership! From conceptualizing your ideal living space to the final touches, having a clear understanding of each stage of the renovation process can help you manage expenses and ensure a pleasant journey.

To assist you, MyNiceHome has compiled a timeline and checklist for the different renovation stages, aiming to make your experience as smooth as possible!

1 Year Prior to Key Collection – Choosing Your Style

Delaying the planning process can hinder a successful home renovation. It's crucial not to wait until after receiving the keys to start considering the theme and features you desire in your new abode. Remember, this is a creative undertaking that demands ample time and thoughtful consideration!

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Useful Tips:

Create a mood board to gather images of home designs and ideas that you like. Look out for furniture and appliances that complement your vision. These choices will affect things like carpentry, tile work, electrical points, and overall layout. Thinking about them early on will make discussions with your interior designer or contractor easier. Our go-to sources of inspiration are Pinterest, Instagram, and our blog!

3 Months Before Receiving Keys – Choose an Interior Designer/Contractor

Hiring a reliable interior designer or contractor takes the uncertainty out of the renovation process, allowing you to focus on other tasks like selecting furnishings and handling paperwork.

In addition to dedicating enough time for the selection process, it's important to find an ID who understands your needs, requirements, and desired style. They should also be responsive to your questions and open to feedback, collaborating with you on ideas and suggesting alternatives when necessary.

Helpful Tips:

Do your research! Ask for recommendations and examine the portfolios and customer reviews of different IDs. Consider whether their style matches your personal preferences and assess the feedback on their service and workmanship. Narrow down your options and arrange meetings with the shortlisted IDs or contractors to discuss your plans and expectations. Compare quotations, keeping in mind that the scope of work and materials used can significantly impact the costs. Once you've decided on a particular ID or contractor, you'll likely engage in multiple rounds of discussions with them before finalizing the design.

3 Weeks Before Key Collection – Shop for Fixtures and Fittings

The Basics of Bathroom Renovation

Lighting, bathroom, and kitchen fixtures are crucial for your new home as they add charm and distinctive details. Begin your shopping approximately three weeks before receiving the keys to account for shipping and possible delays.

What you should do:

• Look out for deals like group-buy promotions for new Build-to-Order (BTO) flats.
• If you're buying from an overseas supplier, check if the fixtures are suitable for use in Singapore and the local climate.
• Consider the shipping time for the items.

Where to buy:

• Check out e-commerce websites (keep an eye out for sales!) or join group-buys in your BTO group chats.
• Alternatively, visit reputable physical stores to get immediate feedback and recommendations from the staff.

Key Collection:

Congratulations on collecting the keys to your new home! Make sure to familiarize yourself with the key collection process, conducting defects inspection, and things to watch out for in your new flat.

1 to 3 Months After Key Collection – Renovation:

Once you obtain approval from the Housing and Development Board (HDB), complete the renovation within three months for new flats and one month for existing flats. This minimizes inconvenience and noise for your new neighbors, especially those who work from home or have young children. Read our HDB flat renovation guide to understand the steps involved.

Pro tips:

• Your early and thorough planning should pay off now, but regularly check the progress of the renovation to ensure it stays on schedule.
• Ensure that the renovation aligns with the agreed specifications, design, and HDB's guidelines. Catching and fixing any mistakes early will save you time, money, and effort.
• Maintain friendly relations with your future neighbors by being considerate of noise. Ask your contractor to display a notice outside your flat indicating the start and end dates of the renovation, so your neighbors can make arrangements to avoid noise and dust.
• Inform your neighbors in advance about any noisy renovation works. It's also an opportunity to get to know them!
• Take active steps to reduce noise, like closing the door of your flat during periods of loud noise from the renovation.

We hope you find this guide helpful. Happy planning and renovating!

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg