A handy guide to plan your renovation process beforehand.
One of the biggest perks of buying a resale HDB flat is that you won't have to wait years for your keys. And if you're lucky, you might even snag a home that's already in move-in condition.
However, depending on the age and condition of the flat, renovating a resale home can involve considerably more work than a brand-new BTO. In fact, according to our 2026 renovation cost estimates, renovating a 4-room resale HDB flat could set you back between $70,000 and $81,600, compared to $50,000 to $60,000 for a similar-sized BTO flat.
But that doesn't mean you have to overhaul everything. From replacing worn-out fixtures to updating ageing electrical wiring, some renovation works are worth prioritising, while others can be scaled back or skipped altogether.
So, where should you spend, and where can you save?
1. Do you need to replace the existing floor and wall tiles in your resale flat?
Verdict: It depends.
If the existing floor and wall tiles are still in good condition, there's no reason why you can't keep them and save yourself the cost of hacking and replacing them.
However, if you notice cracked, loose or hollow tiles, it may be worth replacing them to avoid having to deal with costly repairs after moving in. This is especially important in wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where damaged tiles could also be a sign of underlying waterproofing issues.
That said, hacking isn't your only option. Depending on the condition of the existing tiles, you may be able to overlay new ones on top instead, which can help you save on hacking costs and reduce renovation debris.
Before making a decision, get your interior designer or contractor to assess the condition of the existing tiles and advise whether retaining, overlaying or replacing them would be the most practical option.
2. Do you need to rewire the electrical system in your resale flat?
Verdict: Prioritise if necessary.
Not every resale flat requires electrical rewiring, but it's something worth checking, especially if you're buying an older unit.
Over time, electrical wiring can deteriorate, while older electrical systems may not be equipped to handle the demands of modern households with multiple high-powered appliances. Warning signs such as frequently tripping circuit breakers, flickering lights or discoloured power sockets could indicate underlying electrical issues.
If the existing wiring is still in good condition and meets current safety requirements, a complete overhaul may not be necessary. You might only need to add or relocate power points to accommodate your furniture layout and appliances.
Before starting renovation works, engage a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) to inspect the existing electrical system and advise whether partial or complete rewiring is needed.
It's better to address any potential electrical issues before moving in, especially since rewiring after renovation could mean having to undo some of your newly completed works.
3. Should you repair spalling concrete before renovating your resale flat?
Verdict: Prioritise.
Unlike cosmetic defects that you can choose to live with, spalling concrete is an issue that should be addressed as soon as possible, especially before starting renovation works.
Commonly found in older HDB flats, spalling concrete occurs when the steel reinforcement bars embedded within concrete begin to corrode, causing the surrounding concrete to crack, flake or fall off. It's particularly common in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens, although it can also occur elsewhere.
While minor cases may seem like nothing more than an eyesore, leaving spalling concrete untreated can cause the affected area to deteriorate further. It also poses a safety risk if pieces of concrete start falling from the ceiling.
If you notice signs of spalling concrete, arrange for the affected areas to be assessed and repaired before proceeding with renovation works. Simply painting over the damaged surface won't solve the underlying problem.
4. Should you replace the existing sanitary fittings in your resale flat?
Verdict: Probably prioritise.
If you've purchased a resale flat that was recently renovated or well-maintained by its previous owners, there's a good chance that the existing sanitary fittings, such as toilet bowls, sinks and taps, are still in good condition. In such cases, you can consider retaining them to save on renovation costs.
But do you really, truly want to use the same toilet bowl as the previous owner? As clean as they may be, it’s still – well, kind of icky, especially since they may have become clogged with dust, hair, and calcium deposits after years of usage. So for hygiene purposes, it’s probably best to replace the old sanitary fittings (like your sink, water valves, and shower heads).
For a list of merchants selling these fixtures, head over to our brand directory and take advantage of the deals available there!
5. Should I go for more expensive materials when renovating my resale flat?
Verdict: Skip.
Unless you’ve got a huge budget, you should probably favour more cost-effective materials over expensive, luxurious ones. Sure, marble walls and exotic hardwood floors look amazing, but it’s going to cost you. Like, really cost you.
Since you’re already spending more on the other areas above, choosing cheaper (but still long-lasting!) materials can help you save thousands of dollars that helps you stay within your budget. And just because they’re cheaper doesn’t mean they look cheap, because they can look good as well!
6. Should I hack the walls when renovating my resale flat?
Verdict: Skip unless necessary.
Some resale houses come with weird layouts, and it’s tempting to knock down some walls to create a more open area. But if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to reconsider doing so, especially if you don’t intend to stay there for long and are intending to sell it in the future.
Reason being, it’s an expensive thing to do – and it’ll be even more if you’re considering a half wall, since you’ll have to tear the whole thing down before building it back up.
If the house layout is important to you, factor it in when choosing a resale home to buy. That way, you’ll buy a house with a layout that you can work with, without needing to hack away any walls and adding to the renovation costs.
7. Should I get more built-in carpentry when renovating my resale flat?
Verdict: Skip where possible.
Built-in carpentry involves a fair bit of manual labour and at times, materials and fittings. Hence it’s only natural that it’s expensive when you are doing it for a large square footage, or if you are looking at an intricate/customised design. If you have a really tight budget, save it for the necessary fixtures such as kitchen cabinets.
For those with growing families, fewer built-ins translate into greater flexibility in shifting things around to accommodate your growing kids. Or if this is your first-time home and not wanting to stay long, do reconsider those built-ins as they can sometimes be a liability.
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