The Most-Searched Renovation Questions On The Web, Answered

Even if you are a seasoned renovator, as a homeowner who is about to embark on a renovation project, it is natural that you will have some burning questions to ask.

Whether it is how much things will cost or the best time to get started, we give you the answers to some of the Internet’s most-searched queries on renovating a home in Singapore.

1. "When Do I Start Planning My Renovation?"

The best time to start planning for your renovation is about 6 months to a year before key collection. This will give you ample time to think about what your dream home will look like and to find the right professional to bring it to life.

Interior Designer: StyleMySpace

As for the actual works, they should take place between 2 weeks to a month after key collection. This is important as you will need some buffer time to check for defects and to ensure that the utilities are ready for the people working on your home.

Here are some additional things that you can do to lay the groundwork beforehand:

• Find Inspiration: There are renovation databases online that you can browse freely. Make use of them and put together a moodboard of the concept you love.

• Get Quotes From Qanvast: Unless you are an interior designer or architect, a home renovation probably isn’t a task that you can tackle alone. Request for a free quote from us and we’ll link you up with 5 local home renovation professionals that fit your budget and style!

2. "How Much Does A Home Renovation Cost?"

This is probably the question that weighs most heavily on every homeowner’s mind, so check out the table below for a quick summary on average renovation costs in Singapore.

But to elaborate a bit more on the topic, how much an average home renovation costs largely hinges on two factors: Whether it’s a resale unit and the type of property you are living in.

The former matters because resale units tend to require more work (and money) to complete because of the need to refurbish old and/or faulty fixtures as well as structures. The same applies for condominium renovations, which tend to be more intricate affairs because of the extensive concealment works involved.

Get An Estimated Cost For Your Renovation With The Qanvast Renovation Calculator!

3. "How Do I Renovate On A Budget?"

While it is true that the amount of money spent on a home renovation isn’t a sum that you can pass off as a daily expense, it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank either.

Interior Designer: Prozfile

Here are some general guidelines that will help you achieve your desired look without going past the limits:

• Don't Be Too Ambitious: Skip the fancy furnishings and frivolous fittings if your budget is tight. Doing so will help you save precious funds, plus you’ll also get the opportunity to create an on-trend aesthetic for your home.

• Don’t Go Overboard: Consider your future needs before getting your interior designer to demolish the kitchen walls or replace the existing flooring. Although structural changes like these may improve the overall look of your home, re-building them will incur extra costs down the road.

• Engage In Some DIY: It never hurts to get hands on when it comes to making over your home. Whether it is putting up the wallpaper or even slapping on a fresh coat of paint on a small section of wall, undertaking some of these minor tasks can help to keep your budget in check. That said, get professional help if you are not 100% confident.

Check Out: Renovations, Where To Spend & What To Save

4. "How Long Does A Renovation Take?"

On average, renovating a 4-room HDB flat or condominium unit takes about 8 to 12 weeks, however that does not take into account unexpected delays that may occur because of structural or planning complications.

Interior Designer: Free Space Intent

For instance, a simple task like installing click-on vinyl flooring typically takes up to a day or two, but you can expect to add on a week (or more) to the process if the supplier runs out of your desired tile pattern. In older homes, common issues like mould build-up or worn cables can also cause a renovation project to take longer than expected.

Check Out: What To Expect When Renovating A Home

5. "How Do I Get A Renovation Loan?"

Interior Designer: Habit

Applying for a renovation loan is a straightforward affair. Most of what you will need to do is submitting your personal documents (NRIC, payslips/CPF contribution records and proof of home ownership) on top of the invoice issued by your interior designer, the rest will be settled by your loan provider.

However, it may be useful for you to do some research on the different renovation loans available in Singapore. Although most providers offer a maximum of loan amount of $30,000 or up to 6 times your monthly income, the final amount allocated depends on your borrowing limits (the Total Debt Servicing Ratio, or TSDR) and credit score.

6. "Should I Renovate My Home?"

Can't decide whether you should renovate your home? The best way to overcome the inertia is to list out the pros and cons that are relevant to you.

In most cases, the benefits of renovating are clear. Aside from giving your home a more visually-pleasing look and making it more comfortable, brand-new additions such as furniture, built-in storage compartments and work surfaces also improve its primary function as a living space.

Interior Designer: The Design Abode

On the flip side, if you are easily stressed and dislike tough choices, a home renovation may not be for you because of how tight the entire process can be.

There will be times where you will be faced with making decisions that are hard to go back on, such as demolishing a wall to open up a room or replacing existing fittings with newly-purchased ones. Nevertheless, with proper assistance and guidance from the right professionals, this challenge may be well-worth the trouble.

Need Some Help With Your Renovation?

You don't always have to search the Internet to find the right help. Simply request for a reno quote with Qanvast, and get matched with 5 interior designers, based on your budget and style.

Want more useful renovation tips? Download the Qanvast app here. Save your favourite images, discover new home products or simply read up on handy hacks that will aid your renovation journey!