How much is renovating a home really going to cost?
The amount you see on your contract may give you a rough idea of how much you'll need to spend, but it isn't often the final sum. There's more to renovating than doing your floors and walls! It's also about turning the bare space liveable - with furnishings, appliances or additional carpentry.
Which comes the big question: Just how much more will you need to fully furnish a home? To manage your finances (and expectations) better, here's a cost breakdown of basic features and items that you'll need to factor in for each area of your home.
Before we start…
Interior Designer: ELPIS Interior Design
Every renovation is unique - there's no hard and fast rule to computing the correct ‘budget’ you should set aside. Estimated, average figures listed here are based on data we've collected from multiple interior designers and home furnishing stores. Also, do note that these prices here are slightly on the higher end, so as to provide you some extra leeway in your budget. (Don't cry foul just yet!)
1. Living and Dining Room
Interior Designer: Fuse Concept
The room that gets the most eyeballs and impressions, your living area is where the entire theme of your home is defined. Feature walls or statement pieces will often come on display in here - and prices may vary according to the materials (laminate, Craftstone, wood panels) used. Craftstone may be more expensive than other feature wall alternatives like wallpaper or laminates, but laminates with it's wider variety of effects and improved quality are slowly catching up in terms of price.
Craftstone feature wall. Interior Designer: Boon Siew D'sign
Because most people will gather around and spend time in the living room - comfort and functionality is key. Seating solutions, such as sofas or armchairs will take up a chunk of your budget. Do remember that the cost will also be affected by the brand, material (fabric vs leather) and size (two-seater, L-shaped) you select.
Interior Designer: Fuse Concept
While many consider it to be a separate area, dining rooms are often found near or within a living room. Thus, we have included price estimates for a basic 4-seater dining set in this breakdown as well.
2. Kitchen
Interior Designer: DB Studio
A space that will cater to heavy duty chores (like cooking and cleaning), the kitchen needs to be highly durable - and practical. Doing up a kitchen will involve extensive carpentry works to fit out your countertops, sinks, hobs and top-hung cabinets. Most bodies of cabinets will be made of ply and laminate, but extra add-ons like Blum hinges, soft close, hydraulic lifts or in-built lighting may increase prices.
Interior Designer: Boon Siew D'sign
Also, the type of countertop finish can affect your cost. Hardier materials like granite or engineered stone are costlier, but more durable. More pocket-friendly alternatives include Quartz, solid surface (e.g. Corian) and laminates.
Interior Designer: Studio 20 Concepts
Likewise, the type of hob you choose is a factor. Gas hobs are generally cheaper than induction hobs, and are catered to a wider range of cooking, though the latter wins in the looks department.
Interior Designer: DB Studio
And because a kitchen is usually connected to the service yard, laundry fixtures are commonly combined with the area - including washing machines, dryers or automated laundry systems.
3. Bedroom
Interior Designer: Mr Shopper Studio
A place to unwind and recharge (literally), the bedroom is where you take off your public mask and put on your private face. Key fixtures like wardrobes that store your garments, makeup or important documents are thus usually found in the bedroom. Here, we've included prices for an average, 4-door wardrobe (about 6 feet in length).
Interior Designer: DB Studio
But when it all boils down to it, the bedroom’s main purpose is providing a comfortable environment to get your zzz’s in. Make it a priority to plan the type of bed mattress and frame you’d want first. It should dictate the rest of your space instead of being accommodated around after doing the built ins. Not sure which mattress you should go for? Remember, that the size, type and branding of the mattress will affect costs significantly too.
Check Out: How To Pick The Right Mattress
4. Bathroom
Interior Designer: Icon Interior Design
They say the bathroom’s the most visited room in your home, so it pays to choose the right fittings that can handle the daily grime. That being said, most offerings for bathroom fittings range similar in terms of function, materials and design.
Interior Designer: The Scientist
Ultimately, what would affect costs would be the type of brand you choose. High-end brands like Kohler or Hansgrohe will usually cost a couple of hundreds more than mass-market ones like Baron.
5. Study
Interior Designer: Dan's Workshop
If you’ve got an extra room to spare, you might probably think of converting it into a home office/study. Understandably, the place has got to be functional, and will probably include a study table, office chair and perhaps a bookshelf to store your supplies.
Interior Designer: Glamour Concept
While you may want a long, huge table (to feel like a boss), do remember that the longer your table, the more expensive it gets. Also, L-shaped tables cost more than single line ones. And if you're wondering why a table or bookshelf may cost more than say, your kitchen countertops, do take into consideration the complexity of the design, additional features like sliding doors and type of material used (timber or plywood?).
A single line, wall mounted study table. Interior Designer: Fifth Avenue Interior
6. Kid's Bedroom and Other Miscellaneous Items
Interior Designer: Boon Siew D'sign
Last of all, don’t forget to set aside an amount for your children's bedroom! But seeing how fast they will grow, it’s better to think for the long term and get pieces that can adapt to these changes.
Interior Designer: DB Studio
For instance, instead of getting a child-sized bed, invest in a full-sized single bed they can sleep into their teenage years. Likewise, keep other furniture pieces like wardrobes or storage areas in classic designs that won’t seem too childish as time passes.
Interior Designer: Boon Siew D'sign
Then, there are the staples that apply to almost every room in your home. We're talking about soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, throws and bed sheets that also play an integral part in your home’s comfort and style. Overlook them, and they might throw a wrench in your budget - by the thousands.
Watch: How Much Does It Cost To Renovate: Renovation Costs Per Room
Make your renovation journey a breeze
With helpful tips and tricks on hand, the next step to creating your dream space is getting the right interior design to put it all together. And we can help - simply request for a free quote here, and we will match you up with 5 reliable interior design firms, based on your budget and style. All recommendations will be covered under the Qanvast Guarantee, up to $50,000.
Looking for more local home inspiration? Download the Qanvast app here. Save your favourite images, read up on nifty renovation tips and check out the latest home furnishing products - all on the go.
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