We’re all for drooling over jaw-dropping spaces, but let’s be realistic – a stunning home renovation can cost a pretty penny! After all, anything fancy or unusual is bound to incur extra costs, due to additional labour needed to design, fabricate and install things. So consider yourself warned; think twice about getting these 9 design features if you’re on a budget:
1. Non-Basic Doors
Interior Designer: Uno Interior
Basically, anything that isn’t your usual rectangular, wooden slab. Think quirky rounded edges, slatted wood-paneled finishes or even colonial-style glass framed doors. While definitely eye-catching, they may be more complicated to fabricate and procure, which will add on to its price. Willing to splurge a little? Consider getting just one to work as a focal point in your house. It could be the main door, the doorway to the study, or master bedroom.
2. Curved Arches
Interior Designer: Uno Interior
Not only do they add a unique twist to dull, boxy ceilings, curved arches can sometimes serve a functional purpose too - for instance, concealing unsightly features like air-con pipes. However, do note that opting for one will mean incurring more costs, due to its complexity and additional plastering work.
3. Floor to Ceiling Built-Ins
Interior Designer: Aiden-T
We’re talking about built-up bookshelves, storage cabinets or even this built-in bunk bed - complete with hidden storage. While definitely practical, we wouldn’t recommend decking every inch of wall space in head-to-toe storage compartments if you're on a budget. It’ll rack up to a hefty bill due to the extensive amount of materials used, plus labour costs.
4. Wall Coverings (That are Not Paint)
Interior Designer: Hygge Design
Bare walls are unsightly, paint is basic; but wall coverings – as unique and tactile as they are, are not the cheapest option for your walls. They include mouldings, panels or any wall finishes that might require extra materials to construct and apply. If you want to add pizzazz to your home without splurging on this feature, go for painted graphic motifs instead!
5. Open-Concept Spaces/Half Walls
Interior Designer: Dan's Workshop
Unless your HDB/Condo already comes with an open-plan layout, achieving an open-concept home is bound to rack up your renovation cost, thanks to the hacking you’ll have to do! What’s even more expensive are half-walls – which will require extra work to hack and make good. If you’re on a limited budget, consider keeping hacking works to one wall area to save costs.
6. Fancy Ceiling Works
Interior Designer: IN-EXPAT
They’d certainly blow guests away with their stunning façade, but this aesthetic feature can be a major cost bomb. Any by fancy, we mean intricate false ceilings, wooden panels or even this jaw-dropping tropical print ceiling piece. Pay mind that these works are usually uncommon and slightly more complicated for contractors to lay out, which can account for higher costs.
7. Movable Dividers
Interior Designer: asolidplan
Perfect for adding an element of surprise and ingenuity, sliding, modular partitions that divide and combine various spaces are a smart space-saving addition. However, with this flexibility comes with a price – in the form of costs due to extra hacking works (if needed), the installation of partition slabs and sliding tracks/rollers.
8. Concealed Features
Interior Designer: KDOT Associates
We get it, jutting furniture, plain, exposed walls and doors can really spoil a look. Wouldn’t it be nice to have them flushed and hidden away from sight? While concealed built-ins provide a sleek, kept-together air in a space (and help to maximise square footage in some cases, like this fold-out bed), extra carpentry works and materials can add significant cost to your renovation bill.
9. Complex Built-ins
Interior Designer: In2Space Interior
Unsurprisingly, complicated shapes or complex built-in designs can be pricey, due to the sheer amount of labour needed to fabricate and install these pieces. Our take? Skimp out on such intricate carpentry if you aren’t 100% sure you’ll love it for decades. Instead, use smaller décor pieces to add visual oomph.
Renovate smart!
Love a particular style, but have a set budget to work on? We can match you with up to 5 interior designers, based on your requirements.
All recommendations made by Qanvast will be eligible for the Qanvast Guarantee, which protects deposits up to $50,000.
Get a budget estimate before meeting IDs