Budget-Friendly Home Renovation Guide for Homeowners

Are you dreaming of revamping your space but you’re worried about the potential costs? Your concern is normal for any homeowner wanting a design overhaul in their living space.

With living expenses going up, renovations may seem like a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets.

Giving your BTO or resale flat a fresh new vibe doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Nor do you need a massive loan.

In this guide, we have included smart tips and the latest market trends to help you renovate wisely and affordably.

Current Renovation Costs (2025)

Here is what you need to know about the latest costs of renovating a BTO flat in Singapore.

BTO Renovation Costs in 2025

Thanks to newer conditions, BTO flats generally cost less to renovate than resale units. That said, prices in 2025 have gone up slightly (about 2% to 3%) because of rising material and labour costs. (Source: Qanvast)

Have you noticed the bigger jump in 5-room flat costs? It’s because many owners are choosing high-quality materials and custom-built-ins, planning to stay long-term. Meanwhile, 3-room flat owners often keep things simple, saving bigger upgrades for later.

Resale HDB Renovation Costs in 2025

If you’re renovating a resale flat, expect to spend more than you would on a BTO. Older flats usually need more work.

Here’s a look at the average renovation costs this year.

These prices reflect a 2-3% increase from 2024, mainly due to shifts in the labour market and rising costs of materials.

Why are The Costs What They Are in 2025?

1. Skilled Is Still Catching Up – Many skilled workers left during the pandemic and the industry is still rebuilding. That means experienced contractors now come at a premium.
2. Material Cost Stabilisation – Good news! Prices may have spiked after the pandemic but materials have mostly settled in 2025. This has helped keep renovation cost increases relatively modest.
3. “Invisible” Upgrades Are on the Rise – More homeowners are investing in essentials rewiring, plumbing, and infrastructure upgrades. You might not see these changes, but they can add up, sometimes increasing costs by up to 37%. Still, they’re worth it for long-term safety and value.
4. Designs Are Getting More Complex – With access to global trends and advanced tools, many homeowners are choosing bold, customised designs that naturally cost more to build.
5. It’s All About Your Flat’s Condition & Your Vision – Your total renovation cost will depend on your style, materials, and (for resale flats) the current state of your home. A well-kept flat might need just a refresh, while one that needs major work (like tearing down walls) will cost more.

Cost-Effective Living Room Transformations

You don’t need a massive budget to give your space a whole new look. With a little creativity, you can make a huge impact. Here is how.

Freshen Up with Paint

A new paint job is one of the cheapest ways to transform your living room! Some easy ideas:

1. Use light colours to make your space feel bigger and brighter.
2. Add an accent wall to bring personality without repainting the whole room.
3. Try fun, textured techniques like colour washing or ombre effects.
4. A simple coat of white paint can instantly lift and “tall-ify” any room.

Give Old Furniture New Life

Before you splurge on new furniture, consider revamping what you already have.

1. Reupholster sofas or chairs with trendy fabrics.
2. Paint wooden furniture with chalk paint.
3. Swap out hardware on cabinets and drawers.
4. Update your coffee table with DIY hacks like marble-effect contact paper.

Affordable Decor Updates

Small touches can make a big difference.

1. Change cushion covers and throws with the seasons.
2. Create a gallery wall with inexpensive frames and printable art.
3. Add indoor plants like snake plants and pothos.
4. Use mirrors to bounce light and make small rooms feel bigger.

Reorganise for Impact

Sometimes, the best “renovation” doesn’t cost a dime.

1. Try a new furniture layout to freshen up the flow.
2. Invest in multi-functional storage pieces.
3. Rearrange your artwork or add a bold statement piece.
4. Embrace a “less is more” mindset (declutter to make your space feel bigger and more intentional)

Window Treatments & Flooring

Want to update without overspending? Try these:

• For windows
  • Switch to light, breezy curtains
  • DIY your own Roman shades
  • Install bamboo or wooden blinds
  • Use tension rods with ready-made curtains
• For flooring
  • Add large area rugs to cover worn spots
  • Try peel-and-stick floor tiles for a quick makeover
  • Paint concrete floors for an industrial-chic vibe
  • Refinish wooden floors yourself instead of replacing them

When working with a tight budget, creativity and resourcefulness are your best friends.

Budget-Friendly Kitchen Renovations

Cabinet Glow-Up

Cabinets can eat up most of your renovation budget, but they don’t have to!

1. Reface cabinet doors with laminate or veneer
2. Paint them in light, modern colours
3. Swap in new handles or knobs for a quick facelift
4. Remove some doors for open shelving

Stylish Backsplash, Low Cost

No need for expensive tile work to make your backsplash pop.

1. Use peel-and-stick tiles that look like stone or ceramic
2. Paint existing tiles with tile-specific paint
3. Try beadboard panels for a cottage feel
4. Or go sleek with a single piece of tempered glass

Countertop Refresh (No Demo Needed)

Replacing counters? Costly. A brilliant idea when you’re renovating your house on a budget is to refresh them!

1. Use refinishing kits to give surfaces a new life
2. Apply a concrete skim coat for an industrial look
3. Choose laminate for a wallet-friendly upgrade
4. Go with butcher block (beautiful, warm, and it improves with age)

Light It Up Right

The right lighting can totally change your kitchen vibe.

1. Swap old fixtures for LED options
2. Add under-cabinet LED strips for better task lighting
3. Install a statement pendant over the island or table
4. Stick on LED puck lights inside cabinets for a glow-up

Smart Appliance Swaps

New appliances can be pricey, but you don’t have to go all in.

1. Refresh old appliances with appliance paint
2. Replace just one or two that make the most visual impact
3. Opt for energy-efficient models to save long-term
4. Hunt for discounted floor models or scratch-and-dent deals

Sink & Faucet Updates

Sometimes, small changes make a big splash.

1. Install a new faucet with features like a pull-down sprayer
2. Upgrade to a sleek stainless steel sink
3. Add a cutting board that fits over your sink
4. Use sink mats or grids to protect surfaces

Bathroom Renovations on a Budget

Bathroom renovations usually rank among the most expensive home improvement projects. But you can revamp this space without emptying your wallet.

Tile Painting or Peel-and-Stick Solutions

1. Use specialised tile paint to refresh dated tiles
2. Apply peel-and-stick tile decals
3. Refresh grout lines with grout cleaner or grout pain
4. Use tile trim to cover old tile edges

Fixture Updates

1. Replace outdated faucets, showerheads, and toilet handles with modern versions
2. Install energy-efficient LED light fixtures
3. Update cabinet hardware with contemporary pulls and knobs
4. Install a new toilet seat (it’s a quick but inexpensive refresh)

Storage Tricks

1. Install floating shelves on unused wall space for additional storage
2. Use over-the-toilet storage units to make use of vertical space
3. Add tension rods under the sink to hang cleaning supplies
4. Incorporate attractive baskets and bins to store toiletries and linens

Vanity Makeover

1. Paint existing vanity cabinets in a fresh, water-resistant colour
2. Replace just the vanity top with an affordable material like cultured marble
3. Install a new sink and faucet (but keep the existing cabinet)
4. Apply waterproof vinyl to cabinet doors

Mirror and Glass Updates

1. Frame a plain mirror with trim
2. Replace a small mirror with a larger one
3. Consider a sliding glass door instead of a shower curtain
4. Apply frosted window film to bathroom windows (for privacy)

Accessory Updates

1. Replace old tower bars, toilet paper holders, and hooks with matching new ones
2. Add plants or flowers
3. Use matching dispensers for soap, lotion, and other toiletries
4. Invest in new coordinated towels and bath mats

Bathtub and Shower

1. Use a bathtub refinishing kit to restore a stained/worn tub
2. Install a curved shower rod
3. Add a rainfall showerhead
4. Clean or paint grout lines

Bedroom Revamps That Won’t Break the Bank

Wall Treatments

You can afford to update the walls of your bedroom.

1. Paint an accent wall in a soothing colour
2. Use removable wallpaper
3. Create a feature wall with washi tape designs or simple stencils
4. Hang fabric panels to absorb sound and for added texture

Bedding and Soft Furnishing Updates

1. Invest in new bedding with a bold pattern or calming colour scheme
2. Layer different textures with throws and cushions
3. Use bed skirts or valances to hide under-bed storage
4. Update window treatments to complement your new colour scheme and control light

DIY Headboard Ideas

1. Create a fabric-covered headboard using foam and your favourite fabric
2. Build a rustic headboard with reclaimed wood planks
3. Paint a headboard design directly on the wall behind your bed
4. Use decorative wall decals (headboard alternative)

Lighting Makeover

1. Replace outdated ceiling fixtures
2. Add dimmer switches
3. Incorporate string lights or LED strips
4. Position bed lamps strategically

Furniture Refresh

1. Paint wooden furniture in coordinating colours
2. Replace drawer pulls and knobs
3. Apply contact paper or vinyl to flat surfaces
4. Rearrange furniture

Low-Cost Styling

1. Create a gallery wall using personal photos in coordinated frames
2. Add indoor plants
3. Use decor boxes to organise small items on dressers or nightstands
4. Layer area rugs on existing flooring

Conclusion

The takeaways from our budget-friendly renovation guide are:

• Begin your renovation planning 2-4 months before collecting the key
• Research materials, fixtures and appliances to take advantage of promotions
• Commit to design decisions early on
• An experienced interior design company can actually save you money

If you are ready to begin your home transformation, consult with us today! We can help you develop a renovation plan for your dream space without worrying about your finances.