Guidelines and Timeline for Renovating Your Kitchen and Bathroom

Many homeowners in Singapore are particularly concerned about the cost of kitchen and bathroom renovations. You need to know the specifics of what you will be spending on whether you want to renovate your kitchen and bathroom in whole or in sections. Consider the important factors from this kitchen and bathroom renovation guide before engaging an interior designer.

General Renovation Guidelines

The renovation contractor will display the notice of renovation outside your unit for the whole renovation duration. They are also required to keep your immediate neighbours informed of the renovation by serving them a written notice at least three days in advance before commencing the renovation.

As a homeowner, you are advised to exercise diligent care and caution so that no disturbance, nuisance, or annoyance may be caused to others in the housing estate.

General renovation can only be carried out between 8 AM and 6 PM daily. You are also advised to avoid carrying out any Do-It-Yourself (DIY) works involving hammering and drilling from 10:30 in the evening to 7 AM because such works may cause disturbance to your neighbours.

For noisy renovation works such as wall demolition, removal of wall and floor finishes, cutting of tiles, and drilling, you only have 9 AM to 5 PM during weekdays to proceed with them. They are not allowed to be carried out on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Lastly, works that involve the use of approved handheld power tools or their equivalents are not allowed to take more than three consecutive days.

Full vs Partial Kitchen Renovation

A full kitchen renovation involves replacing all fixtures and appliances in your kitchen, which can be expensive. But this allows for a complete overhaul of its design and functionality. It can include updating:

• • • Cabinets
    • Countertops
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Appliances

As a homeowner, you should determine your budget and work with a reputable contractor and designer to plan the whole project if you are going all in.

However, if you plan to make selective updates to your kitchen, you can opt for partial kitchen renovation. It is a more cost-effective way to update your kitchen’s look and feel without a complete overhaul. Examples of partial kitchen renovations include:

• • • Updating countertops and cabinets
    • Adding a backsplash

Again, determine your budget and engage a reliable contractor or interior designer to ensure a cohesive design that works for your kitchen flow.

The Extent of Kitchen Renovation

The extent of your kitchen renovation depends on your budget and goals. You can choose to make cosmetic updates like painting the cabinet and changing out fixtures or undertake a more extensive renovation such as changing the kitchen layout. When planning the renovation, you must consider the existing design of your home so that the updates match the original form.

Cost of Kitchen Renovation

In general, kitchen renovation packages cost anywhere from 200 SGD for basic renovations to 27,000 SGD for extensive remodelling (complete kitchen makeover). On average, a kitchen makeover package costs about 5,000 SGD for moderate kitchen upgrades.

The expected costs included in a typical kitchen renovation package is presented below, including tasks like upgrading kitchen cabinets, retiling floors, and replacing worktops.

The prices are only estimates and may vary from the actual renovation prices

Considerations when Doing a Kitchen Renovation

Homeowners like you should consider the following factors to ensure that your kitchen renovation project meets your needs and stays within your budget:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Determine your budget before starting any renovation project so you can prioritise what updates you can make and work with your contractor and designer, ensuring they stay within the target costs.
            2. The kitchen’s layout is also a vital consideration when planning a renovation. Think about how you use your kitchen and consider any changes you want to make. For example, adding an island or changing the location of your appliances can impact the functionality of your kitchen.
            3. The materials used in the renovation can also affect the overall cost of the project. Select materials that are not only budget-friendly but also durable. For instance, quartz countertops are a popular choice because of their durability and minimal maintenance requirement.
            4. Proper lighting too is essential in any renovation, including the kitchen. You should consider adding task lighting under cabinets and overhead lighting for a well-lit kitchen.
            5. You must also consider energy-efficient appliances and lighting fixtures when planning your renovation. You may not realise their cost-cutting benefits, but they can significantly reduce your utility bills over time.
            6. One important consideration is deciding on the sink type. Sinks come in various materials (stainless steel, porcelain, and composite), and it is important to choose the right one for your needs. You should also consider its size, durability, and ease of maintenance. Your sink should be spacious enough to accommodate large pots and pans, are easy to clean and durable enough to withstand wear and tear.
            7. Proper ventilation helps improve air quality, minimise the spread of odours, and prevent the growth of moulds. Consider installing a cooker hood to extract cooking fumes.
            8. The countertop, too, is essential. You should consider the material used (e.g., granite, quartz, sintered stone and marble), as well as the colour, texture, and finish. It should be durable, easy to clean, and match the overall kitchen design.
            9. How your lifestyle may change after the kitchen renovation must also be considered. For example, you may want to consider adding additional seating or a larger dining area if you frequently entertain guests. If you have children, you may want to consider adding child-proofing features (e.g., soft-close drawers and rounded edges on countertops).
            10. Make sure to check everything installed during your kitchen renovation, including the quality of the materials, proper appliance installation, and the overall workmanship of the renovation project. A reliable contractor and interior designer should be happy to answer any questions and concerns about the work being done.

Homeowners should also consider the level of renovation they need. As a homeowner, ask yourself, “Do I need a full kitchen renovation or just a partial one? Will changing the kitchen layout require moving electrical or plumbing fixtures?” These are all important factors to consider when determining the extent of renovation needed.

Bathroom Renovation: Its Inclusion

Comfort is the number one reason why homeowners prioritise the bathroom as one that needs both the aesthetics and functionality. It is important to feel comfortable in your own bathroom. Here are the inclusions of a bathroom renovation project you need to know and consider:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Replacement of fixtures: It includes replacing the toilet, sink, bathtub, or shower. Upgrading to new, more efficient fixtures improves the functionality of your bathroom and may significantly reduce water.
            2. Flooring and wall tiles: You can choose from various materials like porcelain and ceramic tiles, which are durable and water-resistant.
            3. Lighting: Like kitchen renovation, you can consider adding task lighting around the sink and mirror and overhead lighting for a well-lit comfort room.
            4. Storage: It includes adding a vanity with cabinets or installing shelves/built-in cabinets.
            5. Ventilation: This is crucial to prevent mould and mildew growth and also maintain good indoor air quality.
            6. Plumbing & electrical work: You may need to move the location of fixtures or upgrade the electrical wiring. Thus, you must hire a licensed contractor/interior designer to handle any plumbing and electrical work.

What to Consider before having a Bathroom Renovation

You will be asked a lot by your interior designer when you are planning to design your bathroom – your usage, needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Here are things you should ask yourself before getting a bathroom renovation done.

• • • • What is my renovation goal? You should consider why you want to renovate your bathroom and what you hope to achieve with this project?
      • What is my budget? You must consider your budget and be realistic about what you can afford. This will help you prioritise the updates you are planning.
      • What is the timeline? You must also consider how long the renovation will take and plan accordingly, including finding alternative bathing arrangements and adjusting your daily routines to accommodate the project.
      • What are the regulations and permits required? You should research the local building regulations and permits needed for your bathroom renovation project so you can know if your contractor and designer are aware of and comply with all the relevant regulations and permits.

• • • • What is the scope of my renovation? You must determine the level of renovation you need by identifying what changes you want to make to your bathroom. It includes replacing fixtures, updating your flooring and wall tiles, and adding storage.

Cost of Bathroom Renovation

On average, you will be spending about 4,000 to 7,000 SGD on a total bathroom remodel. But if you are wondering how much is the estimated cost of a basic bathroom renovation, here is an estimation:

The costs presented vary depending on the materials and finishes (e.g., fancy designer tiles or regular ceramic tiles; huge vanity unit or just a compact one)

Additional Factors that Affect the Renovation Costs

1. 1. 1. 1. Carefully consider the frequency of bathroom maintenance. For example, choose quartz and tiles as surface materials as they are non-porous and easy to clean. For better grip, anti-slip floor tiles with grout lines and large-sized wall tiles (preferably without grout lines) are recommended. You can opt for frosted-glass partitions to minimise the visibility of water stains.
         2. Your storage needs can also affect your toilet renovation costs. If you are more of a space-efficient person, go for a vanity with enough drawers and cabinets. If you lack adequate space for a vanity unit, you can go for open floor-to-ceiling wall shelves, a cheaper and excellent alternative for bathroom storage.

Many homeowners are inclined towards adding designer elements to their bathrooms. If you are such, you must allocate additional budget for this from the budgeted renovation costs.

Some Bathroom/Toilet Renovation Tips to Try

Renovating a bathroom or toilet is an excellent way to freshen up the space and increase your home’s value. Here are some tips for you to consider when renovating this space.

• • • Consider building niche storage in the shower area or adding shelves above the toilet to maximise space. Utilising vertical surfaces is a smart way to add storage without taking up valuable floor space.
    • Sliding doors are a great option for small bathrooms, taking up less space than hinged doors and adding a unique touch to the space. Mirrored sliding doors serve a dual purpose by providing a vanity mirror.
    • Consider extending your bathroom space if you find that it is too small for your needs. Break down a wall to create extra room for a vanity area or more storage space. Consult this with your contractor and designer to ensure any structural changes are safe and compliant with building regulations.
    • Proper lighting can make a big difference in your bathroom’s overall look and feel. You may want to install Hollywood lights around your vanity or add dimmer switches for a relaxing atmosphere.
    • Consider using low-maintenance finishes like polished concrete or quartz countertops, especially if you find bathroom maintenance taxing.

What to Avoid when Doing Toilet Renovation

It is important to be aware of the mistakes to avoid when renovating your toilet, including:

1. 1. 1. 1. Doing renovation without prior approval – Obtaining prior approval from relevant authorities before proceeding with your bathroom renovation is important. Your contractor and interior designer can help you secure approvals and permits and stay compliant with the necessary regulations.
         2. Choosing materials without proper research and consideration – Be cautious when selecting materials for your bathroom renovation. Choose high-quality, durable ones that can withstand moisture and humidity and are suitable for Singapore’s climate and weather conditions. Avoid selecting materials based solely on their aesthetic appeal or low price, as they may not be practical or sustainable in the long run.
         3. Making rash decisions – Avoid making impulsive decisions. Plan your renovation carefully and seek constant advice from your interior designer to prevent undesirable outcomes.
         4. Not allocating extra budget – Be prepared to allocate extra budget for unforeseen expenses that may arise during the whole process. It will help you avoid potential delays or compromises.
         5. Neglecting proper ventilation – Proper bathroom ventilation is as important as proper lighting to ensure moulds and moisture do not accumulate. Make sure your renovation plan includes sufficient options such as exhaust fans and windows.
         6. Selecting trendy designs over universal designs – Trendy designs may seem appealing, but they may quickly become outdated or impractical in the future. Instead, select timeless, functional designs that can withstand the test of time.
         7. Not overseeing your renovation works – To ensure everything goes according to plan, check regularly and oversee the progress of your renovation works. Doing so helps you identify and address issues early on. Even if you hire a reputable contractor and interior designer, it is crucial that you supervise the project so that all your requirements are met.

Conclusion

Kitchen and bathroom remodeling can be exciting and challenging at the same time, especially if it is your first renovation project. But with this guide, you are equipped with what to expect, do, and avoid during the renovation process. Whether you are planning a complete or partial kitchen and bathroom remodel, it is vital to consult and engage interior design experts for a suitable kitchen remodel ideas and a bathroom remodel checklist. With their help, a kitchen and bathroom renovation project can be stress-free.

Contact a reputable interior design company in Singapore today!