HDB Renovation Checklist 2026:
8 Steps for Singapore Homeowners

Last updated: October 2026

An HDB renovation involves more than picking a design. There are HDB rules on what you can hack, who can do the work and when noisy works are allowed, and a missed step can mean delays, extra costs or a fine of up to $5,000. This checklist walks you through each stage the way our designers plan a project at Todz’Terior, from your first budget to the day you get your keys back.

Step 1: Budget Planning

Start with a total figure you are comfortable with, then split it by area: kitchen, bathrooms, carpentry, flooring, electrical works and painting. Carpentry and kitchen works usually take the biggest share of an HDB renovation budget, so price those first. Keep 10 to 15% aside for surprises such as hidden pipe issues or design changes along the way.

Typical Todz’Terior project ranges in 2026:

• 3-room HDB: [$X to $Y]
• 4-room HDB: [$X to $Y]
• 5-room HDB: [$X to $Y]

If you are taking a renovation loan, apply early so the money is ready before the first progress payment. Our HDB renovation loan guide explains how it works. Pay by milestones tied to completed work rather than a large deposit upfront.

Step 2: Contractor Selection

HDB requires flat owners to engage a contractor listed in its Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC). Check that your firm is on the list on HDB’s website before you sign anything. Then compare firms on more than price:

• Ask for an itemised quotation, not a lump sum, so you can compare like for like
• Look at completed HDB projects similar to your flat type
• Read reviews on Google and independent review sites
• Ask what warranty they give, and get it in writing
• Check whether the firm is CaseTrust accredited, which includes protection for your deposit

Step 3: Design Planning

Decide how you want to live in the space before choosing finishes. Start with your floor plan: walls shown in bold lines are structural and cannot be hacked, so plan your layout around them. Things to settle at this stage:

• Storage: how much built-in carpentry you need in each room
• Power points and lighting positions, which are hard to move later
• Aircon positions and trunking routes
• Kitchen layout and where each appliance goes
• Your style, for example Scandinavian, Japandi or modern luxury

A good designer will show you a 3D drawing so you can see the result before any work starts.

Step 4: HDB Approval

Some works need a permit from HDB before they start. HDB requires permits for works that affect the building’s structure or public safety, such as demolishing or hacking walls and replacing windows. Works like overlaying floor tiles, electrical wiring and carpentry do not need a permit. Your DRC contractor applies for the permit on your behalf.

Key HDB rules to know:

• New BTO flats: bathroom floor and wall tiles cannot be hacked for the first 3 years because of the waterproofing membrane underneath. Overlaying is allowed.
• Floor finishes, including screed, must stay within 50mm.
• Noisy works such as hacking and drilling are only allowed from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
• Neighbours within two units must be notified at least 5 days before works start.
• Unauthorised works can lead to a fine of up to $5,000, and you may have to reverse them at your own cost.

Read more in our guide to the HDB renovation permit process.

Step 5: Material Selection

Singapore’s humidity is hard on materials, so choose for durability as well as looks.

• Carpentry: moisture-resistant board for kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Countertops: quartz or sintered stone, which are durable and easy to clean
• Flooring: vinyl is quick to lay over existing tiles, while porcelain tiles last longer in wet areas
• Paint: washable, low-VOC paint for bedrooms and the kitchen

View samples in daylight and in the room they are meant for. Confirm lead times early, since imported tiles or fittings can hold up the whole project. For kitchen budgets, see our guide to 4-room HDB kitchen cabinet costs.

Step 6: Project Timeline

Ask your contractor for a written schedule before work starts. A typical HDB renovation runs in this order:

1. Hacking and masonry works
2. Plumbing and electrical works
3. Tiling and flooring
4. Ceiling and partition works
5. Carpentry measurement, fabrication and installation
6. Painting and touch-ups
7. Light fittings, cleaning and handover

Typical durations: new BTO [X to Y weeks], resale HDB [X to Y weeks]. Resale flats usually take longer because old finishes have to be removed first. Build in extra time if your key collection, move-in date and loan disbursement are close together. See also how long a 5-room HDB renovation takes.

Step 7: Furniture and Decor

Measure for loose furniture only after the carpentry is installed, so the sizes are exact. Plan where the sofa, bed and dining table go so they do not block power points, aircon units or windows. Order large items early, since sofas and dining sets can take several weeks to arrive. Leave curtains and blinds until painting is done, and keep your decor in the same style as the built-in carpentry.

Step 8: Post-Renovation Checks

Before you make the final payment, walk through the flat with your designer and check every room. Look out for:

• Water ponding in the bathrooms and around the kitchen sink
• Hollow or chipped tiles, and uneven grout lines
• Doors and cabinet hinges that do not close properly
• Every power point, light and switch working
• Aircon units cooling and draining properly
• Paint touch-ups and clean edges along the carpentry

List all defects in writing and agree a date to fix them. Keep your warranty documents and the final electrical layout for future reference, and book a post-renovation clean before you move in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to renovate my HDB flat?

Only for some works. HDB requires a permit for works that affect the structure or safety of the building, such as hacking walls or replacing windows. Overlaying floor tiles, electrical wiring and carpentry do not need one. Your DRC contractor handles the application.

How long does an HDB renovation take?

A new BTO usually takes [X to Y weeks] and a resale HDB [X to Y weeks], depending on how much hacking and carpentry is involved. Resale flats take longer because old finishes need to be removed first.

What hours are renovation works allowed in HDB flats?

Noisy works such as hacking and drilling are only allowed from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, excluding public holidays. Your contractor must also notify neighbours within two units at least 5 days before work starts.

Can I hack the bathroom tiles in my new BTO?

Not within the first 3 years, because the waterproofing membrane sits under the tiles. You can overlay new tiles on top as long as the floor finish stays within 50mm.

How much should I budget for an HDB renovation?

At Todz’Terior, typical 2026 projects range from [$X to $Y] for a 3-room flat to [$X to $Y] for a 5-room flat. Keep an extra 10 to 15% aside for changes and surprises during the works.