You might have big dreams for renovating your HDB flat, but with a little research, you can save money. Here are 8 tips and ideas to help you cut HDB renovation costs.
Whether you’re a new homeowner turning your BTO into your ideal home or someone updating a resale HDB flat, the biggest thing to think about is the cost!
At Redbrick Homes, we estimate that renovating a 3-room BTO flat costs at least $20,000, while a resale flat starts at $35,000 (not including furniture).
If those numbers sound high after buying your home, check out these 8 helpful tips to save on your HDB renovation!
Options for Cost-Efficient HDB Renovation
Do you have ideas of a stylish house straight out of Pinterest? We agree; we’ve also read a lot of Architectural Digest. But remember, not everything that looks attractive is worth spending a lot of money on. Here are some cheaper options:
Consider Half-Tiled Walls in The Bathroom
Traditional bathrooms usually have fully tiled walls to stop water from causing damage. But now, modern designs are using half-tiled walls that not only look nice but also save money!
Bathroom renovations are usually expensive because of all the tiles and work needed. However, by tiling only the wet areas with half-tiled walls, you use fewer tiles and need less work, which helps you save a lot of money.
Avoid Changing Existing Structures
To save money, try to leave the important parts of your home as they are. Changing items like cutting down walls, moving the toilet, or creating new walls can require a lot of time, effort, and money. These modifications should be placed to the bottom of your list unless you’re prepared to spend a lot of money on the makeover.
Overlay vs. Hacking Floors: Which is Better?
When it comes to flooring, you may save costs by covering the existing flooring with new as opposed to having it removed. If your current floor is in good condition and has no gaps or cracks, you may quickly install the new flooring over it. This helps you avoid the cost of breaking and removing the old floor.
Minimise Built-in Furniture
Built-in cabinets can be very expensive and are hard to change once they’re installed. This means you might have to spend extra money on materials and even make changes to your home’s layout.
The more work involved, the higher the cost will be. So, if you need to choose one built-in feature, try to keep it to just the kitchen cabinets and drawers. You can also save money by using a portable oven and stove. Plus, there are many new (and second-hand) movable countertops that you can use instead of installing a permanent one.
Substitute Expensive Materials for Affordable Ones
Do you want a special design for your home but find it too expensive because the materials cost too much?
Don’t worry! Here are some budget-friendly ideas that designers use to get a similar look:
- Expensive Feature Walls: Want your walls to stand out? Try using colorful paint or wallpaper instead.
- Hardwood Flooring: A cheaper option is to use engineered wood flooring.
- Marble, Wood, or Stone: Instead of spending a lot on real marble, wood, or stone, you can use wrapping materials from places like Envision Wraps that look great and are easier to take care of.
Reduce The Number of Lighting Points
Electrical wiring can be expensive, so the more lights you add, the higher the cost will be. Plus, after the HDB renovation, having many lights on will make your electricity bills go up too.
Instead of adding too many light fixtures, here are some simple and affordable ways to keep your home bright and cheerful:
- Use light, sheer curtains in your living areas instead of heavy ones to let in natural light. If you want some privacy, choose blinds that can be opened or closed as needed.
- Choose light colors, like white, for your walls to instantly make the room feel brighter.
- Mirrors should be strategically placed on the walls to assist reflect light around the space.
Conclusion
Your HDB renovation doesn’t have to be highly costly. You may create a lovely and inviting house on a budget by utilizing these clever tips. Recall to concentrate on the necessities, use creative resources to save prices, and make thorough plans to prevent unexpected charges. Whether you’re making little adjustments or major ones, staying within your budget will enable you to build the house of your dreams without going excessive. Happy renovating!
Before you go, do check out our other article as well!
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