Home Renovation: How Long Does It Take to Renovate Your House?

Renovating a home is an exciting journey, but one of the first questions every homeowner asks is: "How long will my renovation take?"

Whether you're moving into a new BTO flat, upgrading a resale HDB, renovating a condominium, or refreshing a landed property, understanding the renovation timeline helps you plan your move-in date, budget, and expectations.

In Singapore, a typical flat renovation can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 16 weeks, depending on the scope of work, property type, and customisation involved.

In this guide, we'll break down the renovation process and explain what factors can affect your renovation timeline.

Typical Renovation Timeline in Singapore

The actual duration depends on the complexity of the design, custom carpentry requirements, material lead times, and permit approvals.

Stage 1: Planning and Design (1 – 4 Weeks)

Before any hacking or installation begins, homeowners need to finalise their renovation plans.

During this stage, your interior designer or renovation contractor will:

• Understand your lifestyle needs

• Create space planning layouts

• Develop design concepts

• Select materials and finishes

• Prepare quotations

• Finalise the renovation contract

The more decisions that are made upfront, the smoother the renovation process will be.

Pro Tip

Avoid changing your design midway through the renovation. Design revisions often result in delays, additional costs, and scheduling conflicts.

Stage 2: Permit Applications and Approvals (3 – 14 Days)

Certain renovation works in Singapore require approval before work can commence.

Examples include:

• HDB hacking permits

• Bathroom waterproofing works

• Electrical upgrades

• Structural modifications

For HDB flats, permits are typically submitted through HDB-approved contractors.

While approval times are generally quick, it is important to factor them into your renovation schedule.

Stage 3: Demolition and Hacking Works (3 – 7 Days)

Once approvals are obtained, the renovation begins with demolition.

This may include:

• Removing existing flooring

• Hacking walls

• Dismantling old cabinets

• Removing bathroom fixtures

• Clearing unwanted built-ins

Resale flats often require more demolition work than new BTO units, which can add several days to the overall timeline.

Stage 4: Masonry, Flooring and Tiling Works (2 – 4 Weeks)

This stage lays the foundation for your new home.

Common works include:

• Constructing feature walls

• Building platforms

• Installing floor tiles

• Bathroom tiling

• Kitchen wall tiling

• Screeding and levelling

Tiling is one of the most time-consuming parts of renovation because proper curing and drying time is necessary to ensure long-lasting results.

Stage 5: Electrical and Plumbing Works (1 – 2 Weeks)

After major construction works are completed, electricians and plumbers begin installing essential services.

This includes:

• New power points

• Lighting installation

• Water supply lines

• Kitchen appliances connections

• Bathroom fittings

• Network and data points

Good coordination between trades is crucial to avoid delays at this stage.

Stage 6: Custom Carpentry Fabrication (3 – 6 Weeks)

Custom-built carpentry is often the longest lead-time item in a renovation project.

Examples include:

• Kitchen cabinets

• Wardrobes

• TV consoles

• Study tables

• Shoe cabinets

• Vanity cabinets

Most carpentry is fabricated off-site while other renovation works continue.

Homeowners who choose highly customised cabinetry, premium finishes, or imported accessories may experience longer lead times.

Stage 7: Installation of Carpentry and Fixtures (1 – 2 Weeks)

Once fabrication is completed, installation begins.

This stage includes:

• Kitchen cabinet installation

• Wardrobe installation

• Countertop fitting

• Bathroom vanity installation

• Internal accessories and fittings

Countertop materials such as quartz, sintered stone, and natural stone may require additional site measurements and fabrication time before final installation.

Stage 8: Painting, Touch-Ups and Cleaning (3 – 7 Days)

The final stage transforms the renovation site into a move-in-ready home.

Works include:

• Painting walls and ceilings

• Silicone touch-ups

• Defect rectification

• Deep cleaning

• Final inspections

A thorough quality check ensures all items are completed before handover.

What Can Delay a Renovation Project?

Several factors can extend renovation timelines:

1. Design Changes During Construction

Changing layouts, materials, or carpentry specifications after work has started can significantly impact schedules.

2. Custom-Made Furniture and Imported Materials

Special-order items may have lead times ranging from several weeks to a few months.

3. Permit and Management Approvals

Condominiums often require management approval before renovation work begins.

4. Material Availability

Popular tiles, countertops, appliances, and fixtures can occasionally experience stock shortages.

5. Unexpected Site Conditions

Older resale flats may reveal hidden issues such as water seepage, damaged wiring, or uneven floors that require additional rectification work.

How to Speed Up Your Renovation

Homeowners can help reduce renovation delays by:

• Finalising designs early

• Choosing materials before work starts

• Confirming appliance specifications upfront

• Working with an experienced renovation partner

• Avoiding last-minute changes

Clear communication and proper project management often make the biggest difference in keeping renovations on schedule.

So, How Long Should You Expect?

For most homeowners in Singapore:

• BTO flats: 6 to 10 weeks

• Resale HDB flats: 8 to 12 weeks

• Condominiums: 8 to 14 weeks

• Major renovations: 12 to 16 weeks or longer

Every home is unique, but a realistic timeline allows you to plan your move, furniture purchases, and living arrangements with confidence.

Renovate with Confidence with HomeShake

At HomeShake, we believe that a successful renovation is not just about beautiful design—it's also about efficient project management and transparent communication.

Our team works closely with homeowners throughout every stage of the renovation journey, from design planning and material selection to custom carpentry and final handover. Whether you're renovating a new BTO, resale HDB, condominium, or landed property, we help ensure your project stays on track and delivers the home you've always envisioned.

Contact HomeShake today to discuss your renovation plans and receive a personalized consultation.