Your Trust-Worthy Home Renovation Contractor

The cost of a home renovation in Singapore depends on the property type, size, condition of the existing home, design requirements, materials and scope of works. A simple BTO renovation can require significantly less work than a full resale HDB renovation or landed house renovation involving hacking, masonry, electrical, plumbing and extensive carpentry.

HomeShake provides itemised renovation quotations based on the actual scope of work rather than applying one fixed price to every home. The best way to establish a realistic renovation budget is to first determine your layout, required works, carpentry, materials and finishes.

HDB renovation costs vary considerably depending on whether the property is a new BTO, resale flat or an older flat requiring extensive hacking and replacement works. A new BTO generally requires less demolition and masonry, while a resale HDB may require hacking, retiling, electrical upgrades, plumbing, painting, flooring and extensive carpentry.

HomeShake can provide a renovation quotation covering individual trades or a complete HDB renovation, depending on the homeowner's requirements.

A BTO renovation can be more straightforward than a resale renovation because the apartment is new and many existing finishes and services do not need to be removed. However, the final cost depends on the amount of carpentry, electrical work, false ceiling, lighting, flooring, painting, tiling and other customisation required.

HomeShake offers BTO renovation solutions combining design, hacking, masonry, electrical, carpentry, plumbing and painting services.

Condominium renovation costs depend on the size of the unit, existing condition, renovation scope, MCST requirements, materials and amount of custom carpentry. A light cosmetic renovation can be relatively simple, while a complete condo renovation may involve demolition, flooring, tiling, electrical work, plumbing, ceilings, painting and extensive built-in furniture.

Before starting work, condo owners should also check their development's renovation rules and approval requirements with the MCST or managing agent.

Landed house renovations can have a much wider cost range than apartment renovations because the scope may include multiple floors, staircases, bathrooms, kitchens, structural works, roofing, waterproofing, external works and extensive bespoke carpentry.

HomeShake manages landed renovation projects involving multiple trades, including carpentry, masonry, tiling, false ceilings, painting, plumbing and electrical works. The renovation page currently features a landed-house project in Katong involving bathroom renovation and roof waterproofing coordination.

It depends on the complexity of your renovation. An interior designer is particularly useful when you need help with space planning, design concepts, materials, lighting, furniture layout and detailed drawings. A renovation contractor is responsible for executing the physical works.

For a complex renovation, the most convenient approach can be to work with a company capable of handling both design and construction. HomeShake combines interior designers, carpenters and renovation contractors, allowing the design and construction teams to coordinate the project together.

An interior designer generally focuses on the design and planning of the home, including layout, space planning, materials, colours, furniture and technical drawings. A renovation contractor focuses primarily on executing construction and renovation works such as hacking, masonry, tiling, electrical, plumbing, painting and carpentry.

Some companies provide both services. HomeShake operates as an interior design team, carpentry workshop and renovation contractor, allowing homeowners to manage these different aspects through one renovation partner.

Yes. Homeowners can appoint an interior designer for design and project management and separately appoint a carpenter for cabinetry. This can give homeowners greater control over individual suppliers, but it also means that coordination between the ID, carpenter and other contractors becomes particularly important.

A direct carpentry contractor can be useful when you already have a design or simply require kitchens, wardrobes, TV consoles or other built-in furniture without a complete renovation.

HomeShake provides both direct carpentry services and full renovation services, so homeowners can choose the appropriate scope for their project.

Not necessarily. Working directly with a carpenter can reduce the scope of professional design and project-management fees when you already know exactly what you want. However, a carpenter generally focuses on cabinetry rather than the entire renovation.

If your project also requires hacking, tiling, flooring, electrical, plumbing, painting or false ceilings, you will need to coordinate those trades separately unless your carpenter or contractor provides an integrated renovation service.

HomeShake can undertake individual carpentry projects as well as complete renovations, allowing homeowners to choose between a carpentry-only and full-renovation approach.

Yes. HomeShake combines interior design, carpentry and renovation contracting. Its design team can handle space planning, 3D visualisations, technical drawings and project scheduling, while its renovation capabilities cover carpentry, hacking, masonry, tiling, false ceilings, painting, plumbing and electrical works.

HomeShake provides a broad range of renovation services, including:

• Interior design and space planning
• Hacking and demolition
• Masonry
• Tiling
• Flooring
• False ceilings
• Painting
• Electrical works
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Custom furniture
• Kitchen renovation
• Wardrobes and storage
• Bathroom renovation

The company describes its renovation model as a fully integrated service, with many trades coordinated in-house.

The first step is to establish your renovation requirements and budget. Before choosing materials or ordering carpentry, determine which walls, floors, ceilings and existing fixtures need to be changed and decide how you want the space to function.

A typical renovation process involves:

1. Understanding your requirements and budget
2. Measuring and assessing the property
3. Planning the layout
4. Developing the design
5. Preparing technical drawings and renovation scope
6. Obtaining required approvals or permits
7. Selecting materials and finishes
8. Carrying out hacking and demolition
9. Completing masonry, electrical and plumbing works
10. Installing ceilings and flooring
11. Painting
12. Installing carpentry
13. Completing fixtures, fittings and final touch-ups

The exact sequence varies depending on the property and scope.

The renovation timeline depends on the property type and complexity of the project. A smaller renovation for a new BTO or condo can take around two months, while a full renovation of a resale flat or landed house can take up to 6 months.

HomeShake currently estimates approximately two months for smaller new-home projects and an average of three to six months for full renovation projects such as resale flats and landed houses.

It is advisable to start planning well before collecting your keys, particularly if you require detailed design, custom carpentry or approvals.

Ideally, you should start speaking to your interior designer or renovation contractor several months before you need the renovation to begin. This gives sufficient time for site measurements, layout planning, design revisions, quotations, material selection, technical drawings and any required approvals.

HomeShake recommends contacting the team at least three months before keys collection so there is sufficient time to develop drawings, select materials and consider different options.

You need a renovation permit for demolition and windows works. You don't need a permit for carpentry.

Some HDB renovation works require approval or permits while others do not. HDB states that homeowners are responsible for ensuring that renovation works comply with HDB requirements and that renovation contractors must be from HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors.

Works involving walls, floors, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens and other building elements may have specific requirements. Homeowners should confirm the latest HDB requirements before starting renovation works.

Some walls may be removable, while others cannot be hacked because they may form part of the structural or regulated elements of the building. Certain demolition works require evaluation, approval or involvement from qualified professionals.

HDB specifically provides requirements for demolition and erection of walls and states that certain renovations involving demolition of walls require evaluation and submission of the proposed work.

A renovation contractor should assess the proposed hacking work before any demolition begins.

Not bathroom tiles. New BTO flats are subject to HDB renovation restrictions, including restrictions on removing certain original finishes during applicable periods. For example, HomeShake notes that its BTO projects generally involve limited demolition and that bathroom and kitchen tile hacking can be restricted during the applicable warranty period.

Always check the latest HDB requirements and your flat's specific conditions before removing original tiles.

Hacking refers to the demolition or removal of existing building finishes, fixtures or certain non-structural elements. Depending on the project, hacking may include removing floor tiles, wall tiles, cabinets, partitions, built-in furniture or other existing finishes.

Hacking normally takes place at the beginning of the renovation because subsequent works such as masonry, electrical, plumbing, flooring and carpentry depend on the completed demolition and site preparation.

Not always, but resale HDB flats often require more hacking than new BTO flats because homeowners may want to remove existing tiles, built-in furniture, kitchen cabinets, bathroom finishes or outdated fixtures.

Whether hacking is worthwhile depends on the condition of the existing finishes and the desired final design. Sometimes overlaying or retaining existing finishes can reduce cost, time and disruption.

Masonry refers to construction and finishing works involving materials such as cement, concrete, bricks, tiles and related building finishes. In residential renovation, masonry can include tiling, screeding, kerbs, plastering, partition works and other construction-related tasks.

Masonry is particularly important in kitchens and bathrooms, where waterproofing, floor levels, drainage and tile installation need to be coordinated carefully.

Both approaches can be suitable. Tile overlay can save demolition time and reduce hacking and debris, provided the existing surface is suitable and the resulting floor level works with doors, drainage and other finishes.

Hacking may be preferable when existing tiles are damaged, uneven, poorly bonded or when the renovation requires changes to the underlying substrate or floor level.

The correct solution should be assessed on site rather than selected solely on price.

Tiling costs depend on the tile material, tile size, pattern, surface condition, amount of hacking, waterproofing requirements, installation complexity and area to be tiled.

A renovation quotation should ideally distinguish between tile supply, hacking, disposal, surface preparation, waterproofing and installation so homeowners can understand the actual cost.

HomeShake always offers an itemized quotation where the tiler fee is separated from the cost of tiles. This allows our clients to choose their preferred tile with clarity of price.

Yes, but HDB bathrooms are subject to specific renovation requirements. Newly completed HDB flats can also have restrictions concerning the removal of original bathroom floor and wall finishes during the applicable period. HDB publishes separate guidelines for bathroom and toilet renovation.

A bathroom renovation may involve hacking, waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, false ceilings, sanitary fittings, vanity cabinets and shower screens, all of which need to be coordinated.

Waterproofing must be considered whenever renovation works affect areas where water can penetrate the building structure. A bathroom renovation may involve removing existing finishes, preparing the substrate, applying waterproofing and then installing new tiles.

The exact waterproofing scope depends on the property, existing condition and renovation requirements. For HDB flats, homeowners and contractors should follow the applicable HDB requirements.

Whenever we hack tiles, the tiler will redo waterproofing before tiling. This is HomeShake's standard procedure.

Common residential flooring options include porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, vinyl flooring, engineered timber and natural timber. The right choice depends on the room, budget, desired appearance, durability, moisture exposure and existing floor condition.

For example, bathrooms generally require water-resistant tiled surfaces, while bedrooms and living areas may be suitable for timber or vinyl flooring depending on the design.

The ability to change or remove existing flooring depends on the HDB requirements applicable to the flat and the particular floor finish. Some BTO finishes may be retained, overlaid or replaced depending on the circumstances.

Before hacking BTO flooring, homeowners should check the latest HDB requirements and applicable restrictions.

We have had the pleasure to tile or install various types of vinyl floorings in BTOs, where clients had opted out from finishes package from HDB. It is also possible to remove the existing vinyl from living room and bedrooms. But you are not allowed to hack tiles in BTO bathrooms due to warranty.

A false ceiling is a secondary ceiling constructed below the existing structural slab or ceiling. It can be used to conceal services, integrate lighting, create different ceiling levels, improve visual proportions or provide locations for additional lighting points.

False ceilings can be particularly useful in HDB renovation projects where existing lighting points may be difficult to relocate. HomeShake notes that false ceilings can provide greater flexibility for relocating lighting and creating accent lighting.

No. A false ceiling is a design and functional choice rather than a requirement for every renovation. It can be useful when you want recessed lighting, concealed wiring, different ceiling levels or a particular interior design aesthetic.

However, a false ceiling also reduces the available ceiling height and adds cost, so it should be designed according to the room and lighting requirements.

The number of electrical points depends on your lifestyle, furniture layout and appliances. A renovation electrical plan should consider sockets, lighting, switches, air-conditioning, kitchen appliances, water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators, entertainment systems, work-from-home equipment and future requirements.

It is generally better to plan electrical points before carpentry and false ceilings are finalised because cabinetry and ceiling design can affect the position and accessibility of electrical points.

Electrical works in HDB flats must comply with the applicable requirements. HDB advises homeowners to engage an EMA-licensed electrical worker for electrical work.

Your renovation contractor should coordinate the electrical plan with the interior design, lighting, kitchen appliances and carpentry layout.

Depending on the project, electrical works can include new sockets, switches, lighting points, ceiling lights, pendant lights, track lighting, appliance connections, cooker hoods, ovens, water heaters and other electrical installations.

The exact scope should be clearly stated in the renovation quotation, including the number and type of points and any required rewiring or electrical upgrades.

Not necessarily, but older properties may require an electrical assessment before renovation. If the existing wiring, electrical loading or distribution board is unsuitable for the intended appliances and renovation, electrical upgrading may be appropriate.

An electrical professional should assess the existing installation rather than assuming that every older flat requires complete rewiring.

Yes. HomeShake's renovation team includes plumbers and coordinates plumbing as part of its integrated renovation service. Plumbing can be required for kitchens, bathrooms, washing machines, water heaters, sinks, sanitary fittings and other wet-area installations.

Generally, plumbing and other concealed services need to be planned and completed before final carpentry installation. The exact sequence depends on the project.

For example, kitchen cabinetry dimensions need to account for water inlet and drainage points, while bathroom vanity cabinets need to accommodate plumbing and sanitary fittings.

Painting is one of the final visible stages of renovation, but it should be planned early. Paint colours should be selected together with flooring, cabinetry, lighting and other finishes.

Painting may involve surface preparation, patching, primer and finishing coats. The condition of the existing walls and the extent of hacking or masonry work will affect the required preparation.

In many projects, the main painting works are completed before final carpentry installation, with touch-ups carried out afterwards. This helps protect new cabinetry from unnecessary paint splashes and allows final gaps and installation areas to be properly finished.

The exact sequence depends on the project and the type of carpentry.

Carpentry is one of the largest components of many Singapore home renovations. It can include kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV consoles, feature walls, shoe cabinets, study desks, bathroom vanities, storage cabinets and other built-in furniture.

Good carpentry should balance appearance, storage capacity, ergonomics, materials, hardware, durability and the specific dimensions of the home.

We especially recommend our BLUM hinges due to Singapore's humid weather. Non branded hinges can give way within a few months only.

If you already have a completed design and drawings, hiring a carpenter directly can be a practical option. If you need help with the overall layout, material selection, lighting, colour scheme and coordination of multiple renovation trades, working with an interior designer or integrated renovation contractor may be more appropriate.

HomeShake provides both direct carpentry and full renovation services, allowing homeowners to engage the company according to the scope of their project.

HomeShake manufactures custom wardrobes, kitchens, cabinets, TV consoles, desks, dining tables, sofas and other bespoke furniture. Its carpentry team operates a workshop in Singapore and manages site measurements, production and installation.

Depending on the application and design, HomeShake offers materials including solid timber, plywood, wood veneer, high-pressure laminate and various OPPOLIA finishes such as lacquer, thermofoil/PVC, PU and melamine.

Material selection should consider moisture exposure, durability, maintenance, appearance, budget and the intended use of each cabinet.

Yes. HomeShake offers OPPOLIA cabinetry using formaldehyde-free solutions and promotes formaldehyde-free cabinet options for HDB, BTO, condo and landed-house projects. This includes E0 and ENF panels, which are better than E1 classification or just low emissions glue. The appropriate material specification should be confirmed for the particular cabinetry being ordered.

When comparing renovation contractors, look beyond the headline quotation. Consider:

• Relevant experience with your property type
• Whether the company provides design, construction or both
• Who will manage the project
• Whether trades are in-house or subcontracted
• Quality and specification of materials
• Carpentry manufacturing capabilities
• Electrical and plumbing expertise
• Renovation permits and compliance
• Project timeline
• Warranty and after-sales service
• Previous renovation projects and references
• Clarity of the quotation and exclusions

A lower initial quotation is not necessarily cheaper if important works, materials or project-management responsibilities are excluded.

Look at the designer's previous projects, design style, communication, technical knowledge, renovation experience and ability to translate your requirements into practical drawings and specifications.

It is also important to understand exactly what is included in the ID's fee and whether the company manages construction directly or appoints external contractors.

Compare quotations based on the scope and specification, not only the final price. Check whether each quotation includes hacking, disposal, masonry, waterproofing, electrical points, plumbing, painting, flooring, false ceiling, carpentry, appliances, fixtures and installation.

For carpentry, compare the material, thickness, hardware, internal fittings, finishes and warranty rather than simply comparing the total number.

A detailed renovation quotation should clearly identify the scope, quantities, materials, finishes, dimensions where relevant, labour, installation and exclusions.

For a full renovation, this can include design, hacking, disposal, masonry, tiling, waterproofing, flooring, ceilings, electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry and installation.

A clear quotation reduces misunderstandings and makes it easier to compare different renovation companies.

Yes. Homeowners with a clear layout and design concept can appoint a renovation contractor directly. This can work particularly well for straightforward renovations or projects where the homeowner already has detailed drawings and specifications.

However, if you need help with space planning, design development, material selection or coordination of multiple trades, professional design and project-management support can be valuable.

Yes. HomeShake can undertake individual renovation and carpentry scopes rather than requiring every homeowner to purchase a complete renovation package. Examples include a kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, wardrobe project, carpentry-only project or selected masonry and renovation works.

Yes. HomeShake provides renovation and carpentry solutions for HDB and BTO flats, condominiums and landed properties. The company has experience coordinating different renovation trades and tailoring the scope according to the property type.

The applicable renovation rules and approval requirements vary between HDB, private condominiums and landed properties.

A BTO renovation typically starts with a newer property and therefore may involve less demolition. However, homeowners need to work within HDB requirements concerning existing finishes, walls, electrical provisions and other building elements.

A resale HDB renovation can provide more opportunities for transformation but may require considerably more hacking, disposal, masonry, rewiring, plumbing and replacement of existing finishes.

Condominium renovations are subject to the building's MCST or management requirements in addition to applicable regulations. The management may impose requirements concerning renovation approval, working hours, lift protection, hacking, noise, debris removal and contractor access.

Homeowners should obtain the renovation guidelines from the condominium management before starting work.

Landed houses generally offer greater freedom to customise the space but can involve substantially more complex construction work. Renovations may span several floors and involve staircases, roofing, waterproofing, external areas, structural considerations, multiple bathrooms and extensive bespoke carpentry.

The renovation should therefore be planned as a complete building project rather than simply a collection of individual rooms.

HomeShake's integrated renovation model allows its team to coordinate design, project management, carpentry and multiple renovation trades. The company has in-house capabilities covering carpentry, hacking, masonry, tiling, false ceilings, painting, plumbing and electrical works.

This integrated approach is intended to reduce coordination between multiple independent contractors and give homeowners a single renovation partner.

HomeShake combines three capabilities that are often separated between different companies: interior design, carpentry and renovation contracting.

The company has more than 50 years of carpentry and renovation experience in Singapore and operates its own carpentry workshop. Its renovation team includes carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, tilers and other trades, allowing many aspects of a renovation to be coordinated through one company.

For homeowners who want a single partner from design and space planning through hacking, renovation and custom carpentry, this integrated approach can simplify the renovation process.

HomeShake's showroom and workshop are located at 81 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, Singapore 417952. Homeowners can visit to discuss renovation projects, explore cabinetry and materials and meet the HomeShake team.

You can contact HomeShake to discuss your renovation requirements and request a quotation. The team can advise on the scope of work, design, carpentry, materials and renovation trades required for your home.

We invite homeowners to contact the company through WhatsApp for a free quotation and quotation requests can receive a response within 24 hours.