White Minimalist @ Bukit Batok
Renovating an HDB flat is rarely just about aesthetics. For most homeowners, it is the first time dealing with permits, noise restrictions, neighbour complaints, and timelines that don’t always go as planned.
In our experience working with HDB homeowners across resale and BTO flats, most renovation stress comes not from design decisions, but from misunderstanding what can and cannot be done within HDB regulations. Small missteps—such as appointing the wrong contractor or misjudging renovation timing—often lead to delays, added costs, or stop-work orders.
This guide breaks down how HDB renovation actually works in Singapore, what to expect at each stage, and how to plan your renovation realistically—based on how projects unfold on-site, not just on paper.
HDB Renovation Explained
From a homeowner’s perspective, an HDB renovation covers any work that changes the interior of your flat, whether that involves carpentry, electrical rewiring, plumbing changes, or bathroom and kitchen upgrades. What makes HDB renovation different from private property renovation is not how you want to change the design and structure, but the regulations that apply to HDB flats.
HDB flats are governed by strict guidelines by the Housing and Development Board in Singapore. These guidelines affect how walls can be modified, where wet areas can be relocated, and when noisy work is allowed. These constraints often dictate how your design process will move on and how it will affect the outcomes.
It is important to understand these limitations early, to prevent redesigns midway through renovation and allow designers to work creatively within approved boundaries rather than fighting against them.
HDB Renovation & Private Property Renovation: What is the Difference
The table below highlights some of the common differences between HDB renovation in Singapore and private property renovation.
| Feature | HDB Renovation | Private Property Renovation |
| Regulatory Body | Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Town Council | Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST); BCA involved for structural works |
| Permit Needed | HDB renovation permit is needed in almost renovation activities. | MCST & BCA approval is required in this type of renovation. |
| Renovation Duration | Approximately 3 months for new HDB flats & roughly 1 month for HDB resale flats. | No fixed timelines |
| Working Hours | Approved hours and days. No renovation work is done on Sundays and Holidays. | Hours is set by MCST, similar to HDB renovation but differs by property. |
| HDB renovation contractor requirements | Must be HDB-licensed and approved to handle renovation projects. | Must be MCST or BCA compliant. |
Step-by-Step HDB Renovation Process: All You Need to Know
Although HDB renovation is often presented as a clean, step-by-step process, real projects rarely move in a straight line. Based on typical renovation timelines, homeowners should expect three overlapping phases rather than fixed steps.
Pre-Renovation Phase: This step includes design discussions, budget alignment, and permit preparation. You can expect delays here, especially when layouts need to be revised to comply with HDB rules.
On-Site Renovation Phase: Once work begins, the process of scheduling becomes important. Electrical, carpentry, and tiling works must be planned and carried out in the right sequence. Noise restrictions and manpower availability affect the progress more than the original timeline.
Final Completion Phase: The final steps, such as touch-ups, inspections, and rectifications usually take longer than expected. Many homeowners underestimate this stage, which is why there is a buffer time kept before moving in, so these delays can be catered for.
When you plan your renovation with these realities in mind, it can lead to smoother execution and fewer last-minute surprises.
The Best Time for HDB Renovation in Singapore: Everything you Need to know
The time-related regulations of when to carry out the renovation are probably the most important ones from a homeowner’s perspective. Understanding when is the best time for HDB renovation in Singapore is key to a seamless renovation project.
Therefore, the best time for HDB renovations is during the week. That is morning hours (9am to 1pm) and afternoons (2pm to 6pm). Nonetheless, HDB renovation work is prohibited on Sundays and public holidays in Singapore to minimize distractions and noise caused by renovation activities. Moreover, neighbours must be notified in advance if you plan to carry out noisy works such as drilling and dismantling.
HDB Renovation Guidelines in Singapore Every Homeowner Must Follow in 2026
The HDB renovation guidelines are intended to enhance public safety, safeguard the building’s structural integrity, and minimize inconvenience to other family members, especially during holidays and in densely populated areas.
The following are some of the HDB renovation guidelines:
#1. What You Can’t / Can do During Renovation
- Hacking a Structural Wall is Prohibited
Slabs, beams, or load-bearing walls cannot be changed. These structures tend to support most of the building blocks, and hacking could pose safety risks. Even with an HDB renovation permit, you’re not allowed to alter these structures.
- Approved Renovation Hours
The allowed time for the HDB resale renovation works is 9AM to 6PM, on weekdays and Saturdays. Renovation work is not allowed on Sundays or public holidays.
- Noisy Renovation Activities are Restricted
Noisy renovation works, including drilling or hacking, are restricted to 9AM to 6PM, on weekdays and Saturdays, with a quiet hour observed between 1pm to 2pm. Moreover, neighbours must be notified about when you intend to do these noisy works.
- Bomb Shelter Regulations
These are protected structures; homeowners are not allowed to modify or remove the bomb shelter door or hack the walls. These regulations are mandatory and apply to all HDB flat types.
- HDB Renovation Permit
An HDB renovation permit is required for almost all renovation projects. Permit validity usually takes roughly 1 to 3 months, based on the nature of the flat. Nonetheless, delays in renovation work within the set timeline result in penalties.
Also, an HDB renovation contractor must be HDB-licensed or registered before executing any renovation work.
#2. Renovation Process: What to Expect
Whether you are renovating an HDB bathroom or reworking your kitchen, the process is not something you can rush or improvise. Certain steps are unavoidable, and skipping them often leads to delays or rejected applications.
In practice, most HDB renovations need to be planned at least two months in advance. This allows time for layout finalisation, material decisions, and submission for HDB approval, which typically takes one to two weeks if everything is in order. Renovation work cannot begin until this approval is granted.
Once work starts on site, a standard HDB renovation usually runs between eight and twelve weeks. Larger scopes of work or design changes made midway can extend this timeline, so it is important to plan with sufficient buffer rather than expect a quick turnaround.
4 Best HDB Renovation Tips and Ideas that Can Transform Your HDB Flat
Nowadays, HDB renovation is not just about improving home finishes—Singaporeans are looking for the trending HDB renovation ideas to transform their spaces into elegant, stylish, and comfy rooms.
Recent data show that you can expect to pay approximately $50 000 to $70 000 for a 3, 4, or 5-room HDB flat. The larger your HDB is and the more changes you want, the more you’ll have to pay in renovation work.
Therefore, if your dream is to transform your HDB space into a more stylish and functional room, these trending HDB renovation ideas will provide you with design ideas to implement:
#1. Airy & Open Living Space
One of the most trending HDB renovation ideas is the open-concept design, in which an open living space is created without removing structural walls. In this case, you can eliminate non-structural items to create an airy living space.
This renovation idea works well, especially in larger HDB rooms such as 4-room or 5-room HDBs, where open living spaces enhance proper ventilation and natural light, making movement easier and freer, especially for senior citizens. We have carried out a number of HDB renovations where the open-concept design was implemented to create a more spacious and airy ambience.
#2. Smart Kitchen Design Solution
Japanese Modernism @ Cantonment Rd
Smart kitchen design solutions offer maximum storage and flow in your HDB flat. Typically, a smart kitchen acts as an important space in a home and needs to be stylish and attractive. Some of the common kitchen renovation ideas in Singapore include:
- L-shaped design
- Use of tall cabinets
- Built-in appliances
These elements improve the overall appearance and functionality of an HDB kitchen, things we have experienced during our HDB kitchen renovation projects.
#3. Use of Bright Colors & Natural Lights
Using bright colors and incorporating natural light in your 3-room HDB renovation is another way you can make your room feel inviting and spacious. For instance, redesigning your space with large windows can help to bring in more natural light during the day. This can be seen in the image above where the natural light creates a bright and airy environment.
Similarly, light-colored walls tend to reflect light, making the room look brighter and larger. Use of mirrors, on the other hand, creates depth and reflects natural light, further enhancing the spacious effect.
#4. Texture & Use of the Right Material for Renovation
Minimalist Comfort @ Maplewoods
Use of the right textures and materials in your renovation process helps introduce luxury into your room. You don’t need a high budget to add a luxurious touch to your space. Use the following materials:
- Quartz or Marble countertops: ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Velvet Upholstery
- Copper, Gold, or Brass fixtures: provide a high-end appearance.
Conclusion
An HDB renovation in Singapore is as much about planning and compliance as it is about design. The most successful projects are the ones that not only have the boldest concepts, but also where homeowners understand the rules early, appoint the right professionals, and allow enough time for things to unfold properly.
Whether you are renovating a resale flat or planning works for a new BTO, taking the time to plan carefully and work within HDB’s framework makes the entire journey smoother. A well-executed HDB renovation isn’t rushed or improvised. Rather, it is built on informed decisions, practical sequencing, and steady coordination from start to finish. With Space Factor, you can be assured that your HDB renovation will be carried out effectively and compliantly. Book an appointment with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an HDB renovation take in Singapore?
HDB renovations in Singapore typically take 10 to 12 weeks to complete. However, some renovation projects can last longer, depending on the scope of work.
What is the most expensive part of an HDB renovation?
When renovating an HDB flat, the kitchen is typically the most expensive part, followed by the bathrooms.
What happens if my HDB renovation goes beyond the approved permit period?
If renovation works exceed the permit validity, you must apply for an extension before the permit expires, otherwise you will have to face penalties or stop-work orders.
Can I change my renovation layout after HDB approval is granted?
Minor adjustments may be allowed, but you may require to resubmit the proporal if any significant changes, especially those involving walls, plumbing, or wet areas, are needed.
