Singapore Renovation Contractor Services: What They Do and What to Expect

Whether you are renovating an HDB flat or an office, understanding what a contractor does helps you compare quotes and avoid surprises.

What is a renovation contractor?

A renovation contractor carries out renovation work based on the requirements of a project: hacking, tiling, carpentry, painting, electrical and plumbing coordination and so on. Some firms also offer design services (design-and-build), while others work to a designer's plans.

Do you need one?

For HDB flats, you must engage an HDB-registered renovation contractor for renovation works. They submit the renovation permit application on your behalf. For other properties, hiring one is not always mandatory but is strongly advised for larger works.

Services contractors typically provide

1. Design coordination and planning: Working with you, and with a designer or architect if involved, to turn ideas into a plan that fits the budget and timeline.
2. Managing trades and vendors: Coordinating tradespeople such as tilers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers.
3. Permits and approvals: For HDB flats, applying for renovation permits through HDB. For other properties, handling submissions where required. Larger structural changes may need a qualified person.
4. Executing the work: Building to the agreed plans and adjusting as needed.
5. Project management: Managing schedule, budget and quality from start to finish.

How pricing is structured

Prices depend on the size of the project, complexity of design and materials. Rather than quoting fixed figures that date quickly, here is what to look for:

• Package vs itemised quotes: Some firms offer renovation packages for common works. Others itemise every task. Make sure you know what a package includes and what counts as extra.
• Typical ranges: For recent benchmarks by flat type, see our guide to renovation costs in Singapore. The older price ranges in the 2023 version of this article have been removed because they no longer reflect current market data.
• Carpentry and hacking: These usually drive the biggest differences between quotes.
• Payment schedule: Staged payments tied to progress are standard practice.

Choosing a contractor

Shortlist contractors with experience of your property type, check HDB registration where it applies, get at least three itemised quotes, and put everything in writing. Our hiring guide walks through each step.

We removed the two firms named in the earlier version of this article. We could not verify they are still operating or confirm the "top rated" description.