Home Renovation: An Ultimate Guide to Modernising a Home

Home renovation in Singapore can be both exciting and rewarding, but it also poses its own set of challenges. 

However, renovating a house offers several advantages compared to buying a new property or building from scratch. 

One of the main benefits is the potential to uncover unique and charming original features that add character to your home. 

Additionally, a well-executed renovation project can significantly increase the value of your property. 

On the other hand, finding the perfect renovation-providing company may be difficult as buyers often compete to acquire them. 

Moreover, buying a “money pit” can end up being costly and stressful, but with the right knowledge and preparation, these risks can be minimized. 

Our guide to renovating a house aims to equip you with the necessary information to turn your renovation project into your dream home.

Create a Detailed Budgeting Plan

When aiming for a renovation in Singapore on a budget, it’s crucial to consider this significant stage. 

Before purchasing a property, it’s important to be aware of additional fees that should be factored into your budget, apart from the usual house renovation costs. These include: 

• Reconnection fees, which may be necessary for water and electricity supply, 
• Council tax
• Valuation fees
• Professional fees such as planning permission, Building Regulations approval, surveys, and structural engineer reports. 
• It’s also wise to set aside a Contingency fund to handle any unexpected expenses that may arise during the renovation process. When embarking on your home renovation journey in Singapore, consider obtaining renovation insurance. This can protect you from potential risks and unforeseen events during the project.
• Additionally, budget for Legal costs, which typically range from £500 to £2,000 for a solicitor or conveyancer services to act on your behalf.

Look For The Right Contractor

After evaluating the structural condition of the home, the next important step is to develop a design for your renovated home and any planned extensions. 

It is not always necessary to hire an architect or designer; you may have your own impressive renovation ideas, which can save you money. 

However, it’s important to note that larger-scale home renovation projects in Singapore, extensions, and those in sensitive areas or listed buildings often require professional advice.

When choosing a design professional, you have various options, including architects, architectural designers, house designers, or even structural engineers who can provide solutions for specific challenges. 

The best home renovation contractor can guide you through the planning permission process, create designs based on your requirements, offer advice on what will be viewed favourably by local planners (some works may fall under permitted development), and provide insights on how far your budget can stretch.

Once you are satisfied with an approved design, it’s recommended to create a schedule of work. 

This ensures that you carry out improvements in a logical manner, minimizing disruption and avoiding unnecessary duplication.

Obtain Planning Permission

While not all house renovation projects necessitate planning permission, it’s essential to consider several consent checks before commencing any work on your house. These include:

• Obtaining planning permission
• Securing Building Regulations approval
• Obtaining listed building consent

If you’re planning an extension or alterations to the roofline, it’s likely that planning permission will be required. 

Similarly, if you reside in a listed property or a designated area, consent will almost certainly be necessary before undertaking any work. 

To ensure compliance, it’s recommended to consult with your local planning department before initiating any renovation projects.

Prepare A Work Schedule

Before diving into your home renovation in Singapore, it is crucial to establish a comprehensive schedule of work. 

This schedule serves as a roadmap, keeping the renovation work organized and ensuring that both you and the tradespeople involved know the precise order of tasks. 

A well-crafted schedule of works should outline each job required for the renovation, arranged in the most efficient sequence. 

It is also beneficial to include designated responsibilities and estimated costs. 

While the specific schedule will vary depending on the project’s nature, consulting with your house designer or contractor will provide valuable guidance. 

Here is an example of a typical schedule of work, which can be tailored to your specific needs:

1. Current home condition assessment
2. Taking care of decay prevention
3. Exploring grants and tax concessions
4. Obtaining necessary statutory consent
5. Ensuring structural stability
6. Carrying out demolition work
7. Resolving damp issues
8. Managing drainage systems
9. Ensuring proper site access
10. Undertaking major building work
11. Establishing weather-tightness
12. Focusing on exterior enhancements
13. Completing external works
14. Initial fix and wiring
15. Plastering and surface preparation
16. Allowing for drying out
17. Installing fixed flooring
18. A second round of fixes
19. Applying finishing touches with decorating
20. Final cleaning
21. Preparing for moving in
22. Addressing any remaining snags

By following a detailed schedule of work, you can navigate the renovation process smoothly and achieve your desired outcome.

Arrange for Waste Removal

When undertaking demolition work during a house renovation, it’s important to consider the process involved. 

Waste removal can be handled by using skips, and private individuals can typically dispose of most waste at local authority tips without charge. 

However, it’s crucial to handle asbestos separately, following proper procedures for its safe removal. 

During a house renovation, there are often elements that can be salvaged and reused. 

It’s advisable to carefully remove these items and store them in a secure location or sell them to a salvage yard. 

In some cases, for large-scale demolition projects, it may be possible to sell the salvage rights. 

This arrangement can result in the reclamation yard taking on some of the removal work, saving you time and effort while potentially generating additional funds.

Transform Your Home And Experience Modern Living

This ultimate guide to modernizing your home in Singapore has provided you with valuable insights and tips to embark on a successful renovation journey. 

From planning and budgeting to selecting the right professionals and waste removal management, you now have a comprehensive understanding of the key factors involved in transforming your living space. 

However, if you’re looking for expert guidance and exceptional results, don’t hesitate to reach out to Carpenters, a trusted renovation company in singapore. 

Our team of skilled professionals can bring your vision to life, ensuring a seamless and satisfying renovation experience. 

Contact Carpenters today and take the first step towards creating your dream home!