Renovation Prices: BTO Vs Resale

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Do you think renovating a new home costs less than a resale home? Or is it the other way around? People looking to get homes of their own inevitably have to go through this phase of comparison. Renovating a house is not an easy task. It takes a whole lot of time, effort, and money. Which items do you want to keep if you’re moving into a second-hand flat? How much would flooring cost if you want it done over? Luckily for you, we’ve done all the researching and comparing. Simply refer to the two tables below for a list of relevant information. Do keep in mind that there are several optional components and that everything varies according to the needs and wants of each individual.

Table 1: Main differences between BTO and resale flats

New BTO

Resale

- Unfurnished *Can have the following items pre-installed before official move-in: - Sanitary fittings and internal doors (not available separately) - Floor finishes for the bedrooms and living rooms - A kitchen partition wall - Other elderly fittings (buyers who opt for this must also opt for floor finishes)

- Might have a few furnishings depending on negotiation with previous homeowner(s). This also heavily depends on the novelty of the furnishings.

- No existing floorings, cabinets, etc. - Save on hacking costs - Blank canvas to create ideal living space

- Possible to select an apartment in good condition to save time, money & effort - If you want a new design/do-over, spend more on hacking

- New home, no repair works to worry about

- Old homes often come with defects such as pipe leakages, ceiling cracks, etc.

- Have to do basic electrical wiring to ensure there are enough electrical sockets, etc.

- Advised to change electrical wiring every 20 years

- Replacement of full height windows (including 3/4 height and bay windows) is strictly not allowed - Save on window works

- Old or damaged windows have to be replaced

*Only available for 3-room, 4-room, 5-room, 3Gen, 99-year lease 2-room Flexi, and Short-lease 2-room Flexi flats. Cost of chosen components will be added to purchase price of flat.

Table 2: Possible areas to be renovated and relevant costs

ComponentsSpecificsCost (Estimated)

Living Room

Design, fabricate & install TV console

$1,000 ~ $1,600

Design, fabricate & install wall structure at TV area

$1,000 ~ $1,500

Bathroom

Construct door kerb, overlay “non-slip” floor, etc.

$2,000 ~ $3,000

Design, fabricate & install vanity cabinet

$400 ~ $500

Supply & install quartz tabletop

$400 ~ $500

Supply & install tempered glass shower screen with door

$500 ~ $600

Kitchen

Repair damaged walls, apply wall plastering, etc.

$1,000 ~ $1,500

Design, fabricate & install fridge cabinet

$400 ~ $500

Design, fabricate & install kitchen top cabinets

$1,000 ~ $1,200

Design, fabricate & install kitchen bottom cabinets

$900 ~ $1,200

Supply & install quartz tabletop

$1,000 ~ $1,300

Bedroom

Design, fabricate & install wardrobe

$2,000 ~ $2,300

Design, fabricate & install bedside table/dresser

$700 ~ $800

Design, fabricate & install headboard feature wall

$1,000 ~ $1,200

Window Works

Fixed panel

$3,000 ~ $3,500

1 set of swing doors at entrance

$600 ~ $700

Supply labour & material for aluminium sliding window

$600 ~ $700

Apply coloured powder-coating for item above

$100 ~ $120

Door Works

Supply & install veneer door

$300 ~ $400

(Optional) Upgrade to solid door

$100 ~ $200

Flooring Works

Supply & install heavy duty vinyl flooring with skirting at kitchen & service balcony

$800 ~ $900

Supply & install heavy duty vinyl flooring with skirting at foyer living room, dining room & corridor

$2,000 ~ $2,500

Supply & install heavy duty vinyl flooring with skirting at bedroom

$800 ~ $1,400

Carpentry Works

Design, fabricate & install shoe cabinet

$2,000 ~ $2,600

False Ceiling / Partition Works

Construct low-height gypsum board partition wall between living room & bedroom

$600 ~ $700

Design & construct plaster board false ceiling in master bedroom

$800 ~ $900

Masonry Works

Foyer, living room, dining room & corridor

$300 ~ $400

Plumbing Works

Kitchen (dismantle & install)

$100 ~ $150

Common bathroom (dismantle & install)

$400 ~ $500

Master bathroom (dismantle & install)

$300 ~ $350

Miscellaneous / General Services

Supply labour & materials to paint whole unit’s wall & ceiling

$1,500 ~ $1,600

Supply labour & materials to paint exposed PVC sewage piping & door frames

$200 ~ $250

Supply labour & materials to paint wall area in master bedroom

$500 ~ $600

General cleaning upon completion (2 times)

$200 ~ $250

Are you curious about the progress of a certain BTO? Anxious to find out what yours looks like right now? You can try to locate yours in this list.

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