Condo Interior Design Singapore
Condo renovation with the MCST paperwork handled — not discovered halfway.
OUR CREDENTIALS
Condo renovation with the MCST paperwork handled — not discovered halfway.
CONDO INTERIOR DESIGN SINGAPORE
Condo Interior Design and Renovation in Singapore
Every condominium runs on its own rulebook: the MCST’s by-laws decide renovation deposits, permitted working hours, hoisting arrangements and how common property must be protected while your unit is transformed. FC Interior Design has renovated Singapore condominiums since 1990 — we prepare the MCST submission, plan around your development’s rules, and coordinate the licensed water and gas trades, so the renovation starts approved and finishes without disputes.
Condo & Private Property Renovation, Handled End to End
Renovating a condominium or private apartment follows a different rulebook from an HDB flat. There is no HDB permit to apply for, but a separate layer of control sits with your development’s management. FC Interior Design has delivered condo renovations across new launches and older developments since 1990, covering everything from a light refresh of a resale unit to a full design-and-build of a bare handover.
- New condo handovers: Often delivered with basic fittings, so the work centres on flooring, carpentry, feature walls, lighting and finishing to lift the unit above developer standard.
- Resale condos: Usually involve stripping a dated fit-out, reconfiguring the layout and upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, which adds demolition and services work.
- Larger and dual-key units: Bring more zoning, more joinery and heavier mechanical-and-electrical (M&E) coordination.
MCST Approval, Deposits & Permitted Hours
The key authority for a condo renovation is the MCST — the Management Corporation Strata Title — which governs the development under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA). Before any works begin, your contractor must submit a renovation application and obtain the MCST’s written approval.
- Written approval first: No works should start until the MCST has approved the application and issued a permit to renovate.
- Renovation deposit: Most MCSTs collect a refundable deposit, commonly in the region of S$1,000 to S$3,000, returned after works finish without damage to common property.
- Permitted hours: Working hours are set by each MCST but are typically around 9am to 5pm on weekdays and a shorter Saturday window, with no works on Sundays or public holidays, and often a lunchtime quiet period.
- Duration cap: Many MCSTs impose a maximum renovation period — frequently six to eight weeks — after which an extension must be requested.
How Condo Renovation Differs from HDB
The headline difference is who is in charge. HDB has no authority over private developments; the MCST does. That changes several things in practice. There is no HDB Directory of Renovation Contractors requirement, but MCSTs still insist on licensed contractors, and any structural or major wet-area work needs a BCA-licensed contractor and, where structure is affected, a Qualified Person to endorse the plans. Just as important, the MCST is protective of common property. Lift lobbies, corridors and the unit entrance must be sheeted and protected, debris removed through designated routes and service lifts, and any damage to shared areas is charged against the deposit. Bulky material and debris handling is a real logistical constraint in a high-rise that simply does not exist in a landed job.
Designing Around a Condo Layout
Condo layouts reward careful planning. Ceiling heights, concrete beam positions, aircon ledge and fan-coil locations, and the position of wet-area risers all constrain where walls, kitchens and bathrooms can sensibly go. Many units also have full-height windows and balconies that shape the living-area layout and natural light. Good condo design works with these fixed points — concealing beams within considered ceiling designs, planning storage around structural columns, and orienting the living and dining zones to the view and light rather than fighting them.
Premium Finishes & What Drives Condo Renovation Cost
Condo projects often carry a higher specification than an equivalent HDB flat, and that is the main cost driver. The biggest movers are the extent of custom carpentry, the choice of finishes — large-format tiles, stone or sintered-stone counters, timber veneers, feature lighting and integrated appliances — and any layout reconfiguration or wet-area relocation. Unit size, the condition of the handover and the level of M&E work add to the figure. As an indication, FC’s condominium packages start from S$50,000, with the final number set by the agreed scope and specification rather than floor area alone.
FC’s Design-and-Build Approach
FC handles condo renovation as a single design-and-build engagement: space planning and 3D design, MCST submission and approvals, protection of common property, and the full build across carpentry, tiling, waterproofing, ceilings, lighting, electrical and plumbing. Keeping design and construction under one team means the drawings, the approvals and the trades stay aligned, and there is one party accountable from concept to handover. FC’s licences — CaseTrust, bizSAFE Star and BCA registration — back that accountability.
What are the MCST rules I need to follow?
Your MCST sets the renovation rules for your development under the BMSMA. In practice that means obtaining written approval before works begin, paying a refundable renovation deposit, using licensed contractors, keeping to the permitted working hours and duration, and protecting common areas such as lift lobbies and corridors. FC prepares and submits the renovation application so these conditions are met before the first day on site.
How much does a condo renovation cost?
Condo renovation cost is driven mainly by the extent of custom carpentry, the specification of finishes, and any layout or wet-area changes rather than floor area alone. FC’s condominium packages start from S$50,000 as an indicative figure; a firm price comes from an itemised scope of works once the design and specification are agreed.
How long does a condo renovation take?
Most condo projects run around 8 to 12 weeks on site, but the MCST often caps the renovation period — commonly six to eight weeks — with extensions available on request. Restricted working hours, material lead times and the amount of hacking and reconfiguration involved all affect the actual duration.
What is included in a condo renovation package?
An FC condo package typically covers design and space planning, MCST submission and approvals, common-area protection, hacking and disposal where needed, tiling and waterproofing, custom carpentry, false ceilings and lighting, painting, and electrical and plumbing works. Premium finishes and appliances can be specified within the design. Everything is delivered as one design-and-build contract with a single point of accountability.
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Design Concepts for Singapore Homes and Businesses
Visual concepts from our studio — ask us to walk you through completed project work relevant to your space.
WHAT TO TAKE NOTE
What Shapes a Condo Renovation
Three realities set condo projects apart from HDB and landed work.
The MCST Decides the Ground Rules
Before any work starts, your management corporation typically requires a renovation application, a refundable deposit and proof of contractor insurance — and each development sets its own permitted hours and rules under its by-laws. None of it is standard across Singapore, which is why we read your condo’s house rules first and build the schedule around them, not around assumptions.
Common Property Is Protected Territory
Lift protection, lobby and corridor hoarding, debris routes and hoisting windows are the parts of a condo renovation owners rarely think about — and the parts managements watch most closely. Damage to common property comes out of your deposit. We plan materials movement and protection before demolition day, because that is what keeps deposits whole and neighbours calm.
New Launch or Resale Condo — Different Scopes
A newly handed-over unit is mostly about carpentry, finishes and making developer standard-issue feel like yours — while staying mindful of the defects-liability period on what the developer built. A resale condo often needs assessment first: the age of wet-area waterproofing, previous owners’ alterations, and what the by-laws allow you to change today. We scope the two differently from the first visit.
OUR METHODOLOGY
How We Renovate a Condo, Step by Step
Approval first, protection second, build third — the order that keeps deposits intact.
1. Initial Consultation
We assess your unit and read your development’s renovation by-laws, deposits and hours before anything is designed.
2.Detailed Design Exploration
The MCST application is prepared and submitted with the required documents, and hoisting or lift bookings are planned.
3. Personalised Design Concepts
Design and materials are finalised within what your by-laws and the unit’s structure allow.
4. Expectations & Actionables
Common-property protection goes up first — lifts, lobbies, corridors — then demolition and wet works run inside permitted hours.
5. Meticulous Implementation
Licensed water and gas specialists handle their trades at the right stages, followed by carpentry and finishes.
6. Customer Satisfaction
The unit is cleaned, common areas are made good, and the walkthrough closes the project with your deposit intact.
OUR TESTIMONIALS
Hear from Those Who Know Us Best
Real reviews from homeowners and businesses we have worked with — we are rated a perfect 5.0 on Google.
“Three words to describe Luke and Michelle: credible, meticulous and proactive.”
“I did my kitchen renovation with FC Design. They gave good advice and recommendations on the design and materials, with quality workmanship. Follow-up and updates were very prompt. I’ll definitely recommend FC Design for your home renovations!”
“My wife and I engaged Luke and Michelle after comparing with several IDs. They were very professional and responsive — constant updates on progress without us prompting.”
“I did my house renovation with Michelle. She gave good design and good quality of material. I recommend Michelle for your dream home renovation.”
“Very professional in what they do! The quote was prompt and updates were consistent. Absolutely recommended, A++! Everything was according to plan.”
“Super professional design firm. Deserves the three Rs — responsive, responsible and reliable. Never regretted this decision!”
OUR SERVICES
Crafting Ideal Interiors: What's Your Vision?
Residential, commercial and defined-scope renovation — each with its own detailed guide on this site.
Residential Interior Design
Crafting exquisite, bespoke designs for your home, from HDBs to condos and landed houses, ensuring that each space beautifully reflects your lifestyle, taste, and individuality.
Commercial Interior Design
Creating functional and aesthetic designs for diverse commercial spaces, including offices, retail shops, and cafes, that resonate with your brand and serve your business goals.
Renovation Contractor
Offering renovation services for distinct spaces like bedrooms, kitchens, and toilets, providing the flexibility to renovate specific areas directly with contractors for tailored projects.
CONTACT US
Tell Us About Your Space
Contact one of our Design Consultants to discuss your project.
- Share Your Vision
- Brief us about your project and design aspirations.
- Complimentary Design Evaluation
- We offer a preliminary assessment of your project.
- Exploring Possibilities
- Discuss potential design impacts and explore various design ideas.
- Receive an Estimated Project Proposal
- Get a non-obligatory estimated cost for your project.
Phone: +65 6444 0555
Whatsapp: +65 9888 2723
Email: sales@fcinteriordesign.net
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (By appointment only)
Contact one of our Design Consultants to discuss your project.
Phone: +65 6444 0555
WhatsApp: +65 9888 2723
Email: sales@fcinteriordesign.net
Opening hours: 10am – 7pm (by appointment only)
ABOUT INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my condo management’s approval to renovate?
In practice, yes — most MCSTs require a renovation application, a refundable deposit and adherence to their by-laws on hours and common-property protection before work may start. We prepare and submit this as part of the job.
What hours can condo renovation work run?
Each development sets its own permitted hours in its by-laws — there is no single national timing rule for condos. We confirm your development’s windows before the schedule is drawn.
What is the renovation deposit for?
It covers damage to common property — lifts, lobbies, corridors — during your renovation. Our protection and materials-movement plan exists to hand it back to you whole.
Is renovating a new launch different from a resale condo?
Yes. New units are carpentry-and-finishes projects mindful of the developer’s defects-liability period; resale units start with assessment of waterproofing age and past alterations before design begins.
Who handles plumbing and gas in a condo?
The same licensed trades as anywhere in Singapore: PUB-licensed plumbers for water and sanitary works, licensed gas workers for gas. We schedule them into the sequence.
How do we start?
Call +65 6444 0555 or WhatsApp +65 9888 2723 with your development’s name. FC Interior Design has renovated Singapore condominiums since 1990 — 10am–7pm, by appointment.
See our condo renovation package for indicative pricing and scope.