OUR CREDENTIALS

BTO and resale flats, designed and built by an HDB-approved contractor since 1990.

HDB INTERIOR DESIGN SINGAPORE

HDB Interior Design for BTO and Resale Flats

An HDB flat is designed inside a rulebook: what may be hacked, when noisy work may run, how thick finishes may be, and which spaces can never change use. FC Interior Design has worked inside that rulebook since 1990 as an HDB-licensed contractor (HB-09-2619C) — design and build under one roof, from whole-flat BTO fit-outs to resale transformations. The detailed rules per room live on our kitchen, toilet and bathroom, bedroom and living room pages, and our renovation contractor service covers defined single-scope jobs.

The Full Range of HDB Renovation We Handle

HDB flats make up the vast majority of homes in Singapore, and no two renovation jobs are quite the same. The scope shifts with the flat type and whether it is a new Build-To-Order (BTO) unit or a resale flat. FC Interior Design has renovated HDB homes across every common configuration since 1990, from compact 2-room Flexi units through 3-, 4- and 5-room flats to larger executive apartments and maisonettes.

• BTO flats: Handed over as a bare or partially fitted shell, so the work is largely additive — carpentry, flooring, false ceilings, lighting and finishes — rather than tearing out an old fit-out.
• Resale flats: Usually involve hacking, removing dated finishes and reconfiguring an existing home, which adds demolition, disposal and often rewiring or replumbing to the scope.
• By flat type: A 2-room needs clever space-saving joinery; a 4- or 5-room allows more zoning and feature work; executive flats and maisonettes bring extra rooms, and in maisonettes an internal staircase, which widens the design brief.

HDB Renovation Rules Every Flat Owner Should Know

HDB renovation is tightly regulated to protect the structure and your neighbours. Getting these rules right is not optional — unauthorised works can attract fines of up to S$5,000 under the Housing & Development (Renovation Control) Rules, plus the cost of reinstatement.

• Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC): Only contractors listed in HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors are permitted to carry out renovation in an HDB flat. Engaging a listed firm is the baseline requirement.
• Permits for hacking and demolition: Demolishing or hacking any wall — even a non-load-bearing partition — requires HDB’s prior written approval, and demolition of reinforced-concrete partition walls must be supervised by a Professional Engineer.
• Structural elements cannot be touched: HDB will not issue a permit to hack structural reinforced-concrete elements — load-bearing walls, columns, beams, floor slabs or staircases — because they carry the building’s loads.
• The 3-year BTO bathroom rule: For a new BTO flat, the original bathroom floor tiles must not be hacked for the first three years, to protect the waterproofing membrane laid during construction. Overlaying new tiles is the compliant alternative in this window.
• Floor-finish limits: New floor finishes and screed must not exceed 50mm in total, and raising floor levels in wet areas needs a permit, as extra dead load can affect the slab.
• Renovation hours: General works are allowed 9am to 6pm on weekdays and Saturdays; noisy works such as hacking and drilling are restricted to 9am to 5pm on weekdays only, with none on Sundays or public holidays.

What an FC HDB Renovation Package Includes

A typical HDB package brings the home from handover to move-in-ready under one contract. Scope usually covers the design and space planning, hacking and disposal where needed, masonry and tiling, waterproofing to wet areas, custom carpentry (wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, vanity and feature units), false ceilings and cove lighting, painting, and electrical and plumbing works. Bundling these under a single design-and-build team keeps trades sequenced correctly and accountability in one place, rather than leaving you to chase separate specialists.

What Drives Your HDB Renovation Cost

The two biggest cost drivers are flat type and BTO-versus-resale. A larger flat has more floor area, more carpentry runs and more rooms to finish, so cost rises with size. Resale flats carry the added cost of hacking, disposal and reinstating older services, which is why they generally start higher than a comparable BTO. Beyond that, the volume of custom carpentry, the specification of finishes and any layout reconfiguration move the figure most. As an indication, FC’s HDB BTO packages start from S$29,800, S$35,800 and S$42,800 for 3-, 4- and 5-room flats respectively, while HDB resale packages start from S$38,800, S$45,800 and S$52,800. Treat these as starting points — a firm number comes from an itemised scope of works.

Why an HDB-Approved Contractor Matters

Choosing a firm listed in the Directory of Renovation Contractors is more than a formality. A DRC-listed, HDB-approved contractor knows which works need a permit, submits the right applications, keeps within the structural and floor-finish rules and works to the approved hours — protecting you from stop-work orders, fines and reinstatement costs. FC holds the HDB-Approved Contractor licence (HB-09-2619C) alongside CaseTrust, bizSAFE Star and BCA registration, so compliance is handled as part of the job rather than left to the homeowner.

How much does an HDB renovation cost?

It depends mainly on flat type, whether it is a BTO or resale unit, and how much custom carpentry and finishing you specify. FC’s HDB BTO packages start from S$29,800 (3-room), S$35,800 (4-room) and S$42,800 (5-room), and resale packages from S$38,800, S$45,800 and S$52,800. These are indicative starting prices; the final cost follows the agreed scope of works.

How long does an HDB renovation take?

Most HDB projects run around 8 to 12 weeks on site, though the exact duration depends on scope. A BTO with mainly carpentry and finishes is usually quicker; a resale flat needing extensive hacking, replumbing and rewiring takes longer. Permit approval, material lead times and the restricted noisy-works hours all shape the programme.

Do I need an HDB permit to renovate?

Many works need HDB’s prior approval, including any hacking or demolition of walls and raising floor levels in wet areas. Structural reinforced-concrete elements cannot be hacked at all. A DRC-listed contractor such as FC applies for the necessary permits on your behalf, so the correct approvals are in place before works begin.

What is the difference between a BTO and a resale renovation?

A BTO flat is handed over as a fresh shell, so the work is mostly additive and the bathroom floor tiles must be kept for the first three years to protect the waterproofing. A resale flat comes with an existing fit-out that usually needs hacking, disposal and reinstatement of older services, which adds cost and time compared with a BTO of the same size.

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.

3 Room HDB Interior Design Project

4 Room HDB Interior Design Project

5 Room HDB Interior Design Project

WHAT TO TAKE NOTE

What Shapes an HDB Renovation

BTO or resale, the same three realities set the boundaries.

BTO and Resale Start From Different Places

A new BTO block comes with a 3-year restriction on removing bathroom and toilet wall and floor finishes, and its renovations must be completed within 3 months of the permit. A resale flat has no such finish restriction — but its permit works must finish within 1 month, and older flats often carry scope you only see once assessment starts: worn waterproofing, dated wiring runs, previous owners’ alterations. The two journeys need different plans, and we scope them differently from the first visit. Source: HDB’s Important Information on Renovations (updated June 2026).

The Permit System in Brief

Wall demolition or alteration, floor-finish replacement, bathroom enlargement and vent changes need HDB’s written approval before work starts. Carpentry, false ceilings, platforms, vinyl flooring and most kitchen counters do not — though each has its own conditions. The split decides your timeline, so we map every item of your wishlist to permit or no-permit in the first scoping round; the per-room details are on our kitchen, toilet, bedroom and living room pages. For the full rulebook, see our guide to HDB renovation rules.

Design Within HDB’s Real Constraints

The household shelter cannot be hacked or tiled and is designed around, not on. Spaces with gas pipes can never become bedrooms. Platforms must keep a metre below window sills, floor finishes stay within 50mm, and noisy works only run in weekday windows — which shapes how long a realistic schedule is. Good HDB design treats these as starting conditions, not surprises discovered after the quote.

BY FLAT TYPE

HDB Renovation by Flat Type: 2-Room Flexi to Executive

HDB flats range from the compact 2-Room Flexi to the spacious Executive, and the renovation scope shifts with each. Layout, storage strategy and how much hacking is worthwhile all change with the flat’s size and whether it is a new BTO or an older resale unit. As an HDB-Approved Contractor (licence HB-09-2619C) working across every flat type since 1990, FC Interior Design plans each renovation around the flat you actually have.

2-Room Flexi Renovation

The 2-Room Flexi is the smallest HDB layout, at roughly 36 to 45 sqm. Every design decision is a space decision: full-height multi-function carpentry, a fold-away or built-in dining solution, and storage worked into the bed frame and shelter wall line. Because the footprint is small, the single bathroom and wet works drive most of the timeline. New BTO 2-Room Flexi units carry HDB’s 3-year restriction on removing the original bathroom finishes, so first renovations usually keep the waterproofed floor and focus on cabinetry, finishes and lighting.

3-Room HDB Renovation

A 3-Room flat sits at about 60 to 65 sqm and is where an open-plan living and kitchen line becomes worthwhile. Typical scope covers kitchen cabinetry and worktops, wardrobe and bedroom carpentry, flooring, and a refresh of the bathrooms within HDB’s finish and waterproofing rules. Resale 3-Room flats — often in older blocks — more frequently need re-wiring, re-piping and full bathroom re-waterproofing that a BTO of the same type does not.

4-Room HDB Renovation

The 4-Room flat, at around 90 sqm, is the most common BTO and resale layout in Singapore — which is why “4 room BTO renovation” is one of the most searched renovation terms. Typical scope spans the kitchen, living and dining, wardrobes and study carpentry across the bedrooms, flooring throughout, and the two bathrooms. There is usually room for a feature wall, an open kitchen (subject to gas and hood constraints) and fitted storage without crowding the flat.

5-Room HDB Renovation

A 5-Room flat offers roughly 110 sqm — enough for a more generous living area, a proper dining zone and larger wardrobes. The extra floor area widens design options such as an island or peninsula kitchen, a study corner or a walk-in wardrobe, while the same HDB permit, hacking and waterproofing rules still apply. Larger flats also mean more flooring, more carpentry runs and a longer build sequence to plan around.

Executive Flat & Maisonette Renovation

Executive flats and maisonettes are the largest HDB homes — around 130 sqm and sometimes across two levels. Scope can include staircase and double-volume detailing for maisonettes, extensive built-in carpentry and multiple bathrooms. Any maisonette work touching the internal staircase or a structural element must respect HDB’s rules on what may and may not be altered — which is exactly where an HDB-Approved Contractor earns its keep.

OUR METHODOLOGY

How We Design and Build an HDB Home

One team from first measurement to water test — this is the sequence.

1. Initial Consultation

We start with how you actually live — storage pressure, cooking style, work-from-home needs — and measure the flat against it.

2.Detailed Design Exploration

Every wishlist item is mapped to permit or no-permit, and structural walls are identified before any concept is drawn.

3. Personalised Design Concepts

Design concepts are developed inside the constraints — shelter position, gas lines, thickness caps — so what you approve is what can be built.

4. Expectations & Actionables

Permits are filed, neighbours within two units get their 5-day written notice, and the schedule is built around HDB’s permitted hours.

5. Meticulous Implementation

Hacking and wet works first, licensed water, sanitary and gas trades at the right stages, then carpentry and finishes.

6. Customer Satisfaction

Bathroom floor replacements get their required water test, debris is cleared to approved sites, and we walk the flat with you at handover.

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.

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.

1. Share Your Vision
   • Brief us about your project and design aspirations.
2. Complimentary Design Evaluation
   • We offer a preliminary assessment of your project.
3. Exploring Possibilities
   • Discuss potential design impacts and explore various design ideas.
4. 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

Can I renovate my new BTO’s bathrooms immediately?

You can renovate — but HDB restricts removing bathroom wall and floor finishes for the first 3 years from the block’s completion. Overlay options and everything outside the bathrooms remain open from day one.

How long does HDB allow a renovation to take?

From the permit date: 3 months in newly completed blocks, 1 month in existing blocks, 2 weeks for window works. The design phase before the permit is yours to take at your own pace.

Who is allowed to renovate an HDB flat?

Only contractors in HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors — for all works, even those needing no permit. Engaging anyone else exposes the owner to a fine of up to $5,000. FC Interior Design is HDB-licensed (HB-09-2619C).

Which HDB flat types does FC Interior Design renovate?

We renovate every HDB flat type — 2-Room Flexi, 3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room, and Executive flats and maisonettes — for both new BTO and resale units. As an HDB-Approved Contractor (licence HB-09-2619C) operating since 1990, we plan each project around your flat’s size, age and layout.

How is renovating a resale HDB flat different from a BTO?

A new BTO starts from a bare, never-lived-in unit and carries HDB’s 3-year restriction on removing the original bathroom finishes. A resale flat is an existing home that may need re-wiring, re-piping, re-waterproofing and hacking of old fittings before the new design goes in — so resale scope is usually wider and starts with a condition check.

Which works need an HDB permit?

Wall demolition or alteration, floor-finish replacement, bathroom enlargement and vent replacement, among others. Carpentry, false ceilings, platforms and vinyl flooring generally do not. We map your exact scope in the first consultation.

Is designing a BTO different from a resale flat?

Yes. BTO work is planning around new finishes and the 3-year bathroom restriction; resale work usually starts with assessment — waterproofing age, wiring, past alterations — before design begins. We scope the two differently.

How do we start?

Call +65 6444 0555 or WhatsApp +65 9888 2723 with your block and flat type. FC Interior Design has designed and built HDB homes since 1990 — 10am–7pm, by appointment.

What renovation work does a 4-Room HDB flat usually involve?

A typical 4-Room renovation (about 90 sqm) covers the kitchen, living and dining, bedroom wardrobes and carpentry, flooring, and the two bathrooms — all within HDB’s permit, hacking and waterproofing rules. Exact scope depends on whether it is a BTO or resale unit and how much you choose to change.

What affects the cost of an HDB renovation?

Cost is driven by the flat’s size and age, how much hacking and rebuilding is involved, the amount of built-in carpentry, and material choices — not by a flat rate. Resale flats needing re-wiring or re-waterproofing generally cost more than a comparable BTO. Share your flat type and scope with us for a quotation.