Kitchen Renovation Singapore
Carpentry, wet works, gas and plumbing — coordinated by one HDB-approved team.
OUR CREDENTIALS
Carpentry, wet works, gas and plumbing — coordinated by one HDB-approved team.
KITCHEN RENOVATION SINGAPORE
Kitchen Renovation for HDB and Condo Homes
Kitchen renovation touches more trades than any other room: carpentry, tiling and waterproofing, plus water and gas lines that only licensed personnel may alter — PUB-licensed plumbers for water and sanitary works, EMA-licensed gas service workers for gas. FC Interior Design has coordinated all of it since 1990 as an HDB-approved contractor: one team planning the layout, handling the wet works, building the carpentry and bringing the licensed specialists in at the right stage.
WHAT TO TAKE NOTE
What HDB Allows in a Kitchen Renovation
Kitchens have their own HDB rulebook — these three areas decide most designs.
Counters, Cabinets and the 50mm Rule
Kitchen counters and dapoh bases can be built without a permit, but within limits: base and finishes must stay within 50mm, concrete shelves are not allowed, and a repositioned sink sits on a single 63mm hollow-block support with the floor slab untouched. Owners are also responsible for removing and reinstating built fixtures if HDB needs access for inspection — worth knowing before you build around services.
The Weephole Rule Nobody Mentions
Many HDB kitchens have enclosed sanitary ducts fitted with a weephole — an early-warning outlet that shows when a pipe inside the duct is leaking. HDB requires that weepholes are not sealed or blocked by kitchen carpentry, or a hidden leak can quietly damage your new cabinets. We survey duct and weephole positions before the carpentry is drawn, not after it is installed. Source: HDB Renovation Guidelines for Building Works (updated June 2026).
Water, Gas and Who May Touch Them
Since April 2018, water service and sanitary works must be carried out by PUB-licensed plumbers, and gas pipe alterations by City Energy or an EMA-licensed gas service worker. Sink waste pipes may be diverted within the floor finishes but never embedded into the slab, and kitchen floors need pre-packed waterproofing screed before new finishes go down. We schedule these licensed works into the sequence so nothing is done twice. See the HDB guidelines for plumbing and gas works.
OUR METHODOLOGY
How We Renovate a Kitchen, Step by Step
Kitchens fail on sequencing — services first, carpentry last.
1. Initial Consultation
We measure the space and locate the concealed water pipes, gas lines, sanitary ducts and weepholes before anything is drawn.
2.Detailed Design Exploration
Most kitchen works need no HDB permit, but floor-finish replacement does — we confirm what applies to your flat and file it as an HDB-approved contractor.
3. Personalised Design Concepts
Layout, worktop, cabinet carpentry and tiling are designed around the real positions of services, ducts and weepholes, with every base within HDB’s 50mm limit.
4. Expectations & Actionables
Existing finishes come out where permitted, then pre-packed waterproofing screed goes down before any new floor finish is laid.
5. Meticulous Implementation
PUB-licensed plumbing and licensed gas works are completed first; cabinets, worktop and backsplash are then built and fitted around them.
6. Customer Satisfaction
Water runs, drainage, gas connections, cabinet alignment and sealing are checked with you before we hand the kitchen back.
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.
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 an HDB permit to renovate my kitchen?
Most kitchen works — counters, cabinets, dapoh bases, sink replacement — need no permit. Replacing floor finishes does. We confirm the scope for your flat and handle any application as an HDB-approved contractor.
Can I extend my kitchen into the service yard?
Yes, without a permit, provided no walls are removed, the services inside the extended area are untouched, and no exhaust fan is installed at the service balcony or yard.
What is a weephole, and why can’t my cabinets cover it?
A small outlet on enclosed sanitary ducts that reveals leaks early. HDB requires it to stay unsealed and unblocked by carpentry — otherwise a hidden leak can ruin your cabinets before you know it exists.
Who is allowed to work on kitchen plumbing and gas?
Water service and sanitary works must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber; gas pipe alterations by City Energy or an EMA-licensed gas service worker. We bring the licensed specialists in as part of the job.
Does a kitchen renovation involve waterproofing?
Yes. HDB requires pre-packed waterproofing screed on kitchen floors before new finishes, with membrane protection around the sanitary stacks — lighter than a toilet’s full membrane, but still required.
What are the rules for kitchen counters?
Bases must stay within 50mm including finishes, concrete shelves are not allowed, and repositioned sinks sit on a single 63mm hollow-block support. FC Interior Design has built HDB kitchens since 1990 — call +65 6444 0555 or WhatsApp +65 9888 2723.