Budget vs. Premium: Renovation Options for 3-Room HDB Flats

Remodelling a 3-room HDB flat in Singapore is an exciting prospect, but the costs involved often limit the scope and scale of your plans. Carefully analysing the available options is critical to juggling budget restraints with design choice. In this article, we survey economical and premium renovation possibilities for 3-room HDB flats, featuring fabulous portfolios and insights from six top interior design companies in Singapore; Space Factor, Swiss Interior, Kitchenate, This MoodBoard, Renozone, and AC Vision.

Identifying Your Renovation Requirements

A 3-room HDB flat includes two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and one or two bathrooms. Revamping costs for these flats can range from S$20,000 to over S$80,000. The final price is shaped by factors like the materials used, whether the design leans toward aesthetic appeal or functionality, and the level of customisation. 

Basic Influences on Budgets

When deciding on a renovation plan for your 3-room HDB flat, a careful review of the characteristics that impact the overall price is critical to the success of your project. 

Analysing the factors that make up a renovation budget includes considering:

1. The Size of the Job

The size of your renovation plans forms the basis for establishing a net estimate.

• Slight retouches like freshening the paint, switching dated furniture, or renewing the floorboards are usually less labour-intensive and materials focused. A minor facelift like this can cost somewhere between S$5,000 to S$15,000. They’re perfect for landowners looking for a speedy restoration that doesn’t change the blueprint of their abode.
• If you are only seeking to renovate specific sections of the flat, like the bathroom or kitchen, the costs are variable depending on the work and the quality of the materials. For example, refurbishing a kitchen with mid-range materials could cost approximately S$15,000 to S$25,000.
• A total overhaul, on the other hand, entails modifying the layout, renovating all rooms, installing new floors, plumbing and rewiring work, and personalised furnishings. Rates for such large-scale projects, on average, start off at S$30,000 and can go over S$80,000. The price is adjustable according to your selection of material and desired intricacy in the design.

Pro Tip: Make practical decisions depending on your lifestyle requirements. If your flat is comparatively new, you don’t need total overhauls, slight improvements can suffice. However, older buildings need some work done for operational and practical efficiency.

2. Minimalism vs. Finesse 

The theme you choose can drastically affect the cost of your renovation.

• Simple Layouts: Clear borders, pale pallets, and efficient layouts are the defining traits of minimalism. This design keeps practicality at the core and usually requires minimal work and structural skills. Thus, it’s an economical choice with prices starting from S$20,000 for a 3-room flat.
• Industrial and Scandinavian Styles: These designs are economically priced in themselves but raw materials like, cement screed, or wooden textures can increase the overall rates. Nevertheless, in the overall scheme of things, they are available at mid-range prices. Expect the expenditure to be somewhere between S$25,000 to S$40,000.
• Extravagant and Sophisticated Designs: Themes like modern luxury, Victorian, or other selective ideas demand premium resources, complex detailing, and expert-level skills. Such projects usually start at S$50,000 and can go beyond S$100,000. Much depends on how detailed and intricate the work is. 

Pro Tip: You can achieve a mixture of minimalism and finesse by adding luxurious furniture or statement decoration pieces to a minimalistic layout, without straining your funds.

3. Materials

The quality and category of the materials contributes to budget volatility. 

• Flooring:
  • Economical: Vinyl – S$4.50 – S$7 per square foot – is inexpensive, simple to install, and available in a great variety of patterns.
  • Premium: Marble – S$12 – S$20 per square foot – or hardwood – S$10 – S$15 per square foot – represents luxury, but at a high cost.
• Countertops:
  • Economical: Laminated countertops – S$40 – S$50 per square foot – are cost-friendly and available in a wide variety.
  • Premium: Quartz – S$90 – S$120 per square foot – or granite options are both strong and elegant but demand a higher investment.
• Paint: Premium paints or textured wallpapers can add to costs. This is in stark contrast to simple emulsion paints. Expect a cost between S$300 – S$1,500 per room, depending on your choice. 

Pro Tip: Choose materials that compliment your lifestyle. For example, durable materials like quartz or vinyl are best for families with children, while premium materials are more befitting to owners desiring an extravagant outlook that lasts.

4. Woodwork

Woodwork, arguably, causes the biggest strain on your renovation budget. However, this is predominantly for owners wanting entirely tailored designs.

• Ready-Made Furnishings: Off-the-rack furnishings, available at retail stores, are cheap and can be changed later on. Prices begin at S$300 for simple pieces like coffee tables or chairs.
• Bespoke Woodworking: Tailored furnishings like integrated closets, kitchen cupboards, and feature walls allow for a sleek and customised look. But this luxury comes at a steep price. Starting at S$100 per foot run prices can go up to S$300 per foot run for complex models or premium materials like sandalwood.

Pro Tip: Using a combination of mass-produced furnishings with some bespoke pieces gives your space a tailored appearance without requiring you to stretch your budget. For example, spend on a bespoke kitchen design while choosing off-the-rack furniture for the living room.

5. Contractor vs. Designer  

Choosing between retaining a contractor or employing an interior designer is another major decision that effects your budget.

• Contractors: Contractors focus on execution according to preplanned design layouts. They are an economical alternative, with restoration bundles commencing from S$20,000 to S$50,000 for a 3-room flat. On the other hand, they lack design skills and reliability in producing results that are in the same league as a professional interior designer’s work.
• Interior Designers: Interior designers manage the entirety of the project. They can be relied upon to ensure that the project will be suited to your personal taste and lifestyle from the outset, all the way through to the end. They demand a higher charge, varying between S$3,000 to S$10,000, depending on the level of skill and effort. However, they can be a worthwhile, albeit more expensive, choice. As they say, the ends justify the means. 

Pro Tip: If you are a detail-oriented person and are positive about being able to manage your project, a contractor may do. However, for complicated projects or when altering between work and remodelling is too much, engaging an interior designer allows you to remain stress-free and offers a consistent result.

Understanding these factors that impact the budget allows owners to distribute their finances efficiently. By creating a balance between convenience, aesthetics, and feasibility, you can design a beautiful living space that manifests your style without surpassing your budget restrictions.

Cost-Effective Renovation Options

For landowners with limited budgets, keeping functionality in mind while retaining an aesthetic element is crucial. Interior design corporations like Renozone and Swiss Interior shine in creating awe-worthy projects matching these requirements.

Renozone – Reasonably Priced Layouts with Efficiency at the Core

Renozone excels at providing adept remodelling work without compromising on aesthetic appeal. They suggest:

• Vinyl Floorboards: Long-lasting and inexpensive, beginning at S$4.50 per square foot.
• Ready-Made Furnishings: Store-bought alternatives that curtail woodworking expenditures.
• Open Racks in Kitchens: Conserves money spent on carpentry while maintaining a contemporary outlook.

Portfolio Highlight: A Scandinavian design influenced HDB flat transformation valuing below S$30,000. Presenting open concept living spaces and elegant, yet economical, fittings and furniture.

Swiss Interior – Cost-Effective Solutions

Swiss Interior is infamous for their beautiful, budget-friendly projects. Their approach involves:

• Pre-Coated Woodwork: Mixes aesthetic draw with cost-effectiveness.
• Pale Shades and Clever Designs: Creating a roomy appearance on a budget.
• Portfolio Highlight: This 3 BEDDER CONDO. A compact though, attractive transformation with an estimated cost of S$25,000. Utilising dual-use furnishings to boost space and utility.

Premium Renovation Options

For luxury and grandeur enthusiasts, premium renovations are the way to go. These involve superior materials, commissioned designs, and intricate details. Top companies like Space Factor and This MoodBoard specialise in producing exclusive interiors.

Space Factor – Luxury Plus Functionality 

Space Factor combines chic looks with practical designs. The main characteristics of their work include:

• Quartz Countertops: Refined and sturdy, beginning at S$90 per square foot.
• Ambient luminescence: Augments classiness and the standard price is approximately S$3,000 total.
• Bespoke Woodwork: Personalised furnishings cost an estimated S$250 per foot run.

Portfolio Highlight: This classic British colonial interior. A novel, lavish remodel costing S$60,000. Showcasing hardwood floors, built-in cupboards, and sleek kitchen tiles.

This MoodBoard- Creative Fineness and a Superior Layout

This MoodBoard is renowned for its innovative projects. Their premium undertones incorporate:

• Imported Tiles: Premium Italian marble tiles.
• Smart Homes: Systems commencing from S$5,000.
• Signature Walls: Artistic wallpapers and textured paints.

Portfolio Highlight: This Earthy Modern design. An industrial-style flat with an estimated price of S$70,000. Presenting open design plans, daring touches, and artistic lighting.

Juggling Budget and Premium

For owners with a limited budget, Kitchenate and AC Vision excel in designing customised layouts that offset design quality with affordability.

Kitchenate – Operational Sophistication

Kitchenate are experts in creating kitchen designs that give off aesthetic appeal while retaining functionality. They utilise:

• Standard Materials: Coatings with wood-like textures.
• Efficient Layouts: Amplifying small spaces with innovative designs.

Portfolio Highlight: This HDB BTO kitchen transformation costing S$20,000. Highlighting efficient storage solutions and a mix of laminate and quartz finishes.

AC Vision – Personalisation Without Emptying the Pocket

AC Vision is famous for customised remodelling that fits your budget. They provide:

• A Fusion of Woodwork: A combination of bespoke and off-the-rack furnishings.
• Smart Storage Capacity: Modern layouts that decrease mess.

Portfolio Highlight: This gorgeous HDB BTO transformation. A modern design flat costing S$35,000. Displaying sectional furnishings and convertible furniture.

Price Differences: Economy vs. Finesse

Remodelling Feature	Economical Choice	Premium Selection
Flooring	Vinyl (S$4.50/sq ft)	Marble (S$12-$15/sq ft)
Kitchen Countertops	Laminate (S$40-$50/sq ft)	Quartz (S$90-$120/sq ft)
Lighting	LED strips (S$500 total)	Cove lighting (S$3,000 total)
Bathroom Furnishings	Basic equipment (S$1,500 total)	Designer equipment (S$5,000 total)
Woodwork	Basic (S$100-$120/foot)	Customised (S$250-$300/foot)

Choosing the Right Designer

The success of your remodelling project mostly depends on the interior designer you opt for. A competent designer will design a living space that matches your lifestyle and preferences. They can also help you in managing your financial plan successfully by ranking your needs and scouring for economical solutions.

Here’s a more detailed evaluation of the highlighted companies and an overview of how they can work efficiently to incorporate all your renovation requirements.

1. Swiss Interior

Swiss Interior is famous for fashioning classy designs at reasonable prices. They excel in managing practicality with aesthetics, earning them the top spot for owners seeking to manage their renovation project on a tight budget without bargaining on quality.

• Specialty: Swiss Interior specialises in neutral tones and dual-use furnishings to create spacious, balanced settings.
• Why Choose Them? They provide amazingly beautiful results at surprisingly cheap prices. Costs range between S$20,000 to S$30,000 – ideal for owners with budget constraints.

2. Renozone

Renozone is a well-renowned name for sensible makeovers and providing functional value. Their speciality lies in providing cost-efficient solutions. They are the best choice for those who wish to remodel with limited finances.

• Specialty: Renozone’s work is defined by longevity and easy maintenance. They advocate for cost-effective solutions in their projects, like vinyl flooring and open shelving.
• Why Choose Them? Their designs, beginning at roughly S$25,000, are adapted to achieve both affordability and serviceability.

3. Space Factor

If you’re pursuing an extravagant makeover without skipping on practicality, Space Factor is the winning choice. Recognised for prioritising comfort into their operative designs, they accommodate owners with modest to extensive budgets.

• Specialty: Space Factor blends top materials like quartz countertops and marble tiles with innovative design strategies to boost outlook and efficacy simultaneously.
• Why Choose Them? Their services commence at S$50,000, dominating at the top of the list of choices for those clamouring for refined, classy end-results.

4. This MoodBoard

This MoodBoard is synonymous with creative expression and artistically inventive interiors. Their focus on customisation guarantees that your house is exclusive and echoes your style.

• Specialty: They master the ability to blow life into any space. Instilling glamour into every single project, they employ premium materials, complex detailing, and statement designing.
• Why Choose Them? With designs starting at around S$60,000, This MoodBoard is perfect for owners pursuing bold and individualistic designs.

5. Kitchenate 

Kitchenate focusses on producing visually appealing and functional kitchen spaces. If you love to cook or merely desire an inviting kitchen space with aesthetic charm, Kitchenate is the top choice. The kitchen is, after all, the heart of the home. 

• Specialty: Their specialise in space optimisation techniques and intricate detailing.
• Why Choose Them? Their focus on a niche allows them to achieve expertise. Their prices start from S$20,000, well-suited for mid-range budgets.

6. AC Vision

AC Vision delights in being the market leader for providing design solutions that are very flexible. They provide tailored reconstructions that accommodate customer requirements within their stated budget.

• Specialty: They provide a mixture of handcrafted and mass-produced furnishings that merge the overall outlook for a custom-made appearance.
• Why Choose Them? Their flexible approach and gorgeous results are well-suited to budgets stretching between S$30,000 to S$40,000, hitting the sweet spot between budget and personalisation.

How to Select the Best Choice for You

• Evaluate Your Funds: Identify your renovation targets as economical or premium and pick a designer whose skills and prices are a match for your requirements and budget.
• Study Portfolios: Explore the designers’ websites or social media platforms to get ideas from their past projects. Search for designs that echo your style.
• Communicate Your Requirements: Arrange meetings to communicate your thoughts, preferences, and restrictions. A professional designer will provide you with realistic options while acknowledging your budget.
• Assess Reviews: Check online reviews and recommendations to gauge the designer’s reliability.

Conclusion

Renovating a 3-room HDB flat in Singapore demands an effortless application of your design choices, while maintaining functionality for everyday requirements. Whether you prefer a simple aesthetic at economical rates or fantasise about grand interiors with luxurious furnishings – if you choose the right designer your revamping journey can be mutually fulfilling. 

Interior decoration is not just about converting the physical space; it’s about creating an atmosphere that reflects your lifestyle and brings you ease, utility, and a sense of happiness. The challenge rests with finding the perfect balance between your concept and your budget. However, with the counselling of experienced interior designers even the most restrained budgets can bear a fruitful result.

Top companies like Swiss Interior, Renozone, Space Factor, This MoodBoard, Kitchenate, and AC Vision each bring their own individualism and vision to the table, assuring that no matter what your requirements or budget is, there’s a solution personalised just for you. 

From Swiss Interior’s elegant but budget-friendly designs to This MoodBoard’s commissioned luxury interiors, these professionals specialise in compelling dreams into existence. Each company’s portfolio displays an abundance of imagination and skill, emphasising designs that balance functionality and aesthetics, in all budget ranges. 

Board your renovation train today and contact Singapore’s leading interior design companies. Search their portfolios, talk over your concept, and allow them to convert your 3-room HDB flat into a beautiful and functional space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. 

The potential is infinite when you team up with professionals who are committed to excellence.