Our Service
Residential
From HDB flats to landed estates, every home in Singapore deserves a design as considered as the life it houses. We work across every residential property type with the same rigour and the same commitment to craft.
HDB
The HDB flat is where most Singaporean lives are lived. We have spent years understanding exactly what it takes to make one feel genuinely like home.
HDB
The Craft of HDB Design
Designing for HDB living begins with understanding its realities. These flats form the heart of Singapore’s housing landscape, and their proportions, layouts, and regulations shape how design can truly serve daily life. Every square foot matters, storage must feel effortless, and layouts must support the rhythms of home.
Working within HDB guidelines is not a limitation but a framework that guides thoughtful solutions. With years of experience navigating these parameters, we approach each project as an opportunity to create spaces that are practical, coherent, and deeply attuned to the people who live in them.
Indicative Investment Guide
| Flat Type | Essential Scope | Full Design Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Room Flexi Compact | $18,000 – $30,000 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| 3-Room Popular | $25,000 – $40,000 | $45,000 – $65,000 |
| 4-Room Family | $35,000 – $55,000 | $60,000 – $85,000 |
| 5-Room / Executive Apartment Premium | $45,000 – $65,000 | $75,000 – $110,000 |
Our HDB Process
Initial Consultation
On-site visit, brief review, and honest assessment of what is achievable.
Design Concept
Moodboards, space planning, and 3D renders presented for review.
Itemised Quotation
Transparent, line-by-line costing with no hidden charges.
Permit Submission
We handle all HDB and BCA permit applications on your behalf.
Renovation Works
Dedicated project management with daily supervision and regular updates.
Snagging & Handover
Thorough walkthrough and quality checks before completion.
Aftercare
Twelve-month workmanship warranty begins upon project handover.
An Honest Assessment
Where HDB renovation works in your favour:
- Familiar structural configurations mean fewer surprises and more predictable budgeting
- Our accumulated knowledge of HDB typologies shortens the design and planning phase
- Standard room proportions respond well to thoughtful, discipline‑led design
Where you should plan carefully:
- HDB permit approval typically adds two to four weeks before physical works can begin, so factor this into your timeline
- Structural walls cannot be removed, which shapes, and sometimes limits, open-plan ambitions
- Older blocks may carry legacy plumbing and electrical configurations that add complexity to wet-area works
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Your first consultation is complimentary and lasts approximately 60 minutes. It takes place at our showroom or via video call, whichever suits you. We use this session to understand your brief, assess your space (with floor plans if available), and give you an honest picture of what is achievable within your budget. There is no obligation to proceed, and no cost either way.
Yes, though most clients find that tackling the full home produces a more cohesive and cost-effective result. That said, we do take on single-room and partial renovation projects, including kitchen renovations, bathroom redesigns, and master bedroom fit-outs. We are transparent about minimum project values during the consultation, so there are no awkward surprises.
As a CaseTrust-accredited firm, we are required to hold client deposits in a trust account and follow a regulated payment schedule. This means your money is protected even in the unlikely event of a dispute. CaseTrust accreditation is issued by CASE Singapore and is a widely recognised consumer protection mark in the renovation industry.
No. Our job is to bring your vision to life, not to replace it with ours. That said, part of our role is to flag practical or budgetary constraints — for example, if a particular material wears out quickly in Singapore’s humidity, or if a layout change requires structural work that would double the budget. We share this kind of input honestly, but we do not push our aesthetic on you. If your brief is clear, we follow it.
Renovation costs vary considerably depending on property type, scope, and material choices.
As a general guide, a 3-room HDB renovation starts from approximately $25,000 to $45,000 for a basic scope and can reach $65,000 or more for a full, high-specification fit-out. A 4 to 5-room HDB typically runs $40,000 to $90,000. Condo projects are similar or higher, depending on the unit size and finishes. Landed properties generally start from $120,000 and can go substantially higher.
We provide a precise, itemised quote after your consultation.
BTO
Collecting your BTO keys marks the start of an exciting new chapter. The way you plan the following months will lay the foundation for how you enjoy and live in your home for years to come.
BTO
The Opportunity of a Blank Canvas
A BTO flat is, in the truest sense, a blank canvas. No previous finishes to respect or remove. No inherited layout choices. Just a structurally sound space that is entirely yours to define. That freedom is liberating, and with the right designer, it is one of the most rewarding projects.
The challenge is that designing from scratch requires more decisions, made in the right sequence, with a coherent vision holding them together. Without that coherence, a renovation becomes a series of individual choices that never quite coalesce into a home.
InteriorDesigner.sg specialises in guiding BTO homeowners through every decision with clarity, patience, and a design intelligence that keeps the whole picture in view.
Typical BTO Project Timeline
| Phase | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial consultation to contract signing | 1 to 2 weeks |
| HDB permit approval | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Renovation works — 3-room flat | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Renovation works — 4 to 5-room flat | 10 to 14 weeks |
| Snagging and handover | 1 week |
An Honest Assessment
Where BTO renovation works in your favour:
- Complete design freedom, with every finish and fitting chosen with intention
- New structural and mechanical elements reduce the risk of inherited problems
- An ideal opportunity to integrate smart home technology from the outset
Where you should plan carefully:
- Designing from scratch requires more decision-making, so arrive at your consultation with a clear brief
- Scope creep is the primary driver of budget overrun; disciplined prioritisation from the start is essential
- HDB permit timelines mean you cannot commence works immediately upon key collection; thus, plan your move-in date accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
As early as you can — ideally 3 to 6 months before your key collection date. We can begin design work from your HDB floor plan alone, well before you have physical access to the unit.
Starting early means your design concept, material selections, and permit application are all in progress by the time you collect your keys. The practical benefit is a materially shorter gap between key collection and move-in, which for most households is the most important metric of all.
Yes. For BTO flats, we routinely begin concept design and moodboard development from the HDB-issued floor plan months before key collection. This is standard practice and one of the most effective ways to reduce the total time from key collection to move-in. The design is then refined and confirmed once we can access the unit for detailed measurements and a site condition assessment.
You can move into a BTO unit with the standard HDB finishes, which include basic floor tiles, painted walls, and essential fittings. Many households, however, choose to enhance comfort and functionality with additions such as kitchen cabinetry, built-in storage, and tailored lighting design.
The scale of renovation depends entirely on your lifestyle priorities and budget. Our role is to provide clear guidance on what your budget can achieve, ensuring every choice is intentional and aligned with your needs.
Yes, and this is often one of the most important early decisions in a BTO renovation. We assess the spatial implications of both options, e.g. traffic flow, acoustic separation, visual proportion, storage implications, and how each serves your daily routines, and present the trade-offs honestly.
If design work has begun before key collection, a 3-room BTO can be ready to move in approximately 8 to 10 weeks after keys are received, allowing for permit approval. A 4 or 5-room flat typically runs 10 to 14 weeks.
The single biggest variable is permit approval timing, which we cannot fully control but can influence by submitting promptly and accurately. We provide a detailed milestone timeline at the contract stage and track against it throughout.
Condominium
Designing for Elevated Living
A condominium offers design opportunities that go beyond surface-level renovation. It is a space where material choices, lighting, and the flow between rooms come together in careful balance. When approached with discipline, a condo interior can feel both expansive and intimate — open when you want it, private when you need it.
InteriorDesigner.sg has shaped condominium homes across Singapore’s private residential market, from compact studios to sprawling penthouses. Whether it’s making 600 square feet feel complete or ensuring 2,000 square feet feels purposeful rather than excessive, we focus on design that is considered, cohesive, and genuinely livable.
Condominium
Navigating MCST Requirements
Every condominium development operates under Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) guidelines that govern approved working hours, noise restrictions, and in some cases, the materials permitted on certain surfaces. These requirements vary considerably across developments and can affect both the timeline and the design scope.
We manage all MCST submissions and approvals on your behalf, drawing on experience across a wide range of developments to anticipate restrictions before they become obstacles.
An Honest Assessment
Where condo renovation works in your favour:
- Greater regulatory flexibility allows for more adventurous spatial decisions
- Higher investment budgets enable premium material and finish specifications
- Open-plan condo layouts respond particularly well to considered interior architecture
Where you should plan carefully:
- MCST requirements vary significantly, so consult the management office before finalising design decisions
- Resale units may carry previous renovation layers that require additional assessment and rectification
- Load-bearing walls and plumbing stacks are fixed constraints that should be understood early
Frequently Asked Questions
Condo renovation costs are broadly comparable to HDB in terms of scope-driven ranges: a 1 or 2-bedroom unit with a comprehensive scope runs approximately $40,000 to $80,000. A 3-bedroom unit typically falls between $60,000 and $120,000. Penthouse and larger layouts with high-specification finishes can run considerably above this.
The primary cost variables are the extent of wet works and electrical rewiring, the specification level of materials and joinery, and the degree of custom or bespoke work involved.
MCST stands for Management Corporation Strata Title. It is the body that manages a strata development — your condominium’s management committee, in practical terms.
Every MCST sets its own renovation guidelines covering permitted working hours, noise restrictions, approved materials for common-interface surfaces such as the external facade or corridor floor, and in some developments, the contractors who may operate on the premises. These rules vary considerably between developments and can affect both your renovation timeline and certain design decisions.
A 1- or 2-bedroom condo renovation with a full scope typically takes 10 to 12 weeks from the commencement of works. Larger units, or those with more extensive structural or wet works, may run 12 to 16 weeks. MCST approval processing adds time ahead of commencement, typically 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the development.
In most cases, yes — subject to MCST guidelines regarding floor loading and impact sound.
Many developments require that a certified impact sound insulation layer be installed beneath hard floor finishes to minimise noise transmission to the unit below. Some MCSTs limit floor finishes in areas adjacent to external facades. We specify compliant underlay systems and advise on any development-specific restrictions before materials are selected.
A few items are specific to or more common in condo renovations. MCST-required protective measures, e.g. corridor floor and wall coverings, lift protection, and in some developments, a refundable deposit held by the management office — add a modest upfront cost. Some developments require a specialist disposal contractor for certain waste streams.
Landed Property
Landed properties in Singapore — terraced houses, semi‑detached homes, bungalows, and Good Class Bungalows — offer possibilities that go beyond apartment living. Multiple floors, private outdoor spaces, and the chance for architectural intervention create room for design that can evolve with your family and endure across generations.
InteriorDesigner.sg has worked on landed homes ranging from conservation terraces to contemporary bungalows. Every project is led by a senior designer and supported by a dedicated project manager, bringing both creative vision and practical coordination to the process.
Investment Framework
| Property Type | Partial Renovation | Full Design & Renovation |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Terrace | $120,000 – $200,000 | $250,000 and above |
| Semi-Detached | $180,000 – $280,000 | $350,000 and above |
| Detached Bungalow | $250,000 – $400,000 | $500,000 and above |
An Honest Assessment
Where landed renovation works in your favour:
- Larger floor areas provide opportunities for versatile layouts and multi‑purpose spaces
- The scale and permanence of the brief invite bespoke, distinctive outcomes
- A thoughtfully designed landed home represents significant and enduring asset value
Where you should plan carefully:
- Scope and budget must be established with discipline from the outset, as escalation is more costly at this scale
- Coordinating multiple specialist trades across a large site requires experienced, full‑time project management
- Older landed properties often carry structural or mechanical complexities that need specialist input before design commences
Frequently Asked Questions
Structural feasibility is assessed during our initial site visit, where we review the existing structure in the context of your brief and identify the walls and elements that are load-bearing or otherwise constrained.
Where structural alterations are part of the brief, we engage a structural engineer at the appropriate stage to confirm feasibility and provide the documentation required for permit applications.
We factor the likely cost and timeline of structural works into the initial assessment so you have a realistic picture before committing to the scope.
The management of a multi-floor project is a core project management discipline, not a simple extension of single-floor work. The sequencing of trades across floors requires careful planning — certain works on upper floors must precede works on lower floors, and the movement of materials and labour through a lived-in or in-progress structure creates logistical demands that we plan explicitly.
Your project manager is on-site daily and maintains a detailed sequencing plan that is updated in real time as the project progresses.
Investment varies considerably with scope, structural complexity, and material specification.
As a working framework: a partial renovation of an intermediate terrace house — wet works, selected finishes, and joinery — typically starts from $120,000 to $200,000. A full design and renovation of the same property runs from $250,000 and above. Semi-detached and detached properties scale from $180,000 to $280,000 for partial scope, and from $350,000 upwards for a comprehensive redesign.
We conduct a detailed on-site assessment before any quotation is issued, as the variables in a landed project make meaningful estimation impossible without a site visit.
A landed renovation with a moderate scope — wet works, flooring, joinery, and finishes across two floors — typically runs 16 to 24 weeks. A comprehensive renovation involving structural work, outdoor areas, and smart home integration may take 24 to 40 weeks.
We provide a detailed milestone timeline at the contract stage. Landed projects are more susceptible to delays from structural discoveries, specialist lead times, and weather-affected external works than smaller residential projects — we build appropriate contingencies into all timelines and communicate proactively when adjustments are needed.
Landed renovations typically require a Building Works permit from the Building and Construction Authority where structural alterations or additions are involved. For conservation properties, a Conservation Works application to the URA is required. Electrical and plumbing works require licensed contractors and the associated submissions.
We identify all required permits during the planning phase and manage the relevant applications on your behalf. Permit timelines vary by permit type and complexity — we factor these into the project timeline from the outset.
Loft
A loft is more than a flat with a high ceiling. It is a distinctive space that calls for thoughtful design. The volume can work beautifully if scaled with care, creating openness without feeling overwhelming. When furnished with intention, it retains the character that makes it special.
At InteriorDesigner.sg, we begin with the architecture itself — listening to what the space offers and shaping a design that enhances it. Our approach favours clarity over clutter, precision over excess, and materials that reveal their quality the closer you look.
Loft
What Loft Design Requires
- Large volumes amplify sound, so acoustic treatment must be planned early
- Design in three dimensions, using layered pools of light instead of uniform brightness
- Ensure structural integrity and architectural coherence when adding upper levels
- Integrate ventilation and climate control into the design from the outset
An Honest Assessment
Where loft design works in your favour:
- The format is architecturally distinctive and often yields memorable results
- Vertical space opens up design possibilities not found in conventional floor plans
- Clear spatial volumes encourage cohesive and well‑resolved interiors
Where you should plan carefully:
- The format is architecturally distinctive and often yields memorable results
- Vertical space opens up design possibilities not found in conventional floor plans
- Clear spatial volumes encourage cohesive and well‑resolved interiors
Frequently Asked Questions
A mezzanine is not always the right answer to a high-ceilinged space, despite being the most obvious one.
The decision turns on several factors: the overall floor area of the unit and whether a mezzanine adds genuinely useful floor space or simply divides a dramatic volume for the sake of it; the structural implications and cost of the mezzanine structure; the ceiling height above and below the mezzanine deck and whether both levels will feel inhabitable; and the acoustic and light implications of dividing the volume.
We assess all of these before recommending a mezzanine, and we will advise against one if the brief does not genuinely require it.
Volume amplifies sound. In an untreated loft, hard surfaces, e.g. concrete, glass, timber, reflect sound in ways that create echo, extend reverb, and make normal conversation difficult.
Acoustic management in a loft requires a combination of surface treatments: soft furnishings and textiles that absorb sound, perforated or textured ceiling finishes that diffuse reflections, and in some cases, specialist acoustic panels integrated into the design.
We address acoustics at the design stage, not after completion, because many of the most effective treatments are structural or are integrated into the ceiling and wall construction. Retrofitting acoustic treatments in an occupied loft is both disruptive and expensive.
The approvals required depend on the nature of the works.
A mezzanine addition is a structural element that requires a structural engineer’s design, a building permit from the BCA, and in some developments, MCST approval.
Penetrations through structural elements, alterations to the building envelope, and changes to loading conditions all similarly require professional engineering input and formal approval.
In most cases, yes — for several reasons. The structural cost of a mezzanine addition is significant.
Finishing a double-volume ceiling requires scaffold access, specialist equipment, and more time. Materials in a loft must perform across a larger vertical surface area. Acoustic treatment adds cost that is not present in a standard flat renovation. Furniture and lighting specified for a loft space tend to be on a larger scale, e.g. statement pendants, oversized seating, and carry a premium.
We provide a detailed, itemised quotation that reflects the specific scope of your loft project, so you understand exactly where the investment is going.
A loft renovation without structural additions, e.g. new finishes, lighting design, and joinery, typically runs 10 to 14 weeks. A loft renovation involving a mezzanine addition requires the structural engineer’s design and BCA permit approval before structural works can commence, adding 4 to 8 weeks to the timeline before physical works begin. The actual construction of the mezzanine and subsequent finishing works typically run a further 14 to 20 weeks, depending on scope.
Every residential project we take on begins with the same question: what does this household need from the space it comes home to? Everything else follows from the answer.