Kitchen Renovation Cost & Packages in Singapore

December 29, 2025
5 min read
Swiss interior kitchen design

Kitchen renovation is one of the most researched, and most expensive renovation decisions for Singapore homeowners. Whether you’re renovating a BTO flat, resale HDB, or condominium, kitchen renovation costs in Singapore can vary significantly depending on layout, cabinet choices, materials, and how extensive the works are.

Many homeowners start by searching “kitchen renovation cost Singapore” or “kitchen renovation package Singapore”, only to realise that headline prices rarely tell the full story.

This practical guide is designed to help you:

  • understand kitchen renovation costs in Singapore realistically
  • decide how extensive your kitchen renovation should be
  • compare packages vs custom kitchen renovations
  • plan a sensible budget before speaking to a contractor

If you’re researching keywords like kitchen cabinet Singapore, BTO kitchen renovation, or kitchen renovation contractor Singapore, this guide will give you the context most quotations don’t.

Quick answer: how much does a kitchen renovation cost in Singapore?

For most homes in Singapore, kitchen renovation costs typically range from S$8,000 to S$40,000+, depending on scope.

Typical kitchen renovation cost ranges

  • Light renovation: S$8,000 – S$15,000
  • Moderate renovation: S$15,000 – S$25,000
  • Heavy / premium renovation: S$25,000 – S$40,000+ (the sky’s the limit!)

These figures apply to standard HDB kitchens and similar-sized condo kitchens, excluding appliances and loose furnishings. The wide range exists because kitchens combine carpentry, wet works, electrical, and finishes. Kitchens also vary in size from unit to unit which has a large impact on tiling and carpentry works. Let’s unpack what really drives the cost.

What drives kitchen renovation cost in Singapore?

Kitchen renovation costs are higher per square metre than most other rooms because many trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tiling, waterproofing) all converge in a small, highly functional space. Small changes in scope can therefore have outsized cost impact.

Below are the key cost drivers that explain why two kitchen renovation quotes in Singapore can differ by tens of thousands of dollars.

The biggest cost drivers

  • Kitchen cabinet design and length
  • Cabinet material & internal hardware (drawers, hinges, pull-outs)
  • Countertop material (quartz vs sintered stone vs marble)
  • Hacking vs overlay works
  • Wall tiling or backsplash treatment
  • Electrical & plumbing changes
  • BTO vs resale condition

For resale flats, additional hacking, rectification, and uneven substrates can increase kitchen costs by 30–50% compared to BTO kitchens.

Kitchen renovation cost by scope (Singapore benchmarks)

1. Light kitchen renovation (S$8,000–S$15,000)

Who this category is really for

A light kitchen renovation is best suited for homeowners whose existing kitchen layout already works, structurally and functionally. This typically includes:

  • BTO flats that are only a few years old
  • newer resale units that were renovated recently
  • homeowners who are satisfied with sink and appliance positions

If you are not changing the kitchen layout, drainage points, or gas line positions, you are very likely in this category.

This scope is also common for:

  • first-time homeowners managing a tight budget
  • owners planning to live in the unit short-to-medium term
  • landlords preparing a unit for rental

Why costs stay relatively low

Costs remain contained because:

  • No hacking is required, which avoids demolition, disposal, and rectification costs
  • Carpentry length is usually cosmetic or limited to base cabinets and a short wall run
  • Electrical works are minimal and follow existing points
  • Overlay tiling, if any, avoids waterproofing replacement

The biggest cost drivers here are usually cabinet length and countertop choice. Even within this range, choosing quartz over solid surface or adding a tall cabinet can push costs toward the upper end.

Many “kitchen renovation packages” marketed in Singapore are effectively light renovations, even if they are not labelled as such.

2. Moderate kitchen renovation (S$15,000–S$25,000)

Who this category is really for

This is the most common kitchen renovation scope in Singapore, especially for:

  • resale HDB flats or condos
  • replacement of kitchen carpentry with a basic kitchen setup
  • homeowners who cook regularly and need better storage

You likely fall into this category if:

  • your existing cabinets are worn, swollen, or poorly planned
  • you want to replace floor and wall tiles properly (not overlay)
  • you need more power points, better lighting, or appliance reconfiguration but are willing to work with as much existing electrical wiring as possible

This category represents the point where homeowners move beyond “refreshing” and start meaningfully improving functionality.

Why costs increase meaningfully

Costs rise in this tier because multiple works stack together:

  • Full cabinet replacement increases carpentry length and labour
  • Hacking existing tiles adds demolition, disposal, and rectification
  • Re-tiling walls and floors requires waterproofing and drying time
  • Electrical and plumbing changes often expand beyond original layouts

Material choices also matter more here. Mid-range quartz, better cabinet internals, and improved storage systems can quietly add several thousand dollars without dramatically changing appearance.

Two “moderate” kitchen quotes can differ by S$5,000–S$8,000 simply due to internal cabinet hardware and carpentry height, even if they look similar on renderings.

3. Heavy or premium kitchen renovation (S$25,000–S$40,000+)

Who this category is really for

Heavy or premium kitchen renovations are typically undertaken by homeowners who:

  • are doing a full resale overhaul
  • want to reconfigure kitchen layout entirely
  • plan to stay long-term and prioritise usability and aesthetics
  • have specific design features or odd kitchen layouts

You are likely in this category if you intend to:

  • relocate sinks, hobs, or gas lines
  • add kitchen islands or pantry walls
  • integrate appliances seamlessly
  • use premium finishes consistently

This category is less about necessity and more about design intent, lifestyle fit, and long-term satisfaction.

Why costs escalate quickly

Beyond core kitchen renovation works, costs also rise sharply because several compounding factors are involved:

  • Full hacking triggers additional rectification and longer timelines
  • Extensive carpentry multiplies material, labour, and installation costs
  • Premium countertop materials scale quickly with surface area
  • Integrated appliances require precise carpentry and coordination
  • Feature lighting and concealed details increase electrical complexity

Unlike light or moderate renovations, premium kitchens are rarely constrained by a single decision. Multiple “small upgrades” combine to create a large cost jump.

In premium kitchens, cost increases are often nonlinear — a 20% increase in scope can result in a 40% increase in price once carpentry, stone, and labour stack together.

Kitchenate kitchen interior design singapore

How to use these benchmarks when reviewing quotes

These categories are not just price ranges — they are decision frameworks.

Before accepting any quote, ask yourself:

  • Which category does my renovation actually fall into?
  • Is the quoted price aligned with the scope of works described?
  • Are premium costs coming from materials, layout changes, or both?

When homeowners skip this step, they often compare quotes across different scopes, which leads to confusion, mistrust, and budget overruns.

Understanding which benchmark you belong to is the fastest way to judge whether a kitchen renovation quote in Singapore is reasonable or inflated. When comparing renovation quotations, use a free tool like IDly.sg to get the quickest apple-to-apple standardisation of unit costs and value from each ID or contractor.

Kitchen renovation packages in Singapore: are they worth it?

Many homeowners opt for kitchen renovation packages in Singapore because packages feel safer and more predictable. It is important to note both the inclusions and exclusions of such renovation packages to prevent surprises.

What kitchen renovation packages usually include

  • Fixed cabinet layout and limited length
  • Entry-level laminate finishes
  • Basic countertop material
  • Limited electrical points
  • Minimal design flexibility

When packages make sense

  • Tight budgets
  • Rental properties
  • Simple BTO kitchens
  • Minimal storage needs

When packages fall short

  • Non-standard kitchen layouts
  • Storage-heavy households
  • Resale flats needing hacking
  • Mid-to-premium finishes

Packages offer predictability, but once variations are added, total costs often approach custom renovation pricing.

BTO vs resale kitchen renovation cost in Singapore

Home type

Cost estimate

HDB BTO

$8,000 - $18,000

HDB resale

$15,000 - $30,000

Condo

$18,000 - $35,000

For HDB flats, renovation scope must comply with Housing & Development Board renovation guidelines, especially for hacking and wet works. For condominiums, renovation works typically require approval from the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST).

Kitchen cabinet options in Singapore (what really affects cost)

Kitchen cabinets are both the largest cost and biggest functional decision, so this is what you must pay most attention to when considering renovation costs.

Common cabinet types

  • Custom carpentry: Best fit, highest flexibility, higher cost
  • Modular cabinets: Faster installation, limited sizing
  • Flat-pack systems: Lowest cost, minimal customisation

Beyond materials, internal hardware quality (drawer systems, hinges, pull-outs) often matters more than door finish, and is where many quotes differ silently.

Open kitchen renovation in Singapore: cost & considerations

Open kitchens are popular for small kitchens and modern BTO layouts.

Pros

  • Feels more spacious
  • Better light flow
  • More social cooking experience

Cons

  • Higher ventilation requirements
  • Grease and smell management
  • Higher finish expectations (kitchen visible from living area)

Cost impact:
Open kitchen renovation usually costs 10–20% more, as finishes extend into the living space.

How to choose a kitchen renovation contractor in Singapore

When looking for the right kitchen renovation contractor or interior designer, look beyond headline prices.

A reliable contractor should:

  • Provide itemised quotations
  • Specify cabinet length, materials, and hardware
  • Clearly explain hacking vs overlay works
  • Align with HDB or condo renovation rules

Avoid lump-sum quotes with vague descriptions. The more details, the more clarity. You can use a free renovation quotation tool like IDly to easily extract the difference in costs for your quotation.

How to tell if your kitchen renovation quote is reasonable

To sanity-check your quote:

  1. Break it down into cabinets, countertop, tiles, electrical, plumbing
  2. Compare each section against realistic benchmarks
  3. Question large deviations without material justification
  4. Budget an extra 10–20% contingency for variation orders

If comparing quotes feels overwhelming, tools like IDly help turn messy renovation quotations into clear, side-by-side comparisons, so you can see exactly where costs differ before committing.

FAQ

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Singapore?

Most kitchen renovations in Singapore cost between S$8,000 and S$40,000+, depending on scope, materials, and whether the flat is BTO or resale, and tend to be among the most expensive renovation areas in your renovation.

Is S$15,000 enough for a kitchen renovation?

S$15,000 may be sufficient for a light to moderate BTO kitchen renovation, but is usually tight for resale flats with hacking and reconfiguration.

Are kitchen renovation packages cheaper?

Packages appear cheaper upfront, but often include limited scope. Once variations are added, total costs may approach custom renovation pricing. Given the rise in renovation disputes, always check that your renovation contractor and interior designers are following consumer protection guidelines.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?

Kitchen cabinets and countertops are typically the most expensive components, often making up over half of the total cost.

Do I need approval for kitchen renovation in Singapore?

Yes. HDB flats must follow HDB renovation guidelines, and condominiums usually require MCST approval before renovation works begin.

If comparing quotes feels overwhelming, tools like IDly help turn messy renovation quotations into clear, side-by-side comparisons, so you can see exactly where costs differ.

Stop Guessing. Start Comparing.

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