Kitchen Renovation Cost in Singapore

A kitchen renovation in Singapore typically costs between S$8,000 and S$30,000 or more, depending on the size of the space, the materials you choose, and how much you change. A straightforward refresh of an HDB kitchen with new carpentry and a countertop often lands in the S$8,000 to S$15,000 range, while a full gutting with hacking, new tiling, and premium finishes can climb past S$25,000. Condo kitchens usually cost more because of larger footprints and stricter building rules.

These figures cover the kitchen alone, not a whole-home renovation. The single biggest variable is scope: keeping your existing layout and simply replacing cabinets is far cheaper than moving the sink, relocating plumbing points, or knocking down a wall. Below is a breakdown of what you actually pay for and where the money goes.

What is the average kitchen renovation cost in Singapore?

As a rough guide, most homeowners spend somewhere in these bands for a kitchen. Treat them as starting points, since quotes vary by contractor and finish level.

Get at least three itemised quotes so you can compare like for like. A low headline number often means cheaper laminate, thinner countertops, or fewer cabinet units, so always check what is actually included.

• Basic HDB kitchen refresh (new carpentry, laminate finish, standard countertop): S$8,000 to S$15,000
• Mid-range HDB kitchen (some hacking, new floor and wall tiles, quartz top): S$14,000 to S$22,000
• Full HDB kitchen overhaul (layout change, premium materials, appliances integrated): S$20,000 to S$30,000 plus
• Condo kitchen: often 20 to 40 percent higher than an equivalent HDB kitchen

What drives the cost of a kitchen renovation?

The final price is built from a handful of line items. Carpentry (your cabinets) is usually the largest single cost, followed by countertops and tiling. Hacking, plumbing, and electrical work add up quickly once you start changing the layout.

Understanding these drivers helps you decide where to spend and where to save. For example, keeping the wet areas in place avoids costly plumbing reroutes, and choosing a mid-tier quartz over a premium imported stone can save several thousand dollars.

• Carpentry: base and wall cabinets, often the biggest cost, priced per foot run
• Countertop: laminate, solid surface, quartz, or sintered stone, from cheapest to dearest
• Tiling and flooring: including hacking off old tiles and screeding
• Plumbing and electrical: sink, tap, gas or induction points, new power sockets
• Hacking and hauling: demolition and disposal of debris

How much does carpentry cost for a kitchen?

Kitchen carpentry in Singapore is usually quoted per foot run, and the material finish makes a big difference. Laminate is the most affordable and common choice, while acrylic, polyurethane, and quartz-fronted doors cost progressively more.

As a ballpark, laminate carpentry runs roughly S$180 to S$350 per foot run, with premium finishes going higher. A typical HDB kitchen might need 15 to 25 feet of cabinetry combined, so carpentry alone can easily reach S$4,000 to S$8,000 before you add the countertop.

Does moving the layout increase the cost?

Yes, and often significantly. Relocating your sink, hob, or fridge means rerouting plumbing, gas, and electrical points, which adds labour and materials. Removing or building walls also triggers hacking, disposal, and making-good works.

In HDB flats you must also stay within the rules: certain walls are structural and cannot be touched, and works that affect them require HDB permits and a licensed contractor. If you can keep the existing layout, you will save both money and time.

HDB versus condo: why the price differs

Condo kitchens tend to cost more than HDB kitchens for a few reasons. Units are often larger, management corporations impose stricter renovation hours and deposit requirements, and access (lifts, loading bays, protection of common areas) adds logistical cost.

HDB renovations have their own rules, including permitted works, approved contractor requirements for certain jobs, and noise and timing restrictions. Whichever you live in, factor a small buffer for building-management fees, permits, and protection works.

Getting your kitchen renovation done right

A kitchen brings together carpentry, tiling, plumbing, and electrical work, so coordination matters as much as price. Poorly sequenced trades lead to delays, and cutting corners on plumbing or wiring can cause leaks or tripped circuits down the line.

Our team handles kitchen renovation in Singapore end to end, from layout planning and carpentry to the plumbing and electrical connections, so the whole job is managed by one accountable contractor. Ask for an itemised quote up front so you know exactly what each dollar buys, and share photos or measurements of your current kitchen to get a faster, more accurate estimate.

How can I keep kitchen renovation costs down?

There are sensible ways to trim the bill without ending up with a kitchen you regret. The goal is to spend on the things you touch daily and save on cosmetic upgrades that add little function.

Small choices compound. Keeping the layout, choosing durable mid-tier materials, and buying appliances separately during sales can all shave meaningful amounts off the total.

• Keep the existing sink and hob positions to avoid plumbing and gas reroutes
• Choose laminate or a mid-tier quartz instead of premium imported stone
• Reuse floor tiles if they are still sound, rather than hacking everything
• Buy appliances yourself during sales instead of through the contractor
• Get three itemised quotes and compare the scope, not just the bottom line

Frequently asked questions

How long does a kitchen renovation take in Singapore? A typical kitchen renovation takes around three to six weeks, depending on scope. A simple carpentry-and-countertop refresh can be quicker, while a full overhaul with hacking, tiling, and layout changes takes longer, especially if custom carpentry has a lead time.

Do I need HDB approval to renovate my kitchen? For cosmetic works like new cabinets or countertops, usually no. But hacking walls, altering floor finishes beyond allowed thickness, or works affecting structural elements require an HDB permit and must be done by an HDB-registered contractor. Always check before you start.

Is quartz or laminate better for a kitchen countertop? Laminate is cheaper and comes in many designs but is less heat and scratch resistant. Quartz costs more but is durable, non-porous, and low maintenance, which is why many Singapore homeowners choose it for daily-use kitchens. Sintered stone is a premium step above quartz.

Should I renovate the kitchen and bathroom at the same time? If budget allows, doing them together can save on shared costs like hacking, tiling, and plumbing mobilisation, and it reduces the number of times you live through disruption. If cash flow is tight, prioritise the kitchen since it usually sees the most daily use.