One of the smallest rooms in your house and also one of the most challenging to remodeled is actually a restroom. The water, electricity, ventilation and tiling all come into a small space or small bathroom which could cause leaks, mould or expensive repair work if one of them is wrong.
Whether you are renovating your washroom in a HDB BTO unit, condo or landed home, read up on this guide to know what you should be aware of before you begin your restroom renovation.
A leaky ceiling or wall in the apartment below or below or water stains on the ceiling or walls
Cracked, loose or hollow-sounding panel
Recurring mould and mildew.
Slow drains and/or periodic clogs
Damaged, corroded or obsolete connections
A size that is too compact, not safe or difficult to clean
If the following are observed it would be well to take action in the early stages. A little bit of a leak can cause a big problem if it is left on too long.

There are several considerations when determining the price of a restroom remodel:
The size of the bathroom: The larger the restroom is, the more panel and bloody it will be, and the more time will be required for waterproofing.
Cost of hacking is higher for a full hack and a surface hack of floor and wall.
Tiles and finishes: can vary greatly in terms of material, size and design.
Sanitary ware and fittings: Toilet bowl, basin, vanity, shower set and accessories.
Moving restroom, shower/basin – plumber and electrical work – increases scope.
Waterproofing is a must have and should not be compromised in order to save money.
Glass items also lead to the cost: shower screens and shower partitions.
The rules and requirements for the different property types may differ, including rules and requirements for HDB, condo and landed homes.
Average price: typically costs between $3,000 and $17,500 per bathroom
Request an itemized proposal to get a clear idea of exactly where the money is going and have a margin of error, perhaps 10%, for any unforeseen items that may arise as you remove old panel.
The rules are different for HDB flats and condos. Renovations are planned by adhering to HDB’s guidelines, including guidelines on permits for certain works, working hours and extent of structural alterations. Condos are governed by the rules of their management corporation, which can include renovations deposits, plans approvals and time limits for renovations.
The rules may change from time to time, please check with HDB or your management office for the latest requirements. A contractor who does know these requirements can save you a lot of time, and can help you avoid issues.
| Factor | HDB | Condo |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | Compact | Compact to spacious |
| Fixtures and finishes | Practical, budget-friendly | Often premium |
| Hacking and waterproofing | Often needed in older flats | Depends on age and layout |
| Rules and approvals | HDB guidelines | Condo management rules and deposits |
| Estimated cost | S$3,000 to S$12,000 | S$8,000 and S$20,000 |

A renovation package is a package of typical renovation projects at fixed costs. It is typically used for standard layouts, and homeowners who prefer to know what to expect with their costs. Take the time to ensure that this includes hacking, waterproofing, tiling, fittings and disposal.
Custom renovation will be based upon your needs, changes to layout, special materials or fittings. Provides greater flexibility, but requires more discussion and planning.
If your restroom configuration is fairly typical a package might suffice. Custom is better if you would like to move fixtures or achieve a certain appearance.
neutral colors: small washroom seem brighter and larger.
Fewer grout lines for the larger size of tiles, thus ensuring a cleaner appearance and easier maintenance.
Wet and dry separation: maintains a dry floor tiles and decreases slip hazards.
Wall-mounted restroom and vanities: Get rid of floor space and keep it clean.
Niche storage: Bottles are stored off the ground in built-in shelves within the shower.
Lighting and mirrors: create a sense of depth and comfort by providing warm lighting.
Anti-slip flooring – an important safety feature particularly for the families with children or elderly people.

Talk to you about your needs and conduct a site visit that evaluates the condition of your washroom.
a layout is provided and you are given some ideas of materials you can use and a quotation that includes itemised costs.
Arrangements for permits/preparation: any necessary approvals are made prior to works commencing.
Hacking and removal: Old tiles, fittings and old waterproofing, if required, are removed.
Plumbing and electrical work: pipes, drainage, wiring and points are installed or installed.
Waterproofing: A membrane will be installed and tested prior to tiling.
Gradients for walls and floors are correct (tiling).
Installation of sanitary ware, vanity, shower screen and accessories.
Sealing and cleaning: sealing and touch-up work and final inspection before handing over.
One of the first things that you will have to decide when you are planning to make your washroom or restroom redesign or design decision in Singapore is who you should hire: An interior design firm or a renovation contractor. Both are capable of a good outcome but they are different and the right option is based on your priorities, renovation budget and how much you want to become involved.
An interior design firm is responsible for the creative and planning aspect of your renovation. Typically, they will:
Talk about your lifestyle, taste and needs, space planning and then come up with a design elements, design concept.
Design layouts, 3D drawings or mood boards to see the picture.
Suggest choice of tiles, fixtures, colours and finishes that relate
Prepare the quotation and take charge of the whole project.
Work with their own or contracted engineers on works to be conducted
If you are looking for a coordinated design, adding a few rooms, or someone to handle the project from whole renovation or complete renovation, you will do best to hire recommended interior. The downside is that fees will, at times, encompass design and project management as well, which may make the total price tag higher, and that works are sometimes subcontracted out to other companies.
A renovation contractor is the one that performs transform your bathroom within budget. This is typically what constitutes a washroom renovation:
Old tiles and fittings will be removed whilst being a part of the hacking process.
Plumbing, drainage and electrical works
Waterproofing and testing
Tiling and finishing
Installing sanitary ware, vanity, shower screens and accessories
Cleaning and handover
Communication is often easier and the costs are more predictable since you’re working directly with the team who is performing the work. Contractors are geared toward homeowners who are looking to upgrade in specific areas, such as upgrading a washroom , or those who have a solid idea of what they want to have installed, and a set budget. Many contractors, such as Allhouseworks, are available to guide you on layout, materials and practical improvements – you don’t have to figure it out yourself.
There are no correct or incorrect answers. It depends on how important it is to you:
Factor Interior Design Firm is a renovation contractor.
Main weakness Insufficient attention to design, styling and coordination Mistakes in execution, workmanship and advice
Ideal for Full-home or design-related projects washroom , restroom and kitchen projects with well-defined scope
Cost Typically much more expensive, design fees included Often more direct and cost effective
Communication – via designer or project manager, directly with the team that is making something
Involvement Lower (they take most decisions) Moderate (you get more involved in the details)
If you are looking for a really tailored, designed appearance, and you’d like to leave the planning to an interior design company, you’ll be able to do that as well.
If you prefer quality renovate your bathroom with clear pricing and a basic toilet renovation package, straightforward process, then you should hire a renovation contractor, particularly when renovating a single washroom or restroom.
Either way, ask the same questions: Who is doing the work? How does the waterproofing get done and tested? What’s covered in the quote? What warranty is offered and what will be done if there are defects once finished?
Don’t know which is right for you?
But if you are considering the options, a site visit may help you determine what is required to meet your washroom needs. At Allhouseworks, we will review your space, your ideas and then give you a no obligation itemised quotation.
When it comes to washroom remodeling, waterproofing is the unsung hero. If it fails, water drips into slabs and walls and can lead to damage, and conflicts with neighbours below. The process should involve preparation, application of a suitable waterproofing material, cure time and ponding to verify waterproofing before tiling work commences. Have your contractor discuss the process.
There are a number of common mistakes that are made when renovating the bath room.
Failure to use the waterproofing or rushing the waterproofing
Selecting tile that is slippery on the bottom.
Poor floor gradients that may lead to water stagnation.
Having electric points too near wet places.
If ventilation isn’t provided, then mould will result.
Taking the lowest bid without any question, and not knowing what you are getting.
Employing unlicensed/inexperienced employees
Experience – check out their track record and past work.
Single contractor: Fewer coordination headaches with one man who knows how to do all the plumbing, waterproofing, tiling, electrical and glass.
Transparent quotation: All items, materials and costs should be clearly listed.
Have a clear timeline—be aware of the schedule and what the consequences of delay will be.
Warranty and after-works support: inquire what is going to happen if there is a leakage or defect after purchasing.
Every washroom is different, so the most accurate way to know your cost is to have it assessed. At Allhouseworks, we will visit your HDB or condo, discuss your needs and provide a clear, itemised quotation with no obligation.
Since 2016, Allhouseworks Renovation & Maintenance Pte. Ltd. has assisted and supported Singapore homeowners in their upgrade and maintenance process. We take care of everything from hacking to waterproofing, tiling, plumbing, electrical and final installation.
From electrical repairs to plumbing, handyman, landscaping, decking, awning, waterproofing, wood varnishing, floor cleaning, glass works, floor polishing, light installation air-conditioning installation, door repair, shower screen, AllHouseworks provides a complete package for handyman services in Singapore and can now be done without hassles using WhatsApp or the website. Their quick service, reasonable rates and trained professionals can make it easy to keep your.
You can count on us to provide:
A free consultation and detailed, itemised quote.
Properly installed and maintained waterproofing and plumbing construction
All electrical installations are safe and tidy.
Trustworthy materials, layout and budget information.
Reliable follow-up and maintenance support is provided.
The ideal washroom design should be healthy, hygienic, and comfortable to use for many years to come. We’re always happy to call you if you are thinking of renovating or if your fittings are leaking or are getting old, we would be glad to come to your house renovation or home renovation and provide you with a no obligation quotation.
Please contact us for quick problem identification and clear pricing. You can request for one or several of these services; we will arrange them to your convenience.
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Our team always makes sure to promptly follow-up, communicate with you clearly, and make a correct diagnosis of the problem so to provide you the best solution for your needs.
Getting your home in top condition is easy with our quick response times, easy booking, quality workmanship at reasonable and affordable prices. We are a leading efficient service provider in Singapore with over 5000+ customers served and hundreds of highly-rated reviews on Yelp, Google and Facebook and Instagram for our professional plumber, electrician, aircon servicing technicians and handyman teams. Read our articles and browse through our past work to learn more about our extensive range of home and cleaning services in Singapore. For your home repair problems, please contact us via message or WhatsApp 65 98834902. Send us a picture or short text describing your request and our dedicated customer support team will help you.
The cost will vary based on size, materials and works. Average price range: $ (add the number of your range).
The time to complete most projects is approximately 5 – 10 days depending on the scope of the project and availability of materials.
Others works are required to be made with an HDB permit, including changes to the plumbing or flooring. Please check with HDB before starting.
Yes. It prevents leaks and water damage to your home and to your neighbours.
It seems like ten thousand dollars can cover a smaller washroom if the layout stays the same and you pick basic tiles and fixtures. Bigger spaces or full changes tend to push past that amount though and premium choices make it worse. Checking with a contractor first feels important here.
Renovation work has set hours in Singapore and noisy parts like hacking face stricter rules. The limits vary between HDB flats and condos so it is worth confirming the latest details from HDB or the management office.
This will rely on the size, level of hacking and the type of tiles and fixtures. Average price:S$3,000 to S$12,000
Labour heavy steps usually take up most of the budget. Things like hacking plumbing waterproofing and tiling stand out as the main costs. Premium fixtures and custom work can add more without much warning. Some of this might overlap in ways that are hard to predict at first.
Yes, particularly if you have leaks, broken tiles or worn out fittings as it only becomes more costly the longer you go without fixing them. A well done washroom also makes it more comfortable, safe, and attractive.
The time it takes to finish most washroom renovations is 5 – 10 days depending on the extent of work and availability of materials. A complete hack and rebuild will require longer to implement than a fixture or tile update.
A few works, like plumbing or flooring changes, wall changes etc., may require an HDB permit, whereas small cosmetic changes may not. Please verify prior to starting with HDB or your contractor.
HDB prescribes guidelines as to permits, permitted working hours, restrictions on noisy works and what structural changes can be made. The rules may vary over time – check the latest rules on HDB website.
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