Don’t let your first BTO Home Reno break your bank: Must-Know Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Hamid and Sons
Sep 1
3 min read

Planning to renovate your new Build-To-Order (BTO) home in Singapore? Many first-time homeowners face the same questions when it comes to budgeting, prioritising, and deciding which parts of the house to work on first. If you’re not careful, costs can spiral out of control and leave you with unfinished rooms or expensive mistakes.

1. How much should I budget for my BTO renovation?

Renovation costs vary depending on design, materials, and scope of work. On average, a new 4-room BTO renovation can range from $30,000–$60,000. If you are on a tighter budget, you can start with essentials first (like kitchen and bathrooms), and slowly build other areas over time.

💡Tips: Some homeowners spend $20,000 on built-ins and decorative carpentry upfront, only to realise they can’t afford a proper kitchen. Always secure the essentials first.

2. What are the essential renovations I should prioritise?

If you need to keep costs low, focus on areas that are hard to renovate later or are essential for daily living:

Kitchen cabinets & countertops – for storage and cooking needs
Bathroom fittings & waterproofing – for hygiene and functionality
Electrical works – wiring, sockets, and lighting
Basic flooring

💡Tips: Skipping these can cost more later when you have to redo finished spaces.

3. Can I renovate my BTO home in stages?

Yes! Many homeowners choose to renovate in phases to spread out costs:

Phase 1 – Essential works: kitchen, bathrooms, electrical, flooring.
Phase 2 – Carpentry: bedroom wardrobes, TV console, study tables.
Phase 3 – Aesthetics: feature walls, decorative panels, smart home upgrades.

💡Tips: Don’t sign for everything at once if your budget is stretched. It’s better to live with

simple furniture than to leave debts unpaid.

4. How can I save money on kitchen carpentry?

Opt for modular kitchen cabinets first, and upgrade later.
Use laminate finishes instead of natural wood or stone.
Consider open shelving for part of your kitchen to reduce carpentry costs.
Plan your kitchen layout well to avoid costly reworks.

💡Tips: Many regret not future-proofing their kitchen layout. Changing gas, water, or electrical points later can cost more.

5. What about bathroom renovations?

Bathrooms are high-priority because HDB provides only the basics. Focus on:

Vanity cabinets for storage.
Mirror cabinets for practicality.
Waterproofing (don’t skip this!)
Installing quality fittings (showers, taps, heaters).

🚫Common mistake: Going for cheap fittings that rust or leak within a year. You’ll spend more replacing them.

6. Is it better to get a renovation package or customize everything?

Renovation packages are cost-effective if you want essentials done quickly (e.g., kitchen + 2 bathrooms).
Custom designs give you more flexibility, but costs are higher.

💡Tips: A smart approach is to take a basic package for essentials and add custom carpentry later when you have more funds.

7. How can I avoid overspending on my BTO renovation?

Set a realistic budget and stick to it.
Prioritise function over aesthetics at the start.
Avoid unnecessary built-ins – buy ready-made furniture first.
Always compare quotations from different interior designers.

🚫Common mistake: Some homeowners sign the cheapest quote, only to be hit with hidden

costs later. Always ask for detailed breakdowns.

8. When should I start planning my BTO renovation?

It’s best to start 6 months before your key collection. This gives you enough time to:

Research interior design firms
Compare quotations
Finalise your renovation plans

💡Tips: Procrastination often leads to rushed decisions and higher costs.

9. What are the biggest mistakes first-time homeowners make?

Overspending on aesthetics instead of essentials.
Not setting aside a 10–15% buffer for unexpected costs.
Committing to too many built-ins.
Not reading the fine print in contracts.

💡Tips:: It’s your first home, not your forever home. Build gradually.

Final Thoughts

Renovating your BTO doesn’t need to turn into a financial nightmare. Focus on essentials like kitchen and bathrooms first, then build the rest of your dream home in phases. With proper budgeting and smart planning, you can avoid costly mistakes and still achieve a functional, stylish space that grows with you over time.

✅ Don’t risk overspending on your first home. Contact Hamid & Sons Interior Design (@hamidnsons) for budget-friendly packages and customised carpentry solutions tailored to your needs.