Explore key aspects in a successful HDB renovation, from material selection to hiring additional contractors. Learn more here.
(If you missed the first part, click here to explore HDB renovation tips that focus on preparation, from financial to design.)
Step 5: Choose Your Materials
Material selection makes up the building blocks of your home upgrade. Team up with your HDB renovation partners to explore your best options. You can even visit a showroom physically to check out what materials work on which surfaces!
Consider these points when selecting your renovation materials.
Pick the Right Flooring
At the very basic is the grounds you lay for your home. That’s why it’s best to go through the flooring catalogue and pick up some samples to see if it’s feasible for your renovation project.
The right flooring selection does not only help you realise the aesthetic vision in your home upgrade, but they’re also essential for comfort and maintenance as well. When going through the wide range of options available, go back to your mood board.
(We talked about this in Part 1).
There are many types of flooring to suit different rooms, each aiding a certain functionality in your space. Some of the popular
options include:
- Hardwood floor
Natural and durable flooring made from solid wood, adding warmth and elegance to spaces. - Ceramic floor
Tile flooring composed of clay and other materials, known for its durability, water resistance, and versatile design options. - Vinyl floor
Resilient and cost-effective flooring made of synthetic materials, offering a wide range of styles and easy maintenance. - Bamboo floor
Eco-friendly flooring option made from fast-growing bamboo plants, providing a unique and sustainable alternative. - Porcelain floor
Dense and durable tile flooring, crafted from refined clay, with excellent resistance to moisture
and wear. - Marble floor
Luxurious and timeless flooring option, featuring natural stone with distinctive veining patterns, ideal for upscale aesthetics.
If you need help, speak to your consultant and explain what you have in mind. They’ll advise you on how to achieve your dream look.
The Right Colours & Finishes
For most people, this is the easiest part to start with. However, you might find yourself scratching your head trying to figure out the right colour design the moment palettes and catalogues are handed over to you.
This is another situation where you’ll need your mood board. Although picking colours can seem like a no-brainer, you have to consider how different tones behave specifically in different situations. This is why colour design experts will encourage you to test samples in a certain lighting.
Choosing the right colour scheme for your HDB renovation is crucial as it significantly influences the ambiance of your space. To make informed colour choices, consider the impact on your space — neutral tones create a spacious feel, while warm tones add cosiness.
Selecting Fixtures and Hardware
Fixtures and hardware contribute to the functionality and style of various spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.When selecting finishes and parts for your HDB renovation, consider the following fixtures and hardware that complement various design styles:
- Matte Black Fixtures
Modern and sleek, ideal for contemporary home styles. - Pull-Down Faucets
Convenient for the kitchen, offering flexibility
in use. - Smart Lighting Fixtures
Integrate technology for energy efficiency and ambiance control. - Vintage-Inspired Door Hardware
Add character to your space with unique door handles and knobs.
- Floating Shelves and Brackets
Create a modern and open look while maximising storage. - Multi-Functional Mirrors with Built-in Lighting
Combine practicality and style in your bathroom or dressing area. - Sliding Barn Doors
Save space and add a rustic touch to room transitions. - Built-in Wall Niches and Shelves
Customise your walls for both storage and display purposes.
These examples serve as practical steps to guide you in choosing fixtures that not only align with your design preferences but also contribute to the overall functionality of your home. For more in-depth information, explore our dedicated blog post on selecting the right finishes and parts during your renovation journey.
Step 6: Contact Other Contractors for Related Works
Wait – so now you need to consider hiring additional contractors too? Won’t your existing one be able to do all that’s necessary? Unless you have engaged an all-in-one renovation service like Homescape, individual contractors will be able to provide the best results than a jack-of-all-trades contractor.
The common contractors you need to contact are:
- Electrical and Lighting Contractors
It’s crucial for you to seek licensed professionals to not only keep your space functional but safe at the same time. Discuss your lighting needs (like installing energy-efficient LED bulbs), and plan for future technological advancements, such as having smart home features. - Plumbing Contractors
Quality plumbing is essential for a smooth and functional household. Ensure that you’re hiring licensed plumbers. Plan for efficient layouts to make sure your water use is efficient, whether for washing or waste. - Carpentry and Custom Furniture Contractors
Custom carpentry does not only add a personal flair to your home design; they’re also important to improve storage. You can achieve this with skilled carpenters — look for those who are able to design functional storage solutions like a custom-built wardrobe, by using durable materials. Make sure to confirm the storage layouts before they start working on it to prevent mistakes.
Step 7: Start Renovation Works
Once the plans are sorted out, you may need to oversee the process from start to finish to ensure everything’s on track.
- Monitor The Renovation Regularly
Regular checks are needed to ensure the project stays on track and issues are addressed promptly. Establish communication channels with contractors or visit the site regularly. You can avoid many possible hurdles like delays to ensure quality work that adheres to the set budget. - Oversee Demolition and Structural Changes
Demolition is necessary for changes in layout and structural improvements, but once it is done, it can’t be reversed. Trust us when we say it’s crucial to engage experienced contractors with the necessary permits. - Installation of Key Elements
Schedule installations of fixtures and hardware according to sequence. Generally, it starts with demolition, then doing necessary adjustments on plumbing or electrical installations. Then, it will proceed to installing new walls, ceiling, flooring, cabinets, and countertops. After the new appliances are installed, the final step is painting walls and adding decorative elements.
Homescapes considers all these elements thoroughly for our clients so you can rest assured your renovation will go very smoothly and according to budget!
Step 8: Clean Up and Move In to Your New HDB
Almost done! But first, a few final things to do before you move in!
- Post-Renovation Cleaning
Hire professional cleaners or allocate time for thorough cleaning. - Final Inspection and Quality Check
Create a checklist, inspect each room, and promptly address any issues with contractors to meet expectations and assess the quality, preventing surprises during move-in. - Keep Move-In Process Organised
Plan the move in advance, label boxes, and prioritise unpacking essential items for a well-organised and stress-free transition to your new living space.
Frequently Asked Questions about HDB Renovations
Looking for a brief overview to discover answers related to HDB renovation? Check out the three most commonly asked questions on the web:
Consider affordable short-term rentals or Airbnb for temporary housing during the renovation planning stage. Ask family or friends for a temporary stay, or combine both for a cost-effective solution.
We wish there was a shortcut answer to this, but the best loan depends on your renovation goals, financial status and the specific criteria it has. Peruse its interest rates, monthly payments, fees and eligibility criteria. Our HDB renovation loan blog post covers this in detail.
- Renovation is allowed during specified hours: 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.
- The approved renovation period is generally three months; extensions may be granted for major renovations.
- HDB guidelines for allowed renovations should be followed, and approval should be sought for structural changes.
- Only HDB-registered renovation contractors should be engaged to ensure compliance.
- Renovation plans should be submitted to HDB for approval before starting any work.
- The HDB-issued renovation permit should be displayed prominently during the renovation.
- Noise-generating works, such as drilling, are restricted to specific hours.
