The kitchen is where carpentry, worktops, tiling and appliances all meet — and where a renovation budget is most easily over- or under-spent. Here's how to plan an HDB kitchen renovation in 2026.
What drives kitchen cost
What pushes kitchen cost up
Cabinetry is quoted per foot run — indicatively from around $150–$300+ per foot run depending on finish. Worktops are the other swing factor:
Worktop options compared
| Material | Look & feel | Cost tier |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | Wide range, practical | $ |
| Quartz | Seamless, hard-wearing | $$ |
| Sintered stone | Premium, heat/scratch-proof | $$$ |
| Solid surface | Seamless, repairable | $$ |
Spend where it shows and gets used — worktops and soft-close hardware — before splurging on features you'll rarely notice. Carcass quality matters more than door colour.
Open or closed kitchen?
HDB allows opening up many kitchens, but check whether the wall is structural and whether you cook heavily (open kitchens spread smells/grease). We advise per flat.
How long does a kitchen take?
Usually 2–4 weeks within a full renovation, sequenced with wet works and carpentry fabrication.
Can I keep my existing cabinets?
Sometimes we can reface or refit good carcasses to save cost — we'll assess on site.
See the carpentry cost guide or our services.
Sources & references
The direct-contractor advantage: we're the renovation contractor, not a middleman — our own team does the work, so you're not paying a designer's markup on labour. More of your budget goes into materials and finishes.