One of the most common questions from first-time HDB renovators in Singapore: how long will my renovation actually take? The honest answer is: it depends on scope, but here’s a realistic week-by-week breakdown.
Average HDB Renovation Timelines in Singapore (2026)
| Scope of Renovation | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Single room (1 bathroom or 1 bedroom) | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Partial renovation (kitchen + bathroom only) | 3 – 5 weeks |
| Full renovation, BTO flat (3-room) | 5 – 7 weeks |
| Full renovation, BTO flat (4-room or 5-room) | 6 – 10 weeks |
| Full renovation, resale flat (includes hacking) | 8 – 14 weeks |
| Full renovation with extensive carpentry | 10 – 16 weeks |
Note: These timelines assume smooth material availability and no major variation orders. Material delivery delays (common for custom tiles and imported sanitary fittings) can extend timelines.
Week-by-Week Renovation Timeline (Full 4-Room BTO)
Weeks 1–2: Hacking and Structural Works
- Demolition of any existing structures to be removed
- Wall hacking (if any walls are being modified)
- Floor hacking (if existing finishes are being removed)
- Removal of all demolition waste
This is the noisiest phase. All noise-generating works must be done between 9am and 5pm on weekdays and Saturdays only.
Weeks 2–3: Waterproofing and First Fix
- Bathroom and kitchen waterproofing membrane application (requires 3–5 days cure time)
- Electrical conduit and wiring first fix (pipes and cables run before plastering)
- Plumbing pipe first fix
Weeks 3–5: Tiling
- Floor tile installation (living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms)
- Bathroom wall tiling
- Kitchen wall tiling (if applicable)
- Tile adhesive and grout curing time required before heavy traffic
Weeks 4–7: Carpentry
- Kitchen cabinet carcass installation
- Wardrobe carcass installation
- TV console, study desk, and feature wall carpentry
- Door installation
- Laminate and door installation on carcasses
Carpentry is often the longest-duration phase for full renovations. Complex custom carpentry can take 3–5 weeks alone.
Weeks 6–8: Painting
- Skim coat application (smoothing walls before painting)
- Primer coat
- 2 coats of wall paint
- Ceiling paint
- Feature wall painting (if applicable)
Painting happens AFTER carpentry installation — never before, as carpentry installation damages freshly painted walls.
Weeks 7–9: Second Fix and Fittings
- Electrical switches, sockets, and light fittings installation
- Toilet installation (WC, basin, shower set)
- Kitchen sink and tap installation
- Water heater installation
- Air-conditioning installation (typically by a separate aircon contractor)
Weeks 8–10: Final Works and Handover
- Touch-up painting
- Sealant application at all joints
- Hardware installation (handles, hinges, toilet roll holders, towel rails)
- Deep cleaning of the entire flat
- Defects walkthrough and rectification
- Final handover
What Can Delay Your Renovation?
Material Delivery Delays
Custom tile orders and imported sanitary fittings can have 4–8 week lead times in 2026. Order materials early to avoid holding up tiling works.
Variation Orders (VOs)
Any change from the original scope — adding an extra cabinet, changing tile choice mid-installation, or adding new electrical points — adds time. Major VOs mid-project can add 1–3 weeks.
HDB Permit Delays
If additional HDB approvals are needed for unexpected structural elements discovered during hacking, this can pause works for 1–2 weeks.
Contractor Scheduling Conflicts
Some sub-trade contractors (specialist waterproofers, aircon installers) may have scheduling gaps between their visits. Good project management minimises these gaps.
Public Holidays and Festive Periods
Renovation works slow significantly in the weeks around Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) as many workers return to Malaysia. Plan your renovation to avoid a CNY window if you have a hard move-in deadline.
Planning Your Move-In Date
Build in a 2-week buffer between the contractor’s estimated completion date and your planned move-in date. Use this time for:
- Defects rectification (always some minor touch-ups needed)
- Furniture delivery and assembly
- Airing out the flat (fresh paint and adhesives off-gas for the first 1–2 weeks)
- Deep cleaning before moving personal items in
Need a Realistic Timeline for Your Renovation?
Unique Interior Design Pte Ltd provides detailed project timelines as part of our renovation quotation — so you know exactly when each phase will be completed and can plan your move-in with confidence.
Contact us for a free, non-obligatory quotation with project timeline.
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