What Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost Include? 4 Room Resale HDB Kitchen Renovation by SEDS Interior A kitchen renovation quotation can cover several different types of work. Always check what is included before comparing prices, as two quotations with similar headline prices may cover very different scopes.
Carpentry and Cabinets Carpentry is one of the biggest renovation cost components. HomeMatch's overall renovation cost breakdown puts carpentry, including kitchen cabinets and wardrobes, at around 37% of total renovation costs
For a kitchen renovation, the final carpentry cost depends on factors such as:
Number and length of cabinets Cabinet height and configuration Cabinet materials and door finishes Internal storage features Hardware such as hinges and drawer systems Custom features such as tall cabinets or islands A larger kitchen or one with extensive custom carpentry will generally require a larger budget.
Features like soft close hardware and other internal fittings can raise the price of new carpentry.
Countertops and Backsplash Your choice of countertop can also affect the total cost. Common options include laminate, solid surface, quartz countertops, sintered stone and natural stone. A quartz worktop is a common mid-range upgrade, while natural stone countertops can be more expensive and require more maintenance.
The cost can also vary depending on the countertop's thickness, shape and cut-outs for sinks, taps and hobs. Sintered stone is also valued for its heat and scratch resistance.
For backsplashes, consider whether your quotation includes only a small backsplash area or more extensive wall tiling, or broader wall finishes around the kitchen. Full-height tiling, premium finishes or other upgraded materials can add to the overall cost.
Plumbing, Electrical and Flooring Basic renovations may retain the existing floor, plumbing, and electrical points to help keep costs lower. Additional work may be required if you want to:
Relocate the kitchen sink Move the hob or other appliances Add electrical points Install new lighting Replace floor tiles or wall finishes with new tiles Carry out wet works In Singapore kitchens, wet works should be coordinated carefully so the waterproofing membrane is not damaged during tile replacement. Ceramic tiles are a common option for kitchen flooring or wall finishes.
Keeping the existing layout where practical can help control renovation costs.
Appliances and Fixtures Check whether your quotation includes fixtures and appliances such as:
Sink and mixer tap Hob and cooker hood Oven Dishwasher Water filter Built-in storage accessories Some kitchen renovation packages include selected fixtures, while major appliances may need to be purchased separately. Confirm this before comparing quotations.
Know what you want to spend on your kitchen renovation? Find the right person who can work within your budget and requirements. HomeMatch can match you with carefully screened Renovators based on your budget, design, property and timeline — helping you compare your options before you commit. It’s free to get matched.
What Can Increase Your Kitchen Renovation Cost? The S$10,800–S$22,300 HomeMatch estimate provides a useful starting point, but a higher cost usually comes from scope changes, design complexity, and material upgrades rather than size alone.
Changing the Kitchen Layout Keeping your sink, hob and other major fixtures in their existing positions can reduce the amount of plumbing, electrical and other work required. If you are hacking walls or removing a kitchen wall to open the kitchen to the living area, you may need a renovation permit and should expect a longer timeline.
Changing the layout may involve additional:
Hacking and disposal, especially if hacking walls is part of the scope Plumbing work Electrical work Gas-related work Flooring or wall rectification Renovation timelines can also affect your planning and budget. Renovation permit applications and approvals can take around 1–3 weeks, while renovation works typically take around 10–12 weeks. The overall timeline can vary depending on the scope of work, design requirements and property.
Open-concept kitchens can also require additional hacking and reinstatement work which may take more time.
For a more detailed breakdown of each stage, see our guide to how long it takes to renovate a home in Singapore .
Renovating a Resale Kitchen Condo Resale Kitchen Renovation by Design 4 Space A resale flat kitchen may require more preparation before new finishes and cabinetry can be installed.
Depending on its condition, you may need to budget for:
Removal of the existing kitchen cabinet or cabinets Hacking and disposal Replacement of old tiles Plumbing repairs Electrical upgrades Rectification of damaged walls or floors Older resale HDB units may also need rectification for plumbing leaks, damaged wall finishes, or uneven floors after demolition.
These requirements are difficult to determine from photographs alone, so an on-site assessment and detailed quotation are important.
Choosing Premium Materials and Custom Features 5 Room BTO Kitchen Renovation by Forefront Interior Material choices can have a significant impact on the final quotation. The level of customisation also affects space planning, fabrication time, and price. Premium countertops, custom cabinetry, integrated appliances, islands and specialised storage systems can all increase costs.
If your budget is limited, prioritise features that improve functionality and durability before spending on purely decorative upgrades. In a standard kitchen renovation, using standard cabinet sizes where possible can reduce custom fabrication costs, while premium finishes increase the quotation.
BTO vs Resale Kitchen Renovation Cost 4 Room HDB Resale Kitchen Renovation by Juz Interior The condition of your kitchen can be just as important as the size of the space when planning your renovation budget, and this comparison often matters most for HDB flats , including BTO and resale homes.
BTO vs Resale Kitchen Renovation
BTO kitchen
Resale kitchen
Usually requires less demolition
May require hacking and disposal
Newer existing infrastructure
Older plumbing or electrical systems may require work
More predictable starting condition
Hidden issues may only appear after demolition
Greater flexibility to plan from scratch
Existing layout may influence renovation requirements
A typical HDB kitchen usually starts with a more standard layout, while a resale flat may involve more demolition and rectification. In some cases, HDB flats may have stricter management rules that affect renovation costs and processes .
This does not mean that every resale kitchen will cost more than every BTO kitchen. The final cost depends on the scope, materials and condition of the individual kitchen. For an HDB kitchen , the room HDB type, whether the unit is one of the smaller flats , cabinet length, and available floor area can all affect pricing.
For both property types, getting an itemised quotation helps you understand exactly what you are paying for.
Kitchen Renovation Package vs Custom Quotation A kitchen renovation package
HomeMatch offers renovation packages for different property types, including kitchen-only options , as well as kitchen and toilet packages. Its renovation package listings are designed to help homeowners find options based on their budget and requirements.
Some homeowners also compare a package from a Renovator, a direct-build approach, or an interior designer , and pricing may differ because design coordination and project management are included.
However, packages are generally less flexible than a fully customised renovation. The advertised scope may specify a particular cabinet length, countertop, material or fixture. If your kitchen requires additional work or you want to customise the package, you may need to pay for top-ups.
A higher quote can also reflect design work, warranty, and after-sales support, not just materials.
What to Check in a Kitchen Renovation Package Before choosing a package, check exactly what is included. In particular, look at:
Cabinet length and configuration — the advertised cabinet length may not match your kitchen.Cabinet materials and finishes — check the carcass, door finish and hardware specifications.Countertop material — confirm the material, thickness and coverage.Fixtures and appliances — check whether the sink, tap, hob, cooker hood or other items are included.Electrical and plumbing works — additional points or relocation may be charged separately.Hacking and masonry — these may not be included in a basic package.Customisation costs — ask for the price of any changes or upgrades before signing.HomeMatch's renovation package guide similarly recommends checking the exact scope and requesting a detailed, itemised quotation, as works such as electrical work, hacking and masonry can sometimes fall outside a package's advertised scope.
When Should You Choose a Package? A kitchen renovation package may suit you if:
You have a relatively straightforward kitchen layout. You are comfortable with the package's predefined materials and specifications. You want a simpler starting point for budgeting. You have limited customisation requirements. A package often makes sense when your layout is straightforward and you do not need many changes to plumbing, gas, or electrical points.
A custom quotation may be more suitable if you:
Need extensive hacking or layout changes. Want custom cabinetry or unusual storage solutions. Have specific material or appliance requirements. Need significant plumbing or electrical work. Want greater control over the design and specifications. A custom route may also suit homeowners who want more cohesive planning across the kitchen and whole home context .
A package is not automatically cheaper than a custom quotation. The more important comparison is the final price for the same scope of work . A lower advertised package price may increase once you add customisations, additional cabinet length, electrical work or other requirements.
Need help finding the right renovation option for your kitchen? Tell us your budget, design preferences and renovation requirements, and we’ll match you with carefully screened Renovators who fit your needs. Get matched for free and compare your options before you commit.
Hidden Kitchen Renovation Costs to Check Unexpected costs can arise when important items are excluded from the initial quotation.
Before signing a contract, check whether the following are included:
Hacking and disposal Plumbing and electrical relocation Additional electrical points Waterproofing and wet works Tiling and floor preparation Appliance installation HDB approvals , where applicable, and whether works will be carried out by the appropriate registered Renovator, as required for HDB renovationsMCST fees, deposits, approval steps or requirements for condos, as condo renovations can cost 15–25% more than comparable HDB works Additional carpentry or storage features Variation orders GST, where applicable An itemised quotation makes it easier to identify exclusions and compare different Renovators on a like-for-like basis.
Working with an experienced Renovator also helps with local compliance, permit coordination, quotation transparency, and understanding whether certain works involve supply labour or added building requirements for condo owners.
For resale kitchens in particular, it is also sensible to leave some room in your budget for unexpected rectification work that may only become apparent after existing finishes are removed.
How to Keep Your Kitchen Renovation Within Budget You do not necessarily need to compromise on quality to control your kitchen renovation cost. A few planning decisions can help keep your kitchen renovation within your budget .
Keep the existing layout where possible. Retaining the positions of your sink, hob and other major fixtures can reduce additional plumbing, electrical and installation work, and avoiding major relocation of these lines can save several thousand dollars in some projects.Compare quotations based on the same scope. Make sure each Renovator is quoting for the same cabinet length, countertop material, tiling, electrical work and other requirements.Prioritise functional features. Spend your budget on durable cabinetry, reliable hardware, practical storage and suitable countertops first, including moisture-resistant cabinet materials in areas exposed to steam or possible plumbing leaks.Choose materials according to your budget. There are different finishes and countertop materials available at different price points, so decide where premium materials are genuinely worthwhile.Allow room for unexpected costs. Particularly for resale properties, existing conditions may not be fully apparent before renovation work begins.A typical kitchen renovation in Singapore often takes about 4 to 8 weeks, so planning ahead helps avoid rushed decisions.
How HomeMatch Helps You Manage Kitchen Renovation Costs A realistic budget is only useful when you can find a Renovator who can work within it.
At HomeMatch, we help you get there by matching you with carefully screened Renovators who fit your budget, design, property, timeline, and other requirements.
Our Safest-Smartest Assurance means you'll be supported with 100% deposit protection, contract checks, and dispute resolution .
With HomeMatch S$1M Protection fund S$150,000 per project and free for HomeMatch users, you can have additional protection as you begin your renovation.
You can also use the HomeMatch Renovation Calculator to get a more detailed renovation cost estimate based on the exact works you need.
