Congratulations on purchasing a new Build-to-Order (BTO) flat. Owning a home is an exciting milestone for many Singaporeans; it’s the first step toward creating your dream life with your forever partner. However, once you receive the keys, the real challenge begins — renovating your new space. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or looking to upgrade, a well-structured renovation plan is crucial to ensure a smooth process.

This handy BTO renovation checklist will guide you through the essential steps in planning your home renovation, from budgeting to hiring contractors and designing your space. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the information needed to execute a successful BTO renovation.

1. Plan Your Budget

Before diving into design ideas and hiring contractors, the first step in your renovation journey is setting a realistic budget. Renovation costs can vary widely depending on the type of work, materials, and project scope. Therefore, it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend before you begin.

Factors to Consider:

Size of the home	Larger homes will naturally incur higher renovation costs.
Type of work	Full renovations, including kitchen, bathroom, and flooring upgrades, will cost more than cosmetic changes.
Materials and finishes	High-end materials, like marble countertops or imported tiles, will increase costs.
Professional services	Architect or interior designer fees, contractor charges, and other professional services can add to the budget.

Set aside a contingency budget of around 10% to 15% for unexpected expenses.

2. Understand Your Needs and Preferences

The next step is understanding your needs and preferences now that you have a budget. What kind of design do you envision for your new home? Would you prefer a minimalist style, or are you leaning towards a more classic or modern aesthetic? This is also the stage to decide on how much of the renovation you want to do yourself and what you want to leave to professionals.

Start by prioritizing the most essential areas of your home, such as:

Kitchen	The heart of your home requires careful attention to layout, storage, and appliances.
Bathrooms	A functional and stylish bathroom can enhance your living experience.
Living and dining areas	These spaces require furniture, lighting, and finishes that complement your lifestyle.

List out your non-negotiables (e.g., storage needs, functionality), and be open to adjustments if something exceeds your budget.

3. Apply for Renovation Approvals

Over here, homeowners must get approval from HDB for specific renovation works. These approvals ensure the work complies with HDB’s regulations and safety standards. It is crucial to follow these guidelines to avoid penalties or delays.

Renovations that typically require approval include:

Hacking walls	If you want to remove or alter structural walls.
Changing windows	Installing or altering windows must comply with the HDB guidelines.
Electrical work	All electrical works must adhere to safety standards.
Plumbing work	Involves changes to plumbing, such as new sinks or toilets.

HDB approval is also necessary for works that may affect the external appearance of the flat. Ensure you submit the required documents and wait for approval before starting work.

4. Choose the Right Contractors and Service Providers

Finding the right contractor is critical to the success of your renovation. You’ll need a licensed contractor who is experienced with BTO renovations and understands HDB’s rules and regulations. You can search online, ask for recommendations, or even visit the BTO showroom for a list of accredited contractors.

Types of Contractors You Might Need:

General contractor	Manages the renovation project from start to finish, including coordinating with other contractors.
Specialized contractors	These may include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and painters, depending on your needs.
Interior designer	If you want to elevate the aesthetics of your home, consider hiring an interior designer to help with layout and design.

Always check the contractor’s license, previous work, and reviews from past clients. A good reputation and experience in BTO flats are important indicators of reliability.

5. Create a Floor Plan and Design Concept

Once you’ve sorted the budget and hired your contractors, creating a floor plan is time. You can work with an interior designer or use online tools to design your home layout. This step is crucial for determining the flow of space, how furniture will be arranged, and where essential items like electrical outlets and lighting will go.

Important Considerations:

Space planning	Ensure that rooms are functional and offer sufficient space for movement.
Storage	Maximize storage space with built-in cabinets and shelves, especially in smaller flats.
Lighting	Consider natural lighting, ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
Color scheme and materials	Choose finishes that suit your style while staying within budget.

If you’re unsure about your design ideas, get input from a professional interior designer who can guide you on layout, material choices, and color schemes.

6. Purchase Materials and Furnishings

Now that the design plan is set, it’s time to purchase materials and furnishings for your BTO flat. Depending on your renovation plan, you may need to buy:

Flooring materials	Tiles, laminate, or vinyl flooring for different rooms.
Cabinets and storage solutions	Built-in and free-standing options.
Furniture	Sofas, tables, and chairs that complement your design.
Appliances	Washing machines, refrigerators, stoves, etc.

Check out sales and promotions at local stores and online platforms to save on furniture and home appliances.

7. Schedule the Renovation Work

Before you start, coordinate with your contractors to schedule your renovation work. Renovations typically involve multiple stages, such as demolition, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, and the final touch-ups.

Typical Timeline for a BTO Renovation:

Stage 1	Hacking walls and demolition (1-2 weeks)
Stage 2	Carpentry and electrical work (2-3 weeks)
Stage 3	Painting, tiling, and finishing touches (2 weeks)
Stage 4	Cleaning and final inspections (1 week)

Ensure all stages are carefully planned to avoid delays or conflicts between contractors. Additionally, regular site visits will help you stay updated on the progress.

8. Final Inspections and Quality Check

Once the renovation is completed, thoroughly inspect your new home. Check if everything has been installed properly, and if there are any defects or issues. It’s easier to address these problems before the final payments are made.

Things to Check:

Functionality	Ensure that electrical outlets, water fixtures, and appliances work as expected.
Quality	Look for cracks, stains, or any visible defects in the paint or finishes.
Safety	Confirm that all installations are secure and meet safety standards.

If any issues arise, contact your contractors for repairs or adjustments before finalizing payments.

9. Handover and Moving In

Once the renovation is complete, and everything has passed inspection, it’s time to move in. Before moving your furniture in, ensure the house is cleaned, and any leftover debris from the renovation is removed.

Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to do a deep clean and remove dust and debris.

10. Ongoing Maintenance

After your BTO renovation, don’t forget about ongoing maintenance to maintain your home. Regular checks and upkeep of plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances will help prolong the life of your home improvements and prevent future costly repairs.

Final Thoughts

Renovating your BTO flat can be an exciting yet overwhelming process. However, with proper planning, the right professionals, and a clear vision for your home, you can achieve the perfect space that suits your lifestyle. From setting a budget to selecting contractors and planning your design, this BTO renovation checklist will ensure you cover all the necessary steps to create a home you’ll love.

The key to a successful BTO renovation is organization and thoughtful decision-making. By following this checklist and hiring reliable professionals, your dream home is within reach.