Resale HDB Renovation: What to Expect and Budget For

Resale HDB Renovation: What Makes It Different Unlike BTO flats that come with fresh fittings, resale flats often need more extensive work. You may need to hack old tiles, replace aged plumbing, rewire electrical systems, and redo waterproofing from scratch. Additional Costs Compared to BTO Hacking and disposal is the biggest difference. Removing old floor and wall tiles, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom fixtures can cost $3,000-8,000 depending on the extent. Re-plumbing is often necessary for flats older than 15 years. Old galvanised iron pipes corrode over time and should be replaced with copper or PPR pipes. Budget $2,000-4,000. Electrical rewiring is recommended for flats older than 20 years. Older wiring may not support modern electrical loads. Budget $2,000-5,000. Waterproofing must be redone in all wet areas. Unlike BTO where waterproofing is new, resale flats need fresh membrane application. Budget $1,500-3,000 for two bathrooms. Typical Budget Range for Resale HDB 3-Room: $35,000-65,000 4-Room: $45,000-85,000 5-Room: $55,000-100,000 These are 30-50% higher than equivalent BTO renovations due to the additional hacking, disposal, and replacement works. What to Inspect Before Buying Check the ceiling for water stains indicating leaks from above. Test all taps and flush systems. Look for cracks along walls and floor. Check the electrical panel for outdated wiring. These issues affect your renovation budget significantly.