Starting from October 2024, BTOs are grouped into three new categories: Standard, Plus and Prime. And well, you better be ready to commit because those Plus and Prime BTOs come with a whopping 10-year MOP (minimum occupation period). So no quick flips allowed here, but hey, for those playing the long game, these tips will help to future-proof that BTO so you can create a home design that lasts for 10 years. For one, you really don't wanna be looking back and regretting that Labubu design you decide to incorporate into your home.&nbsp;<h3>Quick overview of the differences between Standard, Plus and Prime BTOs:</h3>&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>Standard</td><td>Plus</td><td>Prime</td></tr><tr><td>Location</td><td>Islandwide</td><td>Choice regions across Singapore (e.g. near MRT, town centres)</td><td>Choicest regions near city centre</td></tr><tr><td>MOP</td><td>5 years</td><td>10 years</td><td>10 years</td></tr><tr><td>Subsidies given</td><td>Standard</td><td>More subsidies</td><td>Most subsidies</td></tr><tr><td>Need to return percentage of resale price to HDB? (price is reflective of subsidies given)</td><td>No</td><td>Yes, smaller percentage compared to Prime</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Renting out whole flat</td><td>Allowed after MOP</td><td>Not allowed</td><td>Not allowed</td></tr><tr><td>Renting out spare rooms</td><td colspan="3">Allowed for 3-room or bigger flats</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;<h3>10 home renovation tips to future-proof your BTO&nbsp;</h3>&nbsp;1. Plan for enough electrical outlets.&nbsp;Think about the gadgets and appliances you have now, as well as any future purchases you might make.Pro tip:&nbsp;<ul><li>Seating areas: Place outlets near areas like the sofa, dining table, and vanity stool for easy device charging.</li><li>Countertop appliances: Ensure enough outlets for all your countertop appliances (+ a couple of extras for those that don't sit on the countertop).&nbsp;</li><li>Living room entertainment: Plan for outlets for your entertainment system and any future additions (speakers, sound bars, subwoofer, projector, etc.).&nbsp;</li><li>Home office setup: If you anticipate working from home or have a spare bedroom, set aside a potential workspace with outlets for your laptop and other devices like the printer.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;2. Invest in modular furniture.Pro tip: Some things you may want to consider include getting a modular sofa like a two-seater couch that can easily transform into a three-seater as your family expands. Shelving units that can be added on to when your storage needs increase. A bunk bed for kids that can be separated into two individual beds as they grow older. Also, keep a look out for multifunctional pieces that have more than a single use such as a coffee table that can be raised to a work desk.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/682;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b47910e2-959e-4dba-bcf3-99f29b3bff6e-blob" width="1024" height="682"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/earth-interior-design">Earth Interior Design</a>&nbsp;3. Prioritise durable materials that are also easy to maintain. You want your materials to last as long as your MOP so durability is key. Opting for easy-to-maintain materials can also make cleaning and upkeep a breeze, ultimately prolonging the lifespan of your belongings.&nbsp;Pro tip:&nbsp;<ul><li>Countertops: Quartz or sintered stone are the best options for practicality and the bonus is that they offer a wide variety of designs.&nbsp;</li><li>Flooring: Tiles and vinyl are durable, easier to upkeep and more resistant to stains and scratches compared to natural materials like hardwood or marble.&nbsp;</li><li>Furniture: With furniture, it might make more sense to go for well-made, natural materials like leather or high-quality wood. These feel timeless and they can also aged beautifully when well taken care of.&nbsp;</li><li>Laminates: Try to avoid white to prevent yellowing. Choose darker tones or matte finishes for durability. I also recommend those anti-fingerprint ones for high traffic areas like kitchen cabinets.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/683;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/1f512b9a-6257-4618-a85d-8a2156614fb4-blob" width="1024" height="683"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/buildbuilt">BuildBuilt</a>&nbsp;4. Set up a smart home hub. With everything going smart these days, it's a good idea to stay ahead of the curve. Having a smart home will make it more adaptable to technological advances. Plus, centralising control of all your smart devices is a great way to automate tasks and add convenience to your life.&nbsp;Pro tip: For beginners, consider options like Amazon Alexa or Google Home (Apple HomeKit only recommended if you are in the Apple ecosystem already!) that can accommodate a wide range of devices and appliances. Link up with things like your smart TV, robot vac, smart switches and doorbell. Ensure your home has adequate Wi-Fi coverage to support wireless-connected smart devices.&nbsp;5. Think about accessibility. This will help ensure that your home remains usable and comfortable for everyone, regardless of age, ability or potential needs (like your elderly parents moving in with you). An accessible home design can also accommodate mobility and ability changes as you age in place.&nbsp;Pro tip: To enhance accessibility in your home design, consider the following:<ul><li>Walkway widths: Maintain a minimum width of 90 cm between fixed structures, especially in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. For areas with movable furniture, 70 cm is generally sufficient.</li><li>Door and cabinet hardware: Opt for lever handles for doors and faucets, and D-shaped pulls with smooth curved edges for drawers and cupboards. Push-to-open cabinets can eliminate the need for handles altogether.</li><li>Bathroom design: Install curb-less and screen-less showers for easier access. Use non-slip floor tiles here with a resistance level of at least R10.</li><li>Appliance selection: Choose front-load washing machines over top-load models, and opt for top-freezer refrigerators for easier access to frequently used items.</li></ul>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/683;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/c24950e6-b596-4b0e-b3ca-60a33ed03a15-blob" width="1024" height="683"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/chalk-architects-and-chark">Chalk Architects</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Keep layouts flexible, keep rooms adaptable as much as possible. This accommodates changing needs and reduce the need for major renovations down the road.&nbsp;Pro tip:&nbsp;<ul><li>Avoid permanent features: Things like built-in platforms can limit flexibility. Opt for furniture that can be easily moved or removed to accommodate future changes.&nbsp;</li><li>Maintain open spaces: Use temporary dividers like curtains or modular bookshelves to provide privacy rather than erect extra walls.&nbsp;</li><li>Consider future needs: When planning your layout, anticipate potential changes like a growing family or hosting guests or in-laws. Ensure your space can adapt to these needs without major structural modifications.</li><li>Balance flexibility and functionality: While a flexible layout is desirable, avoid excessive wall removal. This can limit your options for future renovations or changes.</li></ul>&nbsp;7. &nbsp;Improve ventilation within the home. Living in Singapore's humid climate, having improved ventilation in your home can really make a difference in preventing mildew and mould from taking over. It also helps keep your home cooler and more comfortable without having to rely on the air-conditioning all the time. Good ventilation can also minimise indoor air pollutants and allergens, creating a healthier living environment.Pro tip:&nbsp;<ul><li>Cross-ventilation: Ensure that air can flow freely through your home by keeping windows and doors open in different rooms. Check your BTO site map to determine the prevailing wind direction (in Singapore, it's usually the north-south) and avoid obstructing airflow.</li><li>Ceiling and exhaust fans: These devices can help to circulate air and remove moisture, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.</li><li>Regular cleaning: Keep your fans and filters clean to ensure optimal airflow.</li><li>Use low-VOC products: Use green paints, cleaners, and other products that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to indoor air pollution. Avoid brands with greenwashing labels.&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<blockquote>In search of an interior designer for your BTO renovation? Just fill out the form <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">here</a> and we'll connect you with up to 5 recommended firms that fit your needs perfectly.</blockquote>&nbsp;8. Consider energy efficient appliances. Not only will you save money in the long haul, but you'll also be doing your part for a more sustainable future. And with technology always advancing, more energy-efficient devices tend to be packed with cooler features that you’ll also be able to enjoy.Pro tip: Make use of those climate vouchers by the government if you haven’t already. We also have a full guide on the appliances to buy with those vouchers, which you can refer to <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/articles/the-only-buying-guide-you-need-so-you-dont-waste-your-300-climate-vouchers">here</a>.&nbsp;9. Aim for a quieter, more soothing environment at home. A peaceful home is a home you'll look forward to coming home every day. It's particularly important since you'll be living here for 10 years at least. A calmer home means a better quality of life and can help to reduce stress and boost productivity. It might even be vital, especially if you anticipate things like caring for a newborn or working from home in the future which all require a relatively serene space.&nbsp;Pro tip:&nbsp;Here are some ways to reduce noise levels at home:<ul><li>Curtains and blinds: Blackout curtains or blinds can effectively block out noise and light, especially if they are installed correctly and reach the floor. Avoid gaps for them to work optimally.&nbsp;</li><li>Solid doors: Replacing hollow-core doors with solid ones can help to reduce noise transmission between rooms.</li><li>Quiet appliances: Investing in quieter appliances, particularly those that run for extended periods (washing machines, air purifiers), can significantly reduce noise levels in your home.</li><li>Soft furnishings: Use soft furnishings, such as rugs, carpets, and pillows, to absorb sound and create a more peaceful atmosphere.</li></ul>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1024/683;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/9b1c2928-5b7e-4ec7-8e35-950ec1000851-blob" width="1024" height="683"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/senso-studio">Senso Studio</a>&nbsp;10. Opt for neutral finishes and minimise trends that will stand the test of time (or 10 years at least). As we know design trends can get dated fast. Plus, sticking to neutrals is a great way to gradually update your home without having to splurge on a major renovation. And if that doesn't convince you, homes with neutral interiors also tend to have broader appeal and can sell more quickly.&nbsp;Pro tip:&nbsp;Well, clearly people in Singapore are all about keeping it safe with neutrals (if the recent homes we've seen are anything to go by!). But if you're not basic and want to spice things up, here's how to add some pizzazz without going overboard:&nbsp;<ul><li>Textured fabrics: Use textured fabrics like velvet, linen, or wool for throw pillows, curtains, or rugs.</li><li>Patterned accessories: Introduce patterns through accessories like artwork, vases, or throw blankets.</li><li>Bold furniture: Introduce a bold piece of furniture, such as a statement armchair, to add personality to your neutral base.</li><li>Plants: Incorporate plants or greenery to bring life and colour to your neutral space.</li></ul>Featured image courtesy of Unsplash

10-Year MOP? No Problemo. Here are 10 Tips to Future-Proof Your Plus, Prime BTO

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