<p>Even if you’ve done your homework, it’s unfortunately very common to burst your renovation budget in Singapore. Sometimes it’s a surprise issue that only shows up once works begin, other times it’s realising that the “laminates” in your quotation don’t include that anti-fingerprint finish you’ve been looking at. Either way, these hidden costs can add up fast.</p><p>We've put together some of the most common budget surprises you don’t see coming, plus a few measures you can take (including opting for CaseTrust-accredited firms) that help reduce the chances of getting blindsided.</p><h3><strong>1. “Small” variations</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:999/1499;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/feefb55c-4568-40ae-a200-5b2b4fe459ee-blob" width="999" height="1499"></figure><p>Design: <a href="https://heiya.sg/">Studio Heiya&nbsp;</a></p><p>A single change may not seem like much when you’re asking for that tweak. For instance, adding an extra power socket usually goes for S$80 to S$120 each, or adjusting a cabinet depth because it doesn’t fit your appliance only seems like a minor issue. But once works begin, every change is chargeable and those small tweaks? They might just snowball into thousands.</p><p>Always ask for a Variation Order (VO) for every change and check and sign it before changes are made so you aren’t caught off guard later.</p><p>If you’re working with a CaseTrust-accredited firm, variations must be documented and agreed in writing (scope + revised pricing) <i>before</i> work proceeds, which helps prevent “surprise invoices” at handover.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>2. Material upgrades you didn’t realise weren’t included</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1280/1920;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/8c540e95-7015-4103-b61f-d1bd81819651-blob" width="1280" height="1920"></figure><p>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professionals/starry-homestead">Starry Homestead</a>&nbsp;</p><p>In your renovation quote, terms like “laminated cabinets” or “quartz countertop” sound specific, but you have to keep in mind that there are many grades, thickness and brands that can vary the cost of the material. This is even for smaller things like hardware. That Blum hinges that you wanted may actually cost extra. Most times, unless the exact brand or series is stated in your contract, the default is usually the basic range. So if you care about specific finishes or hardware, make sure to get it in writing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>3. Temporary living costs (due to reno delays)</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1732/1147;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/651655a9-1fe5-4ba7-a08f-f0ece68e10e8-blob" width="1732" height="1147"></figure><p>Renovation delays not only cost time, they also cost money. Things like having to extend your rental, storage fees for furniture, moving twice, etc. None of these appear in your renovation quotation, but renovation delays can make them unavoidable.</p><p>If you’re working with a CaseTrust-accredited firm, contracts must include clear timelines, responsibilities and dispute resolution pathways, which give you leverage if delays occur without valid reasons, instead of quietly absorbing downstream costs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>4. Defect fixes after handover</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1920/1440;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/d24b2f8a-0298-43b1-8196-32cd7a01dacc-blob" width="1920" height="1440"></figure><p>Some issues only show up after you’ve moved in. These can include things like misaligned doors, water seepage, hairline cracks or even electrical trips like constant tripping. If responsibility or the warranty isn’t clearly stated in your reno quote, you may end up paying for fixes that should have been covered.</p><p>For CaseTrust firms, there’s a required 12-month workmanship warranty from the works’ completion date. Rectifications for defects (within contract terms) shouldn’t become out-of-pocket expenses.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>5. Design work you thought was “free”</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1216/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/ea38d7cb-f17c-43da-8881-9a3c223749e5-blob" width="1216" height="1824"></figure><p>Don’t assume design or 3D work is always free or included. Some firms charge them as a separate cost, and this is especially so if you decide not to proceed with the renovation works and are then asked to pay a design fee later. This isn’t necessarily wrong, but it often comes as a shock because expectations weren’t clearly set.</p><p>CaseTrust-accredited firms encourages clear separation of design fees and renovation costs. Any additional charges incurred besides the contract price, such as site preparation fees, 3D drawings or delivery charges, etc) are clearly stated so homeowners know exactly what they’re committing to.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>6. Layout patterns for tiles</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1155/1732;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/d85b8d17-dc93-47fa-934b-96e4c94383dc-blob" width="1155" height="1732"></figure><p>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professionals/design-neu">Design Neu</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Tile prices often only cover straight-lay installation or patterns that aren’t too complicated to do, since these require a more basic level of skills and minimal cutting so there’s less wastage. But if you prefer something a bit more complicated or intricate such as laying it out in a herringbone style or you're doing a detailed feature wall that requires a bit of a design expertise, labour charges can increase. Plus, you may also incur additional cutting or material charges. Budget for at least S$5 to S$15 per sqft if you’re considering doing something a bit more intricate. Decide early and discuss with your ID/contractor beforehand, ideally before signing the contract, to avoid disputes and variation charges later.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>7. Access issues</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1280/853;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/4073ae0f-049c-42ba-baf1-4bacbed5b222-blob" width="1280" height="853"></figure><p>This holds true especially if you are planning to use oversized materials (e.g. large stone slabs for feature walls or countertops) or if your apartment has no lift access to carry up bulky materials. Think older estates or walk-up apartments. Because of these access issues, it can result in additional manpower costs that you may not have factored into your renovation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>8. Post-reno cleaning</strong></h3><figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1279/853;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/7e7e329f-79f7-417c-a879-d563b606e1ce-blob" width="1279" height="853"></figure><p>A proper post-reno cleaning is usually not included in the renovation package. It’s a more specialised service that you will need to hire external help for. Most ID firms or contractors will only do the bare minimum of debris removal and cleaning, such as wiping down the surfaces. But if you want your home to be moved-in ready, consider engaging a post-renovation cleaning service.</p><p>Sure, a lot of homeowners DIY their post-renovation cleaning, but if the thought of cleaning up your new place sounds like too much of a hassle, especially after a stressful renovation period, you might want to set aside an amount in your renovation budget to hire someone else to do it for you.</p><p>Most post-renovation cleaning services include a proper wiping down the interior and exterior of your built-ins, cleaning of windows and grilles, adhesive and grout residue cleaning, vacuuming and mopping of floors, dusting of furniture and wiping down fittings like your sinks and toilets.</p>

8 Hidden Reno Costs You Probably Didn't See Coming

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