Bathroom renovation cost in Singapore

Bathroom Renovation Cost in Singapore: A Complete Pricing Guide

Planning a new bathroom for your Singapore home? A typical renovation for one bathroom usually costs about S$8,000 to S$25,000.

A simple refresh may cost less. A full renovation with hacking, waterproofing, plumbing changes, new tiles, better fittings and custom storage can cost more than S$30,000.

The bathroom’s size is only one part of the price. A small HDB bathroom can cost more than a larger one if it has old pipes, several layers of tiles, difficult access or a new plumbing layout.

This guide explains the main bathroom renovation cost in Singapore to expect before you hire a bathroom renovation contractor.

Average Bathroom Renovation Cost in Singapore

Here are general bathroom renovation price ranges to help with planning:

Type of renovation Estimated cost
Basic refresh without major hacking cost S$4,000–S$8,000
Standard HDB bathroom renovation cost S$8,000–S$15,000
Full renovation with hacking and waterproofing cost S$12,000–S$22,000
Premium bathroom renovation cost S$20,000–S$35,000+
Condo bathroom renovation cost S$15,000–S$35,000+
Landed-property bathroom renovation cost S$18,000–S$40,000+

These are rough estimates, not fixed prices. Your contractor should inspect the bathroom, take measurements and check the property’s renovation rules before giving you a final quote.

For an HDB flat with two bathrooms, many homeowners set aside around S$16,000 to S$30,000 for standard renovation work.

What Does a Standard HDB Bathroom Renovation Include?

A standard quotation may include:

    • Hacking and removing old wall and floor tiles

    • Removing old toilet bowls, basins and other fittings

    • Debris disposal

    • Cement screeding

    • Waterproofing

    • New wall and floor tiles

    • Plumbing work

    • Installation of a toilet bowl and basin

    • Shower mixer installation

    • Floor trap replacement

    • Basic ceiling painting

    • Labour and protection for the work area

Do not assume that every package includes all of these items. Some low-priced packages cover only tiles, basic fittings and installation.

You may need to pay extra for:

    • Shower screens

    • Vanity cabinets

    • Mirrors

    • Rubbish removal

    • Plumbing changes

    • Electrical work

    • Permits

    • Protection for lifts and common corridors

Ask for an itemised quotation before paying a deposit. This lets you see exactly what you are paying for.

Cost of Hacking and Removing Old Fittings

Hacking is often one of the biggest costs in a full bathroom renovation. The contractor may need to remove:

    • Old wall and floor tiles

    • Cement screed

    • Raised kerbs

    • Built-in cabinets

    • Toilet bowls, basins and other fittings

The price can go up if:

    • The bathroom has several layers of old tiles

    • The cement screed is very thick

    • Old fittings are difficult to remove

    • Your unit is on a high floor

    • Lift access is limited

    • Debris has to be moved through protected common areas

    • The bathroom has been renovated several times

A small bathroom does not always mean a cheap hacking job. For example, an older HDB toilet with three layers of tiles may take more time and effort than a larger bathroom with only one layer.

Waterproofing Cost in Singapore

Waterproofing usually costs around S$800 to S$2,000 per bathroom, depending on the bathroom size, the method used and the areas being treated.

Your contractor should explain:

    • Which parts of the floor and walls will be waterproofed

    • How many coats will be applied

    • How long the waterproofing needs to dry

    • Whether a water ponding test is included

    • What warranty you will receive

    • Who will handle repairs if a leak appears

Waterproofing is hidden after the tiles are installed, so it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option. That can cause trouble later.

If water leaks into the unit below, you may face repair bills, delays and arguments with your neighbour. A quote that cuts back on waterproofing may not save you money in the long run.

Bathroom Tile Prices in Singapore

Bathroom tiles commonly cost around S$3 to S$15 per square foot. Designer, imported, handmade and large-format tiles can cost more.

Your tile cost depends on:

    • Material

    • Size

    • Thickness

    • Texture

    • Brand

    • Country of origin

    • Installation difficulty

    • Cutting and wastage

Tiles with strong patterns need to be placed carefully. This can increase both labour time and wastage.

Large tiles are popular because they create fewer grout lines and can make a bathroom look more spacious. They are not always cheaper, though. Walls in older HDB flats may not be perfectly straight, so the contractor may need to do extra preparation before installing them.

It is usually sensible to buy about 10% more tiles than the measured amount. Keep the spare tiles after the renovation. If one tile cracks in the future, the same design may no longer be available.

Sanitary Fittings and Bathroom Accessories

Toilet bowls, basins, mixers and storage can take up a large part of your budget.

Typical prices include:

Item Typical price
Toilet bowl S$300–S$2,000+
Basin S$150–S$1,500+
Basin mixer S$80–S$800
Shower mixer S$150–S$1,500
Rain shower set S$250–S$2,000
Shower screen S$500–S$2,000
Vanity cabinet S$600–S$3,000+
LED mirror S$250–S$1,500

A basic renovation package may include entry-level fittings. If you choose a different brand or model at the showroom, the extra cost may be added to your bill.

Before choosing a fitting, check:

    • The warranty period

    • Whether replacement parts are available

    • The cost of future repairs

    • Whether the fitting suits your existing water points

    • Whether the item is suitable for your bathroom size

A cheap mixer may not be a good deal if replacement parts are hard to find a few years later.

Why Moving the Toilet Can Be Expensive

Moving a toilet may sound like a small change. It often involves much more work than people expect.

The contractor may need to change:

    • Waste pipes

    • Soil pipes

    • Water supply lines

    • Floor traps

    • Floor levels

    • Waterproofing

    • Access points for future repairs

This can add several thousand dollars to the renovation, depending on the layout and building restrictions.

Here is a common example. A homeowner wants to move the toilet just 300 millimetres to make room for a wider vanity. The new position may require a raised platform or changes to the floor and waste pipe.

The vanity costs S$1,200, but the extra plumbing, screeding and waterproofing work adds another S$3,000. A small layout change has now become the most expensive part of the renovation.

Keeping the toilet and floor trap in their original positions is often the more affordable option.

Extra Costs to Include in Your Budget

Set aside about 10% to 15% of your renovation budget for unexpected work.

Possible extra costs include:

    • HDB permit-related work

    • Condo management deposits or requirements

    • Extra debris disposal

    • Replacing old pipes after hacking

    • Additional cement screeding

    • Moving electrical points

    • Installing an exhaust fan

    • Wiring for a mirror

    • Building a shower kerb

    • Creating a wall niche

    • Custom carpentry

    • Buying extra tiles

    • Protecting lifts and common corridors

Older HDB flats may need a larger backup fund. Hacking can uncover ageing pipes, uneven floors or signs of earlier repairs.

How to Compare Bathroom Renovation Quotes

Do not compare quotes by looking at the final price alone. Compare what each contractor is offering.

Ask each contractor to list the cost and scope for:

    1. Hacking and debris disposal

    1. Waterproofing method

    1. Water ponding test

    1. Cement screeding

    1. Tile supply and installation

    1. Plumbing work

    1. Sanitary fittings

    1. Shower screen

    1. Vanity and storage

    1. Electrical work

    1. Permit requirements

    1. Project duration

    1. Defect liability period

Also check whether the quote includes:

    • Transport

    • Material delivery

    • Lift protection

    • Protection for common corridors

    • Removal of old fittings

    • Final cleaning

A quote that is S$3,000 cheaper may simply leave out waterproofing, rubbish removal, shower fittings or plumbing changes.

How to Keep Your Bathroom Renovation Within Budget

You can reduce costs without cutting out important work by:

    • Keeping the current plumbing layout

    • Choosing tiles that are easy to find locally

    • Using standard-size fittings

    • Limiting custom carpentry

    • Avoiding unnecessary raised platforms

    • Choosing tile finishes that are easy to clean

    • Comparing itemised quotes

    • Confirming all fittings before work starts

    • Keeping spare tiles for future repairs

For most Singapore homeowners, the best quote is not always the cheapest one. When comparing bathroom renovation cost in Singapore, look for a clear contract, proper waterproofing, reliable plumbing and an experienced bathroom renovation contractor who explains every cost before work begins.

That approach can help you avoid surprises, whether you are renovating a four-room HDB flat in Tampines, a condo near Bishan or a landed home in the East.

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