The S$15,000 You Didn't Budget For
Research shows 73% of homeowners exceed their initial budget by 20-40%. The culprit? Hidden costs that surface throughout the renovation journey. This section exposes every sneaky expense contractors conveniently forget to mention.
Budget Shock Alert
73% of BTO owners exceed their initial budget by 20-40% due to hidden costs. Don't become a statistic!
Pre-Renovation Hidden Costs
These costs hit before your contractor even starts work, often catching homeowners off-guard.
HDB Administrative Fees
Hidden Costs Checklist
HDB doesn't charge, but contractors add admin fees
Required for complex electrical/plumbing changes
If required by HDB
For permit application and processing
Protection & Preparation
Total Pre-Renovation Hidden Costs: S$1,200–S$2,700
Hidden Costs Checklist
Required by management
Mandatory for material transport
To prevent damage claims
Protects your main door
During Renovation Hidden Costs
These surprises emerge as work progresses, often presented as 'necessary' additions.
The Electrical Point Trap
Most packages include 15-20 points for a 4-room flat. Reality? You need 35-45.
Additional Points Cost: 20 × S$100 = S$2,000
- Living Room: 8-10 points needed
- Kitchen: 10-12 points needed
- Master Bedroom: 6-8 points needed
- Bedroom 2: 4-6 points needed
- Bedroom 3: 4-6 points needed
- Toilets: 4-6 points needed
- Service Yard: 2-3 points needed
Haulage & Disposal Fees
Total Disposal Costs: S$750–S$1,100
Hidden Costs Checklist
Per lorry load
Often forgotten!
Often not included in quote
Per trip
Variation Orders (VOs)
Changes mid-renovation are profit centers for contractors.
Typical VO Total: S$1,500–S$3,000
Hidden Costs Checklist
Per point moved
Per shelf added
For color changes
Material Upgrades
The 'standard' materials in packages are often subpar.
Typical Upgrade Cost: S$2,000–S$4,000
Hidden Costs Checklist
Per foot run
Per door
Per sqft
Post-Renovation Hidden Costs
These expenses hit after your contractor leaves, when you think you're done spending.
Professional Cleaning
Total Cleaning Costs: S$500–S$850
Hidden Costs Checklist
Deep cleaning service
For stubborn stains
Inside and outside
Curtains & Blinds
Never included in renovation packages.
Total Window Treatments: S$1,700–S$3,400
Hidden Costs Checklist
Dual layer for light control
S$300–S$600 per room
Moisture-resistant material
Window Grilles
Essential for safety but rarely quoted upfront.
4-Room Flat Total: S$1,200–S$2,500
Hidden Costs Checklist
Per window
Per window
Per panel
Light Fixtures & Bulbs
Packages include points, not actual lights.
Total Lighting Costs: S$800–S$2,000
Hidden Costs Checklist
Main chandelier or feature light
S$100–S$200 each
Per light
Each bulb
Bathroom Accessories
The overlooked essentials.
Total Accessories: S$300–S$600
Hidden Costs Checklist
Each
Each
Each
Each
Touch-ups & Rectifications
Post-handover surprises.
Total Rectification: S$450–S$900
Hidden Costs Checklist
After furniture placement
Bathroom and kitchen areas
Door alignments, etc.
The Ultimate Hidden Costs Summary
| Category | Item | Typical Cost | When It Hits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Renovation | Protection & Admin | S$1,200–S$2,700 | Before start |
| Utilities | Electricity/Water during reno | S$100–S$200/month | Monthly |
| Electrical | Additional points | S$1,500–S$3,000 | Week 2-3 |
| Disposal | Haulage fees | S$750–S$1,100 | Throughout |
| Changes | Variation orders | S$1,500–S$3,000 | Midway |
| Materials | Upgrades from 'standard' | S$2,000–S$4,000 | Selection phase |
| Cleaning | Professional cleaning | S$500–S$850 | Completion |
| Window | Grilles & treatments | S$2,900–S$5,900 | Post-reno |
| Lighting | Fixtures & bulbs | S$800–S$2,000 | Post-reno |
| Accessories | Bathroom & misc | S$300–S$600 | Move-in |
| Rectification | Touch-ups | S$450–S$900 | After living |
Red Flag Alert: Suspiciously Cheap Packages
- Extreme material downgrade (paper-thin laminate)
- Excluding essential items (waterproofing, disposal)
- Aggressive variation orders
- Disappearing after deposit collection
Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals
Packages under S$30,000 for a 4-room BTO often profit from extreme material downgrades, excluding essential items, aggressive variation orders, or worse - disappearing after deposit collection.