Renovation Surprises You Should Know
Renovating your home is an exciting process, but many homeowners overlook key factors that can lead to unexpected costs, delays, or design regrets. Whether you’re upgrading your BTO, resale flat, or condo, here are five important things to keep in mind before you start your renovation journey.
1. HDB Has Strict Renovation Rules
If you’re renovating an HDB flat, you must comply with HDB’s renovation guidelines, or risk fines and delays. Some key rules include:
🚧 Not all walls can be hacked – Always check with an HDB-approved contractor before planning major structural changes.
🛁 Bathroom waterproofing restrictions – In new BTO flats, you cannot replace floor tiles for the first 3 years due to waterproofing concerns.
🔊 Noisy work restrictions – Renovation work must be done only between 9 AM - 5 PM on weekdays (no noisy work on weekends).
Failing to follow these rules could mean costly reworks, so always verify guidelines before starting!
2. Ceiling Fan Installation Needs Proper Planning
Ceiling fans are a must-have in Singapore’s hot climate, but many homeowners don’t consider important factors before installation.
💡 Ceiling Height Matters – HDB flats typically have low ceilings (2.6m - 2.75m), so opt for a low-profile ceiling fan like Crestar’s DC motor fans for better air circulation.
🌬 Balcony and Outdoor Fans—Standard indoor fans might not withstand Singapore’s humidity. If you plan to install one on a balcony, choose an IP-rated fan designed for outdoor use.
📲 Smart Fan Features—Want convenience? Crestar’s SmartLife-enabled fans allow you to control speed and settings via a mobile app.
Planning your fan installation early helps avoid last-minute changes to lighting points and wiring.
3. Electrical & Aircon Trunking Should Be Planned First
Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing their interior design before finalizing electrical and aircon trunking plans—which can lead to ugly exposed wiring or costly reworks.
⚡ Plan Power Points – Identify where you’ll need plug points for appliances, bedside tables, and TVs.
❄ Aircon Trunking Placement – If not planned properly, trunking can end up running awkwardly across your walls.
🏡 Smart Home Readiness – Installing neutral wires in switches ensures compatibility with future smart lighting and fan upgrades.
Discussing these details with your ID and electrician early helps keep your home looking neat and well-designed.
4. Open-Concept Layouts Are Not Always Practical
While open-concept homes look modern and spacious, they come with some drawbacks that homeowners may not anticipate:
🔥 Cooking Smells – Without a kitchen partition, food odors can easily spread throughout the house.
🔇 Noise Issues – Open layouts amplify TV sounds, kitchen noise, and conversations, which can be disruptive.
🚪 Lack of Privacy – If you work from home or have frequent guests, an open-concept space may feel too exposed.
Solution? Consider using glass partitions or sliding doors to balance openness with functionality.
5. Renovation Budgets Almost Always Exceed Expectations
Most homeowners set a renovation budget, but additional costs often arise due to:
💸 Material Price Changes – Supply fluctuations can make materials more expensive.
💸 Hidden Works – Electrical rewiring, plumbing issues, or waterproofing concerns can add unexpected costs.
💸 Last-Minute Additions – Feature walls, extra carpentry, or smart home upgrades often get added along the way.
Tip: Always set aside a 10-20% contingency fund to avoid financial stress!
💡 Looking for stylish and energy-efficient ceiling fans? Check out Crestar’s range of DC motors and SmartLife-enabled fans for the perfect balance of comfort and convenience! So do book an appointment with us and come to our showroom or at 1 Tampines North Drive 1, #04-14, T-Space, S528559. And if you would like to see some examples of how our product may fit your home. Check out our Instagram page to see how our product may fit nicely into your home.
