How We Renovated On A Budget

Homeowners share how they achieved their dream home while keeping reno costs under control

- YUEN YI YING

If you’ve ever scrolled on Instagram, spotted an incredible-looking house and thought you’d never be able to afford that, think again. Renovating can be an expensive endeavour, especially after you’ve already dug deep into your pockets to finance your house, but don’t let your imagination get the better of you.

With their picture-perfect homes, these budget-savvy homeowners share the best (and worst) ways to spend your cash so you can take your money further.

PREPARE A SOUND BUDGET

Everyone’s idea of a “reasonable” renovation budget may differ, but according to Alex Chang of Ju Design Studio, homeowners should expect to pay about $30–60K for a new three to fivebedroom BTO flat, and upwards of $40K if they’re renovating an older resale HDB flat.

Of course, fees vary depending on the complexity of the design, and private home renovations tend to be pricier. That said, a seasoned professional, such as an interior designer or contractor, can help homeowners stay on budget by honing their list of needs and wants.

For homeowners with a little more latitude in their budget, quality is also a consideration, and homeowners should set an expectation on the quality of work they are willing to pay for, share homeowners Ruby and Kenny (@hellohomebodies). “There is a design and product for every budget and usually the difference lies in the quality, even for two things that may look or function similarly,” they explain.