BTO renovation and interior design projects provide amazing opportunities to elevate the residential concept and turn a new flat into an actual home.
If you’re doing the work on your own, however, chances are that you’ll commit at least one of the common BTO renovation mistakes. While some of these errors may be fairly easy to fix, others will impact the entire concept and potentially necessitate costly fixes.
Singapore home interior design professionals like the Home Guide team have witnessed many botched up renovation projects through the years. Based on our experience, here are some of the most common mistakes and the best ways to prevent or overcome such errors.
Failing to Follow HDB Renovation Guidelines
When it comes to BTO upgrades and renovation projects, the HDB has specific guidelines and even rules you have to follow.
Depending on the specifics of the BTO project, certain restrictions may apply to the execution.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about the specific guidelines and restrictions you’ll need to keep in mind, you can check out this article we wrote on the topic.
Also, keep in mind that you’ll sometimes be asked to obtain HDB permits for the renovation work you plan to do. Usually, such requirements pertain to structural work but this isn’t always the case. Do your research in advance to understand what’s possible and what isn’t.
If you still feel lost, working with a hdb renovation contractor would be the smartest choice. Such professionals know what’s feasible under the scope of HDB limitations. Also, the team responsible for the supervision and the execution of the renovation will handle permits and legal requirements, freeing you from such responsibilities.
A Blind Following of Interior Design Trends
Are you in love with an open layout? Are you already considering the hacking down of walls to give your BTO flat more space and a contemporary, urban vibe?
This concept, as well as many other interior design trends, could suit your flat really well. Just because a certain type of home improvement is trendy right now, however, does not mean you should execute the idea blindly.
Every trend and interior design style can bring various benefits to the space. At the same time, such concepts come with their limitations. Some are suitable for small spaces. Some necessitate large budgets and extensive renovation work to be executed.
You should always think about the available space and the functional appeal of the flat. What kind of lifestyle does your family enjoy? Are you active individuals? Are you movie and music lovers? Do you prioritise sustainable living?
When asking yourself such questions, you’ll find it much easier to decide what kinds of interior design improvements will work well for your property. There aren’t good or bad trends out there. Some trends will simply be unsuitable for the specifics of the BTO flat or the type of lifestyle you’d like to pursue.
Budgeting and Professional Hiring Errors
Even if you decide to hire professionals for your BTO renovation, there are still some mistakes you could commit easily.
The first one is not budgeting.
The cost of BTO renovations can vary from one project to another. The extensiveness of the work and the reputation of the company you intend to work with will both affect the quote. Obviously, there are ways to bring down the cost through promo packages. If you opt for such, make sure they do cover all of your key renovation needs.
Always set a budget in advance and get multiple detailed quotes. Comparing such offers side by side will give you a good idea about the cost of BTO renovations and the specific services you can anticipate from each contractor.
When choosing an home interior design or home renovation company, you should also get a very detailed understanding of the outcome you’ll receive and the amount this is going to cost you.
Make sure there are no hidden fees and charges. You should receive a complete breakdown of the project, including the specific costs and the timeframes required for the completion of each task.
Do seek out reputable, experienced interior design professionals. The Home Guide team has been around for decades and over the years, we maintained an excellent reputation. Our residential portfolio shows the extensive scope of home renovation work we can do and the diversified styles we feel comfortable with.
If you’re keen on avoiding BTO renovation mistakes, contact Home Guide right now. We’re confident that the first consultation will impress you enough to move on to project execution right away.
