Singapore Home Renovation Choices That Are Too Costly (And Probably Unnecessary)

Unless you’ve acquired a large inheritance recently or your income is substantial, you’ll probably do a bit of budgeting when carrying out your Singapore home renovation. Thus, when faced with choices, you’ll consider the cost alongside other important factors.

Due to the lack of knowledge, many Singapore home owners opt for obvious choices that aren’t the most economical ones.

Certain Singapore home renovation ideas are way too costly and they could easily break the bank without adding a lot of value to the project. It’s best to avoid these kinds of work and opt for alternatives that are both more affordable and much more practical.

False Ceilings (When They’re Not Required)

False ceilings are often added to rooms as a decorative element that hides the actual ceiling.

In some instances, a false ceiling is mandatory. It can conceal old wiring and other kinds of equipment that need to be installed (AC duct work, plumbing, piping, etc.). A suspended ceiling can also reduce noise in an apartment building, which is an added benefit on top of the decorative one.

False ceiling installation in Singapore costs anywhere between four and six dollars per square foot.

Unless you have a lot of equipment, wiring and plumbing going on up there, you don’t really need to spend on such a decorative element. Contemporary ceilings tend to be clean and minimalist, making them visually pleasing without the need for additional work.

False ceilings are also a poor choice for apartments that don’t have high enough rooms. The installation will take away some of the height, potentially making the room appear cluttered and tiny.

Designer Kitchen Cabinets

Doing some Pinterest research will inspire you to seek modern, clean, designer kitchen cabinets that will transform your food preparation space into a chef’s heaven.

Designer or custom-made cabinets are much more expensive than the ones you’ll find in a furniture store. They tend to be beautiful and functional but in some instances, such solutions will add unnecessary burden to the home renovation budget.

Designer cabinetry is usually larger and consisting of a bigger number of pieces than the generic varieties. A measurement mistake or a kitchen size misjudgement could lead to disaster in such instances.

Interior designers in Singapore have often had to deal with appliances that don’t fit, ovens and fridges that cannot be opened all the way due to custom cabinetry solutions.

If you insist on buying the most expensive cabinets out there, get an interior designer involved in the process. This professional will make sure that the set you’re interested in is a good match to the specifics of the available kitchen. The right design should enhance flow and continuity, increasing the practical appeal of this functional space.

High-End Bathroom Upgrades

Going for what’s trendy instead of practical in the bathroom is the easiest way to waste a large portion of your home renovation budget.

Updating an older bathroom is definitely a good idea that will make the space much more comfortable and allow you to preserve water. Opting for the most expensive finishes, fixtures and accessories, however, isn’t necessarily going to produce a sufficient return on investment. In fact, the yields are probably going to be way too small in comparison to the sum you spent on the acquisition of new bathroom stuff.

An upscale bathroom remodelling is very easy to overdo, which will contribute to the accumulation of needless expenses.

Do you really need a marble or a quartz countertop for your bathroom? An experienced residential interior design company will recommend other finishes that are sturdy, just as beautiful and much more affordable. Chances are that you will not tell the difference once the project is fully completed.

Is a toilet seat shock absorber an absolute essential? While it adds to the cost of the renovation, chances are that the benefits it brings to the table are unjustified.

Fancy Kitchen Islands

The owners of small Singapore HDB flats should probably forget the kitchen island altogether.

While a kitchen island is featured as an essential in all interior design magazines, it’s not the best choice for a small space. Regardless of how streamlined the design is, the island is still going to be one of the bulkiest things in the kitchen. It could take away from the space needed for appliances and storage, which isn’t a good thing from a practical point of view.

Depending on how elaborate they are, kitchen islands can reach a cost of 10,000 dollars or even more. How often will you be hosting dinner parties that require guests sitting on tall barstools by the island while you make cocktails? How long will the novelty remain exciting?

A kitchen island with built-in storage space may be a good choice for your kitchen. Building one from scratch, however, depends on the size of the kitchen, the number of people who will be occupying the apartment and your food preparation needs. If you cook for many people and you have a small kitchen, you will need the space that the island will require for proper establishment.

When doing a home remodelling project, keep two primary factors in mind – functional and timeless.

Fads and trends could make your property beautiful right now but they’ll add very little to its value and practical appeal in the long run.

Before finalising your home renovation decision, talk to an interior design company with a good residential interior design portfolio.

Home Guide’s team can assess your concept and offer improvements that will take the idea to the next level.

Through our practice, we’ve learned it’s possible to produce something upscale and fancy without breaking the bank. Smart decisions and a focus on a few prominent pieces will elevate the overall design and make it look expensive.

Contact Home Guide if you’re about to get started with home renovation. We will guide you through the essential steps, help you get the outcome you want and save you some money along the way.