Office Renovation Costs in Singapore 2023

The ease of doing business in Singapore consistently ranks high in world rankings. This is why many companies have chosen Singapore as their starting point.

There is no doubt that office spaces in Singapore are not cheap, just like houses. On average, the rent for an office square foot ranges from about $2 to $10 per month, depending on how many square feet you rent. In spite of this, numerous businesses will still take the risk of establishing a business in this country due to the thriving economy of the country.

As a result, Singapore takes the work environment of its office spaces seriously. Companies always strive to renovate workspaces to create a comfortable work environment to make employees more productive. You may wonder, however, how much it would cost to make an office renovation.

We have put together a complete office interior design guide on what you should expect when it comes to commercial renovations in Singapore below in order to help you create a sensible budget.

Typical Office Renovation Costs

When it comes to office renovation in Singapore, there are typically three tiers of cost: low, medium, and high. This generally depends on your project size – how big is your office space and how much work do you require to be done. The low-cost range is from $30 – $60 per square foot, while the medium-cost range is from $70 – $90 per square foot. The high-cost range is from $100 per square foot and above.

Tier	Cost per square foot
Low	$30 – $60
Medium	$70 – $90
High	$100+

Office renovation expenses vary greatly depending on the layout complexity, the flooring, the size of the unit, the electrical furnishing and plumbing requirements, consulting fees, and the amount of heavy work that needs to be done. Find out more about common costs associated with office remodeling and renovation.

1. Deposit for Renovations ~$1000- $10,000

Depending on the extent of hacking involved, you may have to make renovation deposits. In some cases, a couple of thousand dollars of deposits may be required, which can be refunded once the project is completed.

2. Consultation Charges

A professional may be able to provide you with the best results before the renovation gets underway. Furthermore, the consultants help you understand the rules and regulations you may need to follow, along with advice on what is best for your budget. Reinstatement, for instance, may cost $100/hour. Depending on your needs, you may choose flat rates or hourly rates. You may be able to have the consulting as part of the package if you have already finalised the contractor you want to hire.

3. Flooring Costs (~$30,000 – $100,000)

Square tiles are generally used in offices. Flooring options such as granite or carpet may be of interest to you. The cost of the flooring depends on a broad spectrum of factors, including the type of material used and the cost of the labour involved in laying the tile and laying the foundation. A marble floor can cost between $10 – $15 per square foot, depending on how large it is. Laminates would cost approximately $3 – $4.5 per sqft, vinyl would cost around $6 – $7 per sqft, paraquat would cost roughly $7 – $14 per sqft, and ceramic, homogenous tiles would cost approximately $3 – $15 per sqft. You can expect the total flooring cost to range between $30,000 and $100,000, depending on the type of flooring you decide on.

4. Wall Hacking (~$1,000++)

There is no doubt that wall hackers are very expensive, as simple as that may sound. When it comes to tearing your way down through inches of hard materials, you must be appropriately qualified to perform this procedure since it may cause an accident if done recklessly. This is why it is essential to entrust the job to someone who is well-versed in such matters. Typically, wall hacking costs between $50 and $70 per square foot. Additionally, you should find out whether the service already includes debris removal; otherwise, you may have to pay an additional $30.

5. Painting (~$2000++)

In every office renovation, one of the most noticeable changes is the painting. Considering that paint can be responsible for the majority of the appearance of your room, it is therefore essential for your designer to provide you with an appropriate choice of colour.

In Singapore, the average price for painting starts from around $25 and rises from there. Varnishes range from $19 to $21, and primers have a more varied price range, with the cheapest being at $11 while the most expensive ones reach up to $55 for every pint.

It is estimated that minor scraping and coating with primer will cost between $350 and $550. An extensive and thorough job would require a budget of at least $1900 for scraping and coating compared to a regular scrapping and coating price of $550 to $1700.

6.Hiring an Electrical Contractor

Usually, electrical work is not billed hourly, but by the amount of work needed. The cost of installing sockets would be at least $45, while the costs of rewiring landlines, cables, and telephone lines would vary from $43 to $115, depending on the difficulty of the previous wiring. In the case of light fixtures, you should expect to spend at least $48, depending on the style.

7. Office Furniture Prices

The thing is, if you tear down some things, you need to build some things to replace them. In order to improve the quality of your office interior, ensure to search for the best carpentry service.

It is common for large storage fixtures to cost around $230 to $390, cabinets to cost around $95 to $285, and tables to cost around $85. However, if you need other specifications, it may cost more.

How to Reduce Office Renovation Costs?

1. Hire an Affordable and Professional Office Renovation Contractor in Singapore

Transform your current office by hiring a contractor that will be able to provide you with the best quality for a lower price. There will be quite a bit of research needed before you can even begin to filter contractors and get in touch with them in order to determine their past history, background, and customer reviews. This will take a lot of effort, but it is definitely worth it as it will save you a lot of money in the long run and it will also save you a lot of time and hustle.

2. Go for a Floor Plan or Design That Is Simple for Your Dream Office

It is always cheaper to make simple designs than complicated ones. When you are planning a renovation project, don’t go for a complex design if you wish to save money.

3. Only Get New Furniture If Necessary

Furniture selection is one of the most exciting parts of renovating. Unfortunately, this is also the point where the budget spirals out of control. You must take a deep breath whenever you find yourself feeling the itch to buy additional furniture. Think twice before buying that furniture and ask yourself if it’s really something you need. If the answer is no, turn your back without turning back!

4. Plan Renovation Budget in Advance

It is extremely important and will ensure your renovation planning goes according to your budget, and you won’t spend money on unnecessary stuff which wasn’t planned at the beginning. As such, it is important to have a clear set of renovation objectives before starting.

Other Renovation Considerations

Pay Attention to the Building Codes

When considering renovation projects in Singapore, it is crucial to prioritize compliance with the local building codes and regulations. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety, functionality, and environmental sustainability of structures within the city-state. Adhering to these regulations not only prevents potential hazards but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community. For example, the Building Control Act and Regulations enforced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore, which set out the legal requirements for construction, renovation, and maintenance of buildings.

Several factors, including environmental sustainability and handicap accessibility, must be taken into account in the design process. Non-compliance with local building codes can result in legal action, fines, delays, and even orders to undo completed work.

Conduct a Pre-assessment

Asbestos, mercury, lead, and other hazardous contaminants may be released into the air as a result of tearing down parts of commercial space. Hence, please make sure that you are taking note of any areas where there is a high concentration of these chemicals and make sure to consult with your contractor as to the safest and least invasive way to get rid of them.

There would be a lot of costs associated with renovation projects. In light of this, it is very crucial for any cost to be worth it, and with the help of this guide, you can create an estimate as to the amount of money that your company can allocate to fitting out your office to your requirements.

Hire a Trusted Office Renovation Contractor

Although it can be a challenging task, renovating a commercial space is something that both employees and customers are excited about. The cost of an office renovation project in Singapore ranges from $40,000 to $100,000+ depending on the scope of your project and size of your workspace.

If you’re looking to renovate your office space, make sure to have clear renovation objectives to avoid overspending. Avoid incurring additional costs by hiring a reliable renovation company that is experienced with the adherence to building codes set out by authorities.

Office Reno is a BCA registered office renovation contractor with bizSAFE3 certification. Contact us for a free consultation on your upcoming renovation or interior design project.