Renovation timeline: what to expect, week by week

From first meeting to handover — here’s how a typical renovation in Singapore actually unfolds, and where the time really goes.

By Alderic Tan · 3dots · Updated 15 August 2026

Quick answer

Most full home renovations in Singapore run 8 to 12 weeks of site work, after 2 to 4 weeks of design and planning.

Commercial fit-outs and larger landed homes run longer.

HDB permit approval and material lead times sit in parallel with early works, not after them.

The biggest variable is how quickly decisions get made — not the contractor.

Stage 1 — Design & planning (2–4 weeks)

Before any hacking starts, this stage covers the initial consultation, measuring the space, developing a layout, and settling on materials and finishes. It ends with an itemised quotation you can review line by line.

Week 1: site visit, brief, budget conversation.

Week 2–3: layout and design concepts, material selection.

Week 3–4: quotation, adjustments, and sign-off.

This is the stage most worth slowing down for — decisions made here are far cheaper to change than decisions made once carpentry is already built.

Stage 2 — Approvals & procurement (1–2 weeks, often overlapping)

For HDB flats, any layout changes or hacking require HDB permit approval before work begins. In parallel, materials, tiles, sanitary ware and custom carpentry are ordered — some finishes have longer lead times than others, so this is confirmed early.

Stage 3 — Hacking & structural works (1–2 weeks)

Demolition of existing tiles, walls or fixtures, plus any structural changes. This is the loudest, dustiest stage — and the one that reveals any surprises hiding behind old finishes in resale flats.

Stage 4 — Electrical, plumbing & masonry (2–3 weeks)

New wiring, additional power points, replumbing for kitchens and bathrooms, and re-screeding or levelling floors. Most of this happens behind walls and under floors — unglamorous, but the work everything else depends on.

Stage 5 — Tiling, painting & carpentry (3–4 weeks)

Flooring and wall tiles go in, walls are painted, and built-in carpentry — kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, feature walls — is installed. Carpentry is usually the longest single line item, since pieces are fabricated off-site and fitted on schedule.

Stage 6 — Fittings & finishing touches (1–2 weeks)

Lighting, sanitary fittings, hardware, doors and final touch-ups. This is also when snags — small imperfections — are identified and corrected before handover.

Stage 7 — Final inspection & handover

A walkthrough to check every detail against the agreed scope, followed by a clean-up and handover of your keys and warranty documentation.

What can make it faster — or slower

Decision speed. Confirming materials and variation requests promptly is the single biggest lever homeowners have. Slow decisions delay projects more than the physical works do.

Scope changes mid-project. Adding or changing work once it’s underway almost always adds time, not just cost.

Flat condition. Older resale units can reveal wiring, plumbing or structural surprises that a newer BTO won’t.

Material lead times. Imported tiles, stone or custom fittings can take longer to arrive than local stock — worth confirming early.

How 3dots keeps you informed

We map out a clear schedule at the start of every project and keep you updated stage by stage, so you always know what’s happening and what’s coming next — no guessing, no surprises.

Want a schedule for your project?

Tell us about your space and timeline, and we’ll map out a realistic plan — no obligation.

This guide is general information based on typical projects. Actual timelines vary with scope, approvals and material availability. For a schedule specific to your home, please get in touch.

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