Planning your home makeover and want a clear resale HDB renovation timeline?
This guide gives new owners a simple breakdown of how long each stage takes, what to expect, and where delays usually happen.
Use it to plan your move-in date confidently and avoid surprises during your renovation journey.
What New Owners Should Know Before Starting
Renovating a resale flat comes with a few steps that are helpful to understand early. These simple points give you a clearer picture before work begins.
- Permits take time, so don’t expect work to start right away.
- Hacking hours are limited, which slows things a little.
- Carpentry is always the longest part.
- Older flats may hide defects you won’t see at viewing.
- Bathrooms require a waterproofing cure period.
Why Resale Renovation Takes Longer
Resale flats often need more work than BTO units. Older layouts, worn surfaces, and built ins that no longer make sense all add to the timeline.
You may also uncover issues only after work starts, like leaking pipes or uneven flooring. These extra steps add time, but they also make your home safer and more comfortable in the long run.
Step-by-Step Resale HDB Renovation Timeline
Here’s a clear breakdown of what typically happens during a resale HDB renovation. Each stage gives you a realistic sense of how the timeline progresses.
Planning and Design (2 to 4 weeks)
This stage covers measurements, layout ideas, and material choices. You confirm what stays, what changes, and how you want each space to function.
HDB Permit Approval (1 to 2 weeks)
Your contractor submits the required forms for hacking, plumbing, and electrical work. Work can only begin after these permits are approved and validated.
Demolition and Masonry (3 to 5 weeks)
Old tiles, built ins, and fittings are removed. Floors get prepared, waterproofing is applied, and wet works need proper drying before the next phase starts.
Electrical and Plumbing Works (1 to 2 weeks)
Wiring, lighting points, and water lines are adjusted based on your layout. This is the preparation stage before carpentry installation begins later.
Carpentry Fabrication (3 to 6 weeks)
Cabinets, wardrobes, and storage pieces are built off site. The timeline depends on your design and the workshop schedule during the production period.
Installation and Painting (1 to 2 weeks)
Carpentry is installed, fixtures go in, and the space starts taking shape. Painting, touch ups, and final adjustments are usually completed here.
Final Cleaning and Handover (1 week)
The unit is cleaned, defects are checked, and small fixes are done. This is when you confirm everything is ready before you move in.
Factors That Can Delay Your Timeline
Even with careful planning, certain real-world issues can slow things down. These are the common factors to look out for during a resale renovation.
- Hidden defects that only appear after hacking
- Extra repairs for plumbing, wiring, or flooring
- Slow drying time for cement and waterproofing
- Peak season when contractors are fully booked
- Complex carpentry or custom designs
- Last minute changes to layout or materials
- Dealing with existing seepage affecting other units
- Neighbours requesting work to stop due to noise
How to Shorten Your Renovation Timeline
You cannot rush every part of a renovation, but you can avoid unnecessary delays. These simple steps help your project move faster and smoother.
- Finalise your design and material choices early
- Choose standard cabinet sizes instead of highly custom work
- Avoid last minute changes after work begins
- Order key items in advance to avoid stock delays
- Work with a contractor who understands HDB rules well
Wrap Up
Renovating a resale HDB takes time, but once you know the timeline, everything feels less stressful.
You know what comes next. You know what to expect. And you can plan your move in with confidence.
If you want a clearer picture of costs and scope, take a look at our full resale renovation package breakdown. It makes the whole process even easier to understand.
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