There’s no denying that Singaporean homeowners often go all out when renovating their new homes, with some spending upwards of $200,000 to achieve their dream aesthetic in a 1,000sqft flat. But sometimes, less is more—just ask Yan Ting and Jiang Cheng, who transformed their 4-room HDB BTO flat with a budget of only $24,000.
@uchify.sg Yes, a $24k reno is still possible. Watch to see how this young family did it with just a contractor, lots of online research, DIY projects, and Taobao furniture. Follow us on Telegram via our link in bio for more content like this! #sghome #hometour #budgetrenovation #renovationideas #homeinspiration #renovation #homerenovation #budget
At a time when the average renovation cost for a 4-room flat hovers around $50,000 to $60,000, their ability to pull off a stylish yet practical home for less than half that amount is nothing short of impressive. So, how did they do it? From skipping an interior designer to prioritising flexibility over built-ins, here’s a breakdown of their cost-savvy renovation journey.
Prioritising space over built-ins with a baby on the way
For many new homeowners, built-in carpentry is a must-have to maximise storage and create a cohesive look. However, for Yan Ting and Jiang Cheng, their top priority wasn’t aesthetics—it was space.
“Soon after we collected the keys, we found out that I was pregnant,” Yan Ting shared, explaining how the news changed their approach to the renovation. Thinking ahead, the couple decided to keep their home’s layout flexible so that it could evolve over the years with their child’s changing needs.
This meant that built-in carpentry was kept to a minimum, and instead, they opted for modular furniture that could be rearranged or swapped out as their family grew. The kitchen was the only space where they invested heavily in custom carpentry, as they felt it was essential for practicality and storage. Some bedroom cabinets were also installed for functionality.
Beyond that, loose furniture in the living room and bedroom allowed them the flexibility to adjust their home’s layout as their newborn daughter grows, essentially future-proofing their home.
Working directly with a contractor instead of an interior designer
While many homeowners typically turn to an interior designer to conceptualise and execute their dream home, Yan Ting and Jiang Cheng decided to forgo this entirely. Instead, they worked directly with a contractor—someone they already knew—who understood their vision and sourced materials within their budget.
This strategy worked well because they already had a clear aesthetic in mind: a Japanese-inspired Muji-style home, which Jiang Cheng was a fan of. Characterised by clean lines, neutral tones, and an emphasis on natural materials, this minimalist style was relatively straightforward to achieve without professional design help.
“We didn’t feel like we needed an ID because there are so many free resources online,” Yan Ting explained. “We could easily find reference images and floor plans to guide our decisions.”
Instead of spending weeks going back and forth with an ID, they simply communicated their ideas to their contractor, who took care of the rest. This also meant that they had more control over cost and quality. Rather than paying a markup for ID services, which can range from $8,000 to $10,000, they only paid for the actual renovation work, which we’ll break down next.
Breaking down their $24K renovation budget
You might be wondering: How exactly did Yan Ting and Jiang Cheng spend their $24K renovation budget? Here’s a detailed breakdown of their costs that they have kindly shared:
| Renovation | Cost |
| Carpentry | $18,000 |
| Electrical work | $1,200 |
| Paint & painting supplies | $600 |
| Granite kitchen countertop | $2,000 |
| Plumbing | $850 |
| Kitchen cabinet base | $880 |
| Acrylic toilet cover | $200 |
| Total | $23,730 |
It’s no surprise that carpentry took up the bulk of their renovation costs, especially since the couple didn’t do any hacking or major structural changes. However, if you’re planning your own reno, note that the $18,000 in carpentry only covered their kitchen and some bedroom storage. If you were to add custom TV consoles, feature walls, or extensive built-ins, this cost could easily double or even triple.
Another key way they saved money was by keeping the default BTO finishes—including floors, doors, and bathroom fittings. Instead of ripping everything out, they decided to work with what was already provided, reducing waste and renovation costs. They also painted their home themselves and turned it into a bonding moment plus saving them around $2,000 in labour fees.
Budget-friendly furniture & appliance shopping
Homeownership is an expensive journey, and the renovation costs are only one step of the way. Even with painted walls and kitchen cabinets in place, a house is not a home until it’s filled with furniture, and that can easily add another 5-figure sum. But like many savvy homeowners, Yan Ting and Jiang Cheng found ways to furnish their space while staying within budget.
Instead of shopping exclusively at local furniture stores, the couple sourced pieces from Taobao, Malaysian furniture stores, and IKEA, all of which offer affordable and customisable options at a fraction of what local stores would charge.
“Taobao is your best friend, so try to get whatever you can from there,” Yan Ting shared. “However, do mind that reviews are very important, and heavy items should be shipped by sea to save on shipping costs.”
While cost-saving was a big part of their furnishing approach, the couple also had to navigate different design and lifestyle needs. One example was their tatami-inspired living space, a decision made by Jiang Cheng’s love for Japanese and Muji-esque interiors.
Rather than going for the typical living room setup with a couch and a TV, they opted for a sofa-free space, allowing them to create an open and flexible area while staying true to the tatami aesthetic with the mats. However, they also had to consider the needs of their extended family, particularly the elderly visitors who might have a harder time getting down to sit on the tatami stools.
To ensure that everyone can stay comfortable, they also got a dining bench and a proper dining table, which provides seating for any guests without cluttering the space.
How to plan a practical & budget-friendly HDB BTO renovation
By prioritising flexibility over built-ins, being resourceful in their furniture shopping, and working directly with a contractor, Yan Ting and Jiang Cheng managed to create a beautiful, functional home for just $24k.
Their approach proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to achieve a stylish, practical living space—you just need to plan smart, compromise where necessary, and make every dollar count.
Read more of our other renovation articles here:
- Best light switch and socket shops in Singapore
- Planning our $13k BTO reno
- Svaing $10k our HDB BTO reno
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