Renovating your humble abode is an opportunity to infuse it with your unique personality and style. However, the question arises: how do you strike the perfect balance between splurging on the must-haves and saving on the nice-to-haves?
Want to know how to get the most bang for your buck during your HDB renovation? Knowing what aspects to splurge on and where to save makes a big difference in achieving a successful renovation project in Singapore.
Let's talk about these aspects in this helpful guide.
HDB Flat Renovation: Where to Splurge and Where to Save
Living Room
Splurge: Comfortable Seating
The living room is often the heart of the home, where you relax and entertain guests. Knowing this, splurging on a comfortable sofa or sectional is surely a worthwhile investment. Also, opt for durable and stain-resistant upholstery materials to ensure longevity.
Save: Accent Decor
You can save on your living room decor without compromising style. Look for affordable throw pillows, rugs, and curtains that add colour and texture to your space. Save more money by shopping at trusted stores like Megafurniture, where you can find a range of affordable home decor items to help you achieve your desired interior design theme.
Save: Flooring and Paint
Your flooring and paint are other areas where you can save money during a resale flat renovation. Instead of choosing expensive hardwood or marble flooring for your living room, consider using laminate or vinyl. These materials are affordable and can mimic the look of more expensive materials.
Bedroom
Splurge: Quality Mattress
A good night's sleep is essential, and investing in a high-quality mattress is worth every penny. Opt for a comfortable, supportive mattress that suits your sleeping position, body type, and preferences.
Save: Bedding and Accessories
While a quality mattress is crucial, you can save on bedding and accessories. Look for affordable yet stylish bedding sets, duvet covers, and decorative pillows.
Splurge: Storage Bed Frame
Investing in a high-quality storage bed frame ensures ample space to stow away extra bedding, seasonal clothing, or other items you want to keep out of sight. This added convenience means you can declutter your bedroom and create a more organised space. You can also consider an HDB loft bed if you want to maximise your bedroom space.
Splurge: Lighting
Invest in good quality lighting fixtures that can be adjusted to suit your needs. Look for warm lights that can elevate the ambience of your sleep oasis.
Save: Window Treatments
High-quality window treatments, such as curtains or blinds, can help regulate the light entering your home and add elegance to your HDB space. However, these should not be too expensive, especially if you're the type to change your home decor now and then.
Kitchen and Dining Room
Splurge: Wall Hackings
Whether it's creating an open-concept layout or adjusting the size of rooms, wall hackings can completely transform the look and functionality of your HDB space. It's crucial to consult with a professional contractor or interior designer to ensure that the structural integrity of your HDB flat is not compromised during the process.
Splurge: Kitchen Cabinets
Invest in durable kitchen cabinets that offer ample storage and withstand daily wear and tear. High-quality materials, such as solid wood or laminate, are the best choices for longevity. Well-designed cabinets also enhance functionality and elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
Splurge: Custom Furniture and Built-ins
Custom furniture and built-ins are a smart splurge when it comes to HDB BTO interior design. These bespoke pieces can be designed to perfectly fit your space, allowing for optimal storage and organisation.
Splurge: Major Appliances
Splurging on major appliances is always a wise decision. Instead of buying cheap brands that need frequent repairs, investing in high-quality and energy-efficient refrigerators, ovens/stoves, washing machines, and dishwashers ensures reliability, durability, and enhanced functionality for your HDB space.
Save: Kitchen Appliances
While it's essential to have reliable and efficient appliances, you can save by carefully choosing options that suit your needs. This means you don't need to buy every appliance for your kitchen, especially if you only have a small one. Look for energy-efficient models that help you save on electricity bills in the long run.
Bathroom
Splurge: Bathroom Fixtures
Invest in high-quality bathroom fixtures like faucets, showerheads, and toilets, as they contribute to your bathroom's overall functionality. Choose finishes that complement your desired interior design, such as chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black.
Save: Decorative Accents
You can always save on decorative bathroom accents without compromising on style. Look for budget-friendly accessories like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and shower curtains. You can change these small details to keep up with evolving trends or personal preferences.
Do You Need to Engage an Interior Designer for HDB Renovation?
Although you don't have to, getting an interior designer for your HDB renovation can be helpful. They're experts in design and space planning, so they'll ensure your apartment looks its best. Plus, they have connections with reliable contractors and suppliers, which saves you the hassle of finding them yourself. With their help, you can create a stylish and personalised design that matches your taste and lifestyle.
More Money-Saving Tips for Your HDB Renovation
- Before starting your renovation, establish a budget that aligns with your financial capabilities and priorities.
- Compare prices, read reviews, and explore different options for materials, furnishings, and contractors to find the best value for your money.
- Use vertical space with tall cabinets, built-in wardrobes, or loft beds to minimise clutter and maximise your square footage.
- Give new life to existing furniture and fixtures by repurposing or upcycling them. This way, you won't have to spend so much on new furnishings.
- Focus on essential upgrades that add value and functionality to your HDB space. Invest in key areas like the kitchen or bathroom, where quality and durability matter most, and consider cost-effective alternatives for less critical areas.
- Obtain quotes from different renovation contractors or suppliers to compare prices and negotiate for the best deal. Remember to consider their reputation, experience, and reviews to ensure reliability and quality workmanship.
- Opt for energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and fixtures. While they may have a slightly higher upfront cost, they can significantly reduce utility bills in the long run, saving you money.
- Stick to your initial renovation plan to avoid unnecessary changes leading to additional costs. Prioritise functionality and quality over trendy but short-lived design choices.
- After completing your renovation, practise regular maintenance to prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future. This includes cleaning, servicing appliances, and addressing issues promptly.
- Keep an eye out for furniture sales and online options that offer good quality furniture and decor at discounted prices.
Takeaway
The key to a successful HDB renovation lies in finding the perfect balance between splurging and saving. Prioritise investments in areas with a lasting impact while finding creative and affordable solutions for the smaller details.
If you're looking for quality and affordable furniture, appliances, and home essentials in Singapore, Megafurniture is your trusted one-stop shop. Browse our wide selection of products and enjoy hassle-free delivery and assembly services today!