Simple Guide For Renovating Your House Through Contractors !

🏠 Just Got Your BTO Keys? Here's Your Fun, No-ID Reno Guide!

Congratulations on getting the keys to your BTO! 🎉You’ve chosen not to go down the interior designer (ID) route — smart move if you’re hoping to save more cash 💰, get better appliances, and keep your home design simple and fuss-free.

Don’t worry if you're not sure where to begin — here’s a helpful step-by-step guide to help you along the way!

⚠️ Note: Every contractor has their own sequence of works. Some prefer to install vinyl before painting (to protect the paint), while others prefer to paint first, then do vinyl (to protect the vinyl). There’s no right or wrong — just different preferences. Personally, I prefer to paint first, then install vinyl.

🚪 Step 1: Defect Checks – You Can Totally DIY This!

Yes, you can do your own defect checks! You don’t need to be a professional inspector — just focus on identifying the major issues like water ponding, hollow tiles, faulty windows or doors. Don’t stress too much over minor issues like paint stains or missing grout; they’re easy to fix, and you can still inform your BSC (Building Service Centre) to sort them out.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Hollow Tiles – Don’t have a tapping rod? A simple coin will do. Tap along the tiles to check for hollow sounds. Found some? Flag them to BSC.

• Water Ponding – Pour a bucket of water on the floor and observe if it flows to the floor trap. If water stays behind, that’s a defect.

• Windows & Doors – Open and close to check for any difficulty in movement or locking. Check for gaps or damage to the rubber gaskets.

• Plastered Walls – Spot any cracks or bulges? Use a coin to tap for hollow sounds – another sign to report.

• Power Points – A phone charger works for quick testing. The proper way is with a socket tester, but most owners won’t have one.

• Sanitary Mechanisms – Check if the WC flushes well, the pop-up waste in the sink works, and the water flows correctly.

Once you're done, report the defects to your BSC, and they’ll arrange for rectification. After that, it’s game on for your renovation!

💡 Step 2: Concealed Wiring – Don’t Let Them Take Shortcuts!

This is where planning is crucial. Concealed wiring is usually done for things like LED vanity lighting, kitchen power points, or box-ups with lights.

🔌 IMPORTANT: Never allow your contractor to just cut a small trough and dump wires inside — always insist that they encase it in PVC or GI conduit. This prevents potential issues in the future.

As for concealed wiring on the slab soffit (underside of the upper floor slab), remember that this is a structural element. Because conduit pipes are too thick to be embedded inside, some contractors will just cut a trough and lay wires inside — this is a very bad practice. Always go for casing installation instead.

Before your electrician starts, prepare a basic layout of where your appliances will be (fridge, dispenser, oven, etc). But don’t install the faceplates just yet — leave them for later to avoid inconvenience or damage.

🧱 Step 3: Wetworks & Cement Base

Next, it’s time to start wetworks. If you're not overlaying the toilet wall or floor, the main thing you'll likely be doing is the cement base for the kitchen.

💡 A well-planned cement base allows you to conceal small discharge pipes for things like your fridge or water dispenser. Just make sure you avoid introducing too many bends in these small pipes — they’re hard to clean if choked. Aesthetic sacrifices now will save you from plumbing nightmares later!

📏 Step 4: Carpenter Time! Measurements First, Cabinets Later

Once your cement base is up, get your carpenter in to take measurements. This is also when you need to confirm your hob.

Planning to use gas? Then make sure your gas pipe is pulled to the correct hob location before the cabinets are installed.

Most homeowners opt for a gas heater, so you may be doing that too — make sure the setup is coordinated.

Cabinet fabrication usually takes 2–3 weeks, which gives you time to work on other reno tasks while waiting.

🪟 Step 5: Window Grilles & Curtain Measurements

Don’t forget your service yard doesn’t come with window grilles — you’ll need to install them yourself for safety, especially if you’ve got young kids.

Also, this is a good time to get your curtain or blinds vendor to come and take measurements, so everything’s ready for move-in day.

🎨 Step 6: Paint Like a Pro

Some homeowners skip painting since HDB gives a fresh coat of white paint — but me? I always recommend applying one coat of oil sealer for peace of mind.

🛑 Oil sealer takes 24 hours to fully cure (not just touch dry). Rushing this process, especially if you're painting dark colors, could cause the paint to turn white in the future.

❄️ Step 7: Aircon Installation – Keep It Clean

Once painting’s done, install your aircon. A few tips here:

• Don’t paint over trunking with regular wall paint — it will flake and peel.

• Don’t conceal the aircon trunking inside carpentry! If there’s ever a leak, you’ll have to rip apart the cabinet. Conceal it with a ceiling instead — easier to patch and repair.

🔧 Step 8: Carpentry Installation + Appliance Delivery

Once your cabinets are ready, it’s go time! But first — make sure all your appliances are delivered and onsite before installation begins. That includes your:

• Hob

• Hood

• Sink

• Oven

• Dishwasher

This helps the carpenter do proper cutouts and fitting.

💡 Sink tip: Undermount sinks look sleek, but they’re hard to change in future, but will be easier to maintain compared to top mount as top mount will have silicone and it will grow algae in the future. Also undermount is easier to sweep all water/ rubbish in to the sink. If you plan to stay long-term, consider a cement sink support — more durable, no worries about water damage.

And please — get a good-quality sink. I once tried a China-imported one, and trust me — rusty sinks and hoses are not worth the savings.

After your carpentry is done, your fabricator will come to take measurement for the stone countertop.

🚰 Step 9: Plumbing & Electrical Final Works

Once the stone top is installed, call your plumber back to install:

• Kitchen sink and taps

• Toilet fittings

• Bathroom accessories

Your electrician should also come to install all faceplates and lighting.

🛑 Only install toilet accessories at the very last step — you don’t want your bathroom becoming the neighbourhood WC during reno.

🛋️ Step 10: Move in Furniture!

Time to bring in your furniture — sofa, dining table, TV, etc. Your home will look messy at first, and you’ll probably damage some paint.

No stress! Most painters include one free touch-up, so you’re covered.

🔧 Step 11: Final Touch-Ups & Defects

Noticed scratches, loose parts, or unpainted patches? Now’s the time to call in your contractors to rectify any outstanding issues and do those last paint touch-ups.

🎉 Step 12: Sit Back & Enjoy Your New Home!

Renovation may seem overwhelming at first, but trust me — most contractors will guide you along the way. Just take it step by step, and you'll get there.

Going direct with contractors is more troublesome than hiring an ID, but you'll learn a lot — and save a LOT of money that you can use on better appliances, nicer furniture, or even that dream vacation.

👷 Bonus Tip: Want Less Hassle?

If liaising with multiple contractors sounds like a headache, consider engaging us! We're direct contractors who handle:

• Hacking

• Wetworks

• Plumbing

• Electrical

• Painting

• Partition/Ceiling

That’s 6 trades — 1 person to liaise with. Easier, faster, and smoother.

Thanks for reading, and all the best with your renovation journey! 🏡✨