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BTO Renovation Checklist 2026: Everything to Do Before, During, and After
ElumiHome Team30 January 20265 min read
Getting keys to your BTO is one of life's great milestones. But the period between key collection and move-in day can be overwhelming. This checklist keeps you on track.
Before Key Collection
Research and Planning
- Decide on primary interior design style (use ElumiHome to visualise options) — for inspiration tailored to your flat type, see our 4-room BTO renovation ideas and 5-room BTO interior design
- Set a renovation budget with 10–15% contingency
- Decide between ID firm or direct contractor
- Start shortlisting and requesting quotations
- Visit furniture showrooms to understand pricing (IKEA, Castlery, FortyTwo)
- Benchmark your budget against current renovation costs in Singapore for 2026
- Review HDB renovation guidelines for your flat type
Contractor Shortlisting
- Verify all contractors are on HDB's RCRS registry
- Request at least 3 full quotations with detailed scope of works
- Check CaseTrust accreditation (optional but recommended)
- Visit ongoing renovation sites to assess quality
- Read reviews on Qanvast, HardwareZone forums, Google
Key Collection Day
- Bring torch, camera/phone for documentation
- Document everything — photograph every wall, floor, ceiling, fitting
- Test all water outlets (tap each tap, flush toilets)
- Test all electrical switches and power points
- Check all windows open/close and lock properly
- Inspect all floor tiles for cracks or hollow sounds (tap with coin)
- Measure key areas if not already done
- Note any existing defects to HDB's MyNiceHome portal within 1-year DLP
Before Renovation Starts
Contractor and Design Finalisation
- Sign contract with selected ID/contractor (get everything in writing)
- Finalise all design decisions — style, materials, finishes
- Confirm layout plan and carpentry drawings
- Visit tile and material showrooms and make final selections
- Visit sanitary showroom for fittings (toilet, basin, shower)
- Select appliances (fridge, washer, cooker hood, hob)
- Select lighting fixtures
Permits and Logistics
- Contractor submits HDB renovation permit (allow 3–5 working days)
- Notify adjacent neighbours (above, below, left, right)
- Pay Town Council renovation deposit (S$500–S$1,000)
- Display renovation permit at flat entrance
- Arrange storage for your furniture and belongings during works
During Renovation
Week 1–2: Demolition and Structural Works
- Document condition before demolition starts
- Confirm scope of hacking matches approved plan (no bomb shelter walls!)
- Check plumbing rough-in positions match approved plan
- Inspect waterproofing application (bathrooms, kitchen wet areas)
Week 3–5: Tiling
- Verify tile layouts and patterns match approved shop drawings
- Check tiles are level and grout lines are consistent
- Tap all tiles for hollow sounds as they're laid (fix immediately if found)
- Ensure all bathroom floor tiles slope towards floor drain
Week 5–8: Carpentry
- Check door alignment and smooth operation
- Test drawer slides (should glide without resistance)
- Verify soft-close hinges on all cabinet doors
- Check laminate colour matches approved samples
- Ensure all edges are properly sealed (no exposed substrate)
Week 8–10: Painting and Final Works
- Check painting coverage (no brush marks, consistent colour)
- Test all electrical switches and power points
- Run all water outlets for 5 minutes each
- Check for water seepage under all sinks
Pre-Handover Defect Inspection
- Create a formal defect list with photos and location references
- Send defect list to contractor in writing (email with photos)
- Give contractor 7–14 days to rectify before next meeting
- Do not make final payment until all defects are rectified
- Keep 5–10% of contract value as retention until defects are cleared
After Handover — Before Move-In
Deep Clean
- Book professional post-renovation cleaning (dust from hacking is pervasive)
- Clean inside all cabinets and drawers before storing items
- Clean all tile and floor surfaces
- Wipe down all carpentry surfaces
Ventilation
- Open all windows and ventilate for at least 7 days before sleeping in flat
- New laminates and paints off-gas VOCs — this dissipates over time
- Use air purifier if you're sensitive to chemical smells
Move-In Preparations
- Arrange furniture delivery and installation
- Install curtains or blinds
- Set up appliances and test all functions
- Install bathroom accessories (toilet roll holders, soap dispensers, towel bars)
- Add plants and accessories to complete the look
After Moving In
- Report any warranty defects to contractor in writing within warranty period
- Document contractor warranty expiry dates (carpentry 12 months, painting 6 months)
- Register appliance warranties (fridge, washer, aircon)
- Service aircon units every 3 months
- Reseal bathroom and kitchen silicone joints annually
Visualise Your BTO First
Before starting this checklist, spend time visualising how your BTO will look. ElumiHome lets you upload your actual floor plan photos and see them redesigned in any style.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do first after collecting my BTO keys?
- Do a thorough defect check before any renovation starts, as HDB will rectify construction defects at no cost if reported within the defect liability period (typically one year). Take dated photos and submit the defect form promptly. Only after this should you bring in your contractor to begin works.
- How much contingency should I budget for a BTO renovation?
- Set aside a contingency of around 10–15% on top of your renovation budget to cover unexpected costs and changes. New BTO flats need fewer hacking works than resale units, but costs still creep up through carpentry add-ons and electrical points. A buffer keeps surprises from derailing the project.
- Do all my renovation contractors need to be HDB-registered?
- Yes, any contractor working in your BTO flat must be listed under HDB's Renovation Contractors Registration Scheme (RCRS), per HDB guidelines. You can verify this through HDB's official registry before signing a contract. CaseTrust accreditation is an additional, optional layer of consumer protection.
- How long before move-in should I start my BTO renovation?
- Plan for a BTO renovation to take roughly 8–12 weeks from start to handover, plus lead time for design, quotations, and furniture delivery. Custom carpentry and appliances often have several weeks of lead time, so order early. Building in a buffer before your intended move-in date avoids last-minute stress.
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