The bathroom is the hardest-working room in a Singapore home, and the one where shortcuts cost the most. A poorly sealed floor can leak into the unit below, and cheap fittings wear out fast in our humid climate. Reno Guys handles toilet and bathroom renovation for HDB flats, condos and landed homes, from the first hacking to the last silicone joint.
What Our Toilet Renovation Covers
- Hacking and removal: old wall and floor tiles, the vanity, the bathtub and fittings, with debris cleared and common areas protected. See our hacking and demolition services.
- Waterproofing and screeding: a waterproofing membrane and screed laid to fall towards the floor trap.
- Wall and floor tiling: homogeneous, porcelain, ceramic and large-format tiles, including tile-on-tile overlays. See our tiling services.
- Plumbing: new pipes, water heaters, basins, toilet bowls, showers and taps. See our plumbing services.
- Carpentry: moisture-resistant vanity cabinets, mirror cabinets and storage. See our cabinetry.
- Lighting and ventilation: ceiling lights, mirror lights and exhaust fans. See our lighting installation.
HDB, Condo and Landed Bathroom Rules
HDB flats
- Renovation works in HDB flats must be carried out by a contractor listed on HDB’s Directory of Renovation Contractors (DRC).
- Newly built flats have a 3-year restriction on removing bathroom and toilet wall and floor finishes. Overlaying new finishes is generally the option during this period.
- Replacing bathroom floor finishes after that period needs an HDB permit, and HDB requires waterproofing screed and a waterproofing membrane under the new floor finish, turned up against the walls, kerbs and pipes. A water test is required after the floor finishes are replaced.
- Noisy works such as hacking and tile removal are only allowed on weekdays during set hours, not on weekends or public holidays, and neighbours must be given written notice before works start.
- Water service and sanitary plumbing must be done by a PUB-licensed plumber.
Condos and landed homes
Condos follow the MCST’s renovation by-laws, which usually set working hours and require an application and a renovation deposit. Landed homes have more freedom, but the same waterproofing care applies.
Our Bathroom Renovation Process
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Site visit | We inspect the tiles, floor falls, pipes and any leaks, and discuss your layout and style. |
| 2. Design and quotation | You get a layout, material options and an itemised quotation. |
| 3. Approvals | We prepare what is needed for HDB or MCST approval and serve neighbour notices. |
| 4. Hacking and plumbing | Old finishes come off, and new pipes and points go in. |
| 5. Waterproofing and water test | The membrane is laid and allowed to cure, and the floor is water-tested before tiling. |
| 6. Tiling and fittings | Tiles, the vanity, sanitary ware, lights and the shower screen are installed. |
| 7. Handover | We test every tap, drain and light with you and clean up. For a deep clean before you move in, see our guide to post-renovation cleaning services. |
An overlay is much quicker than a full hack-and-redo, which also needs curing time for the screed and membrane. We give you a schedule with the quotation.
What Affects the Cost of Bathroom Renovation
| Item | What Affects the Cost |
|---|---|
| Scope of work | Overlay or full hack-and-redo |
| Size | Floor and wall area to be tiled |
| Tiles | Type, size and laying pattern |
| Plumbing | New pipes, or moving the toilet or shower |
| Fittings | Brand and type of sanitary ware and taps |
| Carpentry | Vanity size, material and finish |
Note: Every bathroom is different. Contact us for a free, itemised quote based on your exact requirements.
Design Ideas for Small HDB Toilets
- Wet and dry zones: a glass shower screen keeps the rest of the floor dry and safer.
- Wall-hung fittings: a floating vanity or wall-hung toilet frees floor space and makes cleaning easier.
- Wall niches: a recessed shower niche holds toiletries neatly.
- Large-format tiles: fewer grout lines make a small room look bigger and are easier to keep clean.
10 Tips for Planning Your Bathroom Renovation
- Set clear goals. Decide between new fixtures, retiling or a full makeover, and fix leaks before cosmetic upgrades.
- Budget with a buffer. Set aside a contingency for surprises such as hollow tiles or old pipes found during hacking.
- Collect ideas and samples. Save layouts you like and see tile samples in person.
- Choose materials for humidity. Use non-slip floor tiles, non-porous counters, moisture-resistant boards and anti-mould paint.
- Use vertical space. Tall cabinets and niches keep a small bathroom clutter-free.
- Put function first. Plan enough light, power points and storage within easy reach.
- Ventilate well. A window or a good exhaust fan removes moisture and helps prevent mould.
- Save water and power. Choose water-efficient taps, showers and toilets and LED lighting.
- Compare itemised quotes. Ask each contractor for the same breakdown of scope, materials and timeline.
- Plan for the future. Grab bars, non-slip floors, a step-free shower and a handheld showerhead help the bathroom suit every age.
Ready to start? Request a free quote or WhatsApp us at +65 9731 6300.
