Renovating your BTO (Build-To-Order) flat or condo is an exciting milestone. Whether you've collected your keys or soon will, you'll want your home to reflect your style, function, and comfort. Before diving into aesthetics and furniture, though, knowing the rules, permits, timing, and key restrictions is essential. Getting this right ensures safety, avoids fines, and helps the project run smoothly. Below is a guide to everything you need to know about renovating a BTO condo, with current information for 2025, and some condo renovation ideas in Singapore to help you plan.

What Type of Home Are We Talking About?

First: "BTO condo" is a bit of a mix — typically, BTO refers to HDB flats (public housing). Condominiums are private housing. Sometimes people reference BTO in private developments for convenience, but most rules differ. Make sure which regime applies to you: HDB rules for public flats vs MCST (Management Corporation Strata Title) / condo management for private condos. Many homeowners in newer condominiums still follow HDB-style guidelines if the flat was bought under a BTO scheme in a mixed development or overlay.

 

Key Requirements for Renovating a BTO (HDB) Flat

Here are the main rules and requirements you must follow if your unit is a BTO from HDB.

  • Engage an HDB-Registered Renovation Contractor

Any renovation work in a BTO flat (or resale HDB flat) must be carried out by a contractor registered with HDB under their Renovation Contractor Scheme (Directory). This ensures that the contractor knows the rules on structural integrity, safety, and materials allowed.

  • Obtain a Renovation Permit, If Required

For certain types of works — such as hacking structural or non-structural walls, replacing floor/wall finishes in wet areas, altering windows, or replacing the main entrance door (especially if it's facing a corridor or fire escape) — you must apply for renovation permit(s) from HDB. The permit protects safety and ensures compliance.

  • Respect the "Three-Year Rule" for Wet Areas

For new BTO flats, there is a minimum requirement of three years before you can remove or retile original floor or wall finishes in bathrooms and toilets, or move the toilet bowl or change floor trap positions. The reason is to preserve the original waterproof membrane, which HDB provides. Doing otherwise can void warranties or require reinstatement at your expense.

  • Do Not Hack Structural or Load-Bearing Walls

Structural walls are crucial for the safety of the building. You cannot remove or alter load-bearing walls. Even altering non-load-bearing walls needs to be done carefully and typically under permit if it affects structural integrity or safety. Floor plans from HDB show which walls are structural.

  • Floor Finishes: Height, Noise & Material Restrictions

Changing floor finishes is allowed but subject to restrictions: total thickness must not exceed a limit (to avoid issues with door clearances, thresholds), and noise transmission must be considered, especially for upper/lower units. For wet areas, waterproofing is critical.

  • Windows, Grilles, Doors – Stick to Approved Designs

For windows and grilles, especially those facing common external areas or service yards, designs often need to comply with building codes or HDB's / MCST's approved styles. For the main entrance door, if it's along a corridor or lift lobby, the replacement must be a fire-rated door with a door closer.

  • Renovation Timing and Working Hours

There are strict rules for when renovation works can occur, especially noisy or disruptive works. Usually:
  1. Weekdays and Saturdays: the majority of work is permitted from about 9 AM to 6 PM.
  2. No noisy work on Sundays or public holidays.
  3. For new BTO units, renovation works must be completed within three months from key collection. Resale flats often have a shorter deadline.

  • Approval from Condo Management / MCST (For Private Condos)

If you are in a private condominium (not HDB), you will need to follow your MCST's by-laws. That usually involves submitting renovation plans, using contractors licensed by BCA (Building and Construction Authority), perhaps depositing a refundable security deposit, and you must not alter common property or façades.

 

Timeline & Cost Considerations (2025 Data)

Knowing how long renovations might take and what estimates cost helps with planning and budgeting.
  • For a 3-room BTO flat, full renovation in 2025 typically takes 8 to 10 weeks. For 4-room, about 9 to 10 weeks, and for 5-room BTOs, 10 to 12 weeks.
  • Costs vary significantly by size, design, materials, and scope.Renovation costs can differ widely based on factors like the size of your flat, chosen materials, and the overall design and scope. Generally, It’s always a good idea to set aside some extra budget and time for your renovation to handle any unexpected expenses or delays that may arise.

Condo Renovation Ideas Singapore to Keep in Mind While Complying

While following rules, you also want your renovation to look good and function well. Some creative yet compliant ideas:
  • Use open shelving or modular furniture rather than permanently hacking walls to open spaces.
  • Overlay flooring in bedrooms and living rooms that is sound-insulating and meets height limits instead of marble or heavy tiles.
  • Hide electrical conduits or wiring behind ceilings or cabinetry in ways permitted by your MCST or HDB.
  • Use light-coloured paint, clever lighting, and glass partitions (where permitted) to create a sense of space without altering the structure.
  • For bathrooms, since tiling or hacking is restricted for 3 years, use decorative waterproof panels or tile over existing walls (overlay) where rules allow.
These ideas help you achieve stylish, modern looks without risking non-compliance.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need a permit to renovate my BTO condo, and how long does it take to get approval?

Yes, many renovation works for BTO flats require a renovation permit from HDB. This includes hacking walls, replacing wet area finishes, changing windows, or installing certain electrical works. Approval times vary depending on the scope; for minor works, perhaps a few days to a week, for works involving structural, wet areas, or electrical modifications, expect up to three weeks or more.  

Q2: What cannot be done in a BTO during the first 3 years?

During the first 3 years after key collection in a BTO flat, you cannot remove or retile bathroom and toilet floor or wall finishes or reposition toilets or floor traps in wet areas. This is to protect the waterproof membrane that HDB installs. Also, hacking structural or load-bearing walls is never allowed. These rules prevent damage and ensure safety.  

Q3: If I live in a private condo, what additional rules apply compared to a BTO flat?

Private condos have their own management (MCST), whose by‐laws cover interior renovation. You'll typically need MCST approval for works like wall hacking, tiling/flooring changes, air-con trunking, major electrical work, and false ceilings. You'll also need to use contractors licensed by BCA or qualified under the relevant authorities. Also, refundable security deposits are often required, and renovation hours may be more restricted (noisy works only within certain hours).


Conclusion

Renovating a BTO condo (or an HDB flat, or private condo) is a balance: you want creativity, comfort, and style, but you must stay within rules that ensure safety, legality, and harmony with neighbours. Key requirements include using registered contractors, getting necessary permits, abiding by structural and wet area restrictions (especially in the first three years of a BTO), observing permitted work hours, and respecting condo/MCST by-laws. With careful planning and smart design (drawn from condo renovation ideas Singapore), you can create a beautiful home that reflects your style while staying fully compliant. Suppose you partner with experienced designers or contractors like LOME Interior. In that case, you'll be able to navigate permits, choose compliant materials and finishes, and bring your vision to life smoothly and safely.