How to Price a Commercial Renovation Project in Singapore
Complete 2026 guide to understanding commercial renovation costs, budgeting strategies, and getting accurate quotes from licensed BCA contractors.
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Basic Renovation
S$50-80/sqft
Paint, flooring, basic fixtures
Mid-Range Fitout
S$80-150/sqft
Full fitout with custom elements
Premium Build
S$150-300/sqft
Luxury finishes, complex systems
In This Guide:
Key Cost Factors in Commercial Renovation
1. Space Size and Complexity
Square footage is the primary driver, but layout complexity significantly impacts costs:
- • Simple layouts: Open plan offices - S$50-80/sqft
- • Complex layouts: Multi-room configurations - S$80-120/sqft
- • Specialty spaces: Labs, kitchens, medical - S$150-300/sqft
2. Renovation Scope
Cosmetic Renovation
- • Painting: S$3-6/sqft
- • Flooring: S$8-25/sqft
- • Lighting: S$5-15/sqft
- • Basic fixtures: S$2-8/sqft
Full Fitout
- • Partitioning: S$15-35/sqft
- • Electrical/data: S$10-25/sqft
- • HVAC: S$15-30/sqft
- • Built-ins: S$20-50/sqft
3. Location and Access
Singapore location factors affecting pricing:
Premium Locations (+15-25%)
- • CBD/Raffles Place
- • Orchard Road
- • Marina Bay
Standard Locations
- • Business parks
- • Industrial estates
- • Suburban malls
Commercial Renovation Pricing Methods
Per Square Foot
Most common for office and retail spaces.
Best for: Standard fitouts
Range: S$50-300/sqft
Accuracy: ±15-20%
Fixed Price
Detailed scope with locked-in pricing.
Best for: Complex projects
Timeline: 2-3 weeks to quote
Accuracy: ±5-10%
Cost Plus
Materials cost + contractor fee.
Best for: High-end projects
Margin: 15-25%
Transparency: Full cost visibility
2026 Singapore Commercial Renovation Costs
By Business Type
| Business Type | Basic (S$/sqft) | Premium (S$/sqft) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office Space | S$60-100 | S$150-250 | 4-8 weeks |
| Retail Store | S$80-120 | S$180-300 | 3-6 weeks |
| Restaurant | S$120-200 | S$250-400 | 6-12 weeks |
| Medical/Clinic | S$150-250 | S$300-500 | 8-16 weeks |
| Warehouse/Industrial | S$40-80 | S$100-180 | 2-4 weeks |
Smart Budgeting Strategies
Budget Breakdown
*Based on S$60,000 total project budget
Cost-Saving Tips
- ✓ Get 3-5 detailed quotes for comparison
- ✓ Schedule work during off-peak periods
- ✓ Choose BCA-registered contractors for quality
- ✓ Plan renovation in phases to spread costs
- ✓ Bulk purchase materials for multiple areas
- ✓ Consider energy-efficient upgrades for long-term savings
Get Accurate Pricing for Your Project
Connect with up to 3 BCA-registered contractors for detailed, competitive quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are per-square-foot estimates?
Per-square-foot estimates provide a good starting point but can vary ±20% based on project complexity, finishes, and site conditions. For accurate pricing, detailed site assessment and scope definition are essential.
What's included in a typical renovation quote?
Standard quotes include labor, materials, basic permits, and cleanup. Additional costs may include design fees, structural modifications, specialized equipment, and extended warranties.
How can I ensure I'm getting competitive pricing?
Get detailed quotes from 3-5 licensed contractors, ensure scope specifications are identical, check references, and verify BCA registration. Lowest price isn't always best value.
When should I expect price changes during construction?
Price changes typically occur due to scope changes, unforeseen structural issues, or material substitutions. Maintain a 10-20% contingency budget for unexpected costs.