Office Renovation Cost Per Square Foot
Complete 2026 pricing guide for office renovations in Singapore. Get accurate cost breakdowns for every type of office fitout project.
Office Renovation Cost Overview
Office renovation costs in Singapore typically range from S$60 to S$250 per square foot, depending on the scope and quality level.
Basic Renovation
Essential upgrades with standard finishes
Standard Fitout
Quality materials and modern features
Premium Build
Luxury finishes and custom features
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Category
Understanding where your renovation budget goes helps you make informed decisions about priorities and trade-offs.
Basic Renovation (S$60-100/sqft)
What's Included:
- ✓ Flooring: Vinyl tiles, carpet tiles, or basic laminate (S$8-15/sqft)
- ✓ Painting: Standard emulsion paint for walls and ceiling (S$3-5/sqft)
- ✓ Lighting: LED panel lights and basic track lighting (S$8-12/sqft)
- ✓ Partitions: Drywall partitions with standard doors (S$15-25/sqft)
- ✓ Electrical: Basic power points and switches (S$5-8/sqft)
Best For:
- • Small businesses and startups
- • Temporary or short-term offices
- • Budget-conscious renovations
- • Basic workspace requirements
Timeline:
2-4 weeks for spaces up to 2,000 sqft
Standard Fitout (S$100-180/sqft)
What's Included:
- ✓ Flooring: Premium vinyl, carpet, or engineered timber (S$15-25/sqft)
- ✓ Ceiling: Suspended ceiling with integrated lighting (S$12-18/sqft)
- ✓ Partitions: Glass partitions with aluminum frames (S$25-40/sqft)
- ✓ Lighting: Designer LED fixtures and accent lighting (S$15-25/sqft)
- ✓ HVAC: Air conditioning optimization and ducting (S$20-30/sqft)
- ✓ Built-ins: Reception desk, storage units (S$15-25/sqft)
Best For:
- • Growing companies
- • Professional service firms
- • Client-facing businesses
- • Modern workspace requirements
Timeline:
4-8 weeks for spaces up to 5,000 sqft
Additional Features:
- • Meeting room AV systems
- • Branded signage
- • Pantry fitout
- • Ergonomic workstations
Premium Build (S$180-250/sqft)
What's Included:
- ✓ Flooring: Marble, hardwood, or luxury vinyl (S$25-50/sqft)
- ✓ Custom Millwork: Bespoke furniture and fixtures (S$30-60/sqft)
- ✓ Smart Systems: Building automation and controls (S$20-35/sqft)
- ✓ Premium Materials: Stone, glass, and metal accents (S$25-40/sqft)
- ✓ Advanced AV: Conference room technology integration (S$15-30/sqft)
- ✓ Acoustic Design: Sound masking and noise control (S$10-20/sqft)
Best For:
- • Executive offices and C-suite
- • Multinational corporations
- • Premium business locations
- • Brand showcase spaces
Timeline:
8-16 weeks for complex projects
Luxury Features:
- • Executive boardrooms
- • Private dining areas
- • Wellness rooms
- • Concierge services integration
Factors That Affect Office Renovation Costs
Understanding these factors helps you budget accurately and make informed decisions about your office renovation project.
Office Size
Larger spaces often have lower per-sqft costs due to economies of scale, while smaller offices may have higher per-sqft rates.
Layout Complexity
Open-plan offices are typically less expensive than spaces with multiple private offices and meeting rooms.
Material Quality
Premium materials like marble, hardwood, and custom glass can significantly increase costs compared to standard finishes.
Technology Integration
Smart building systems, advanced AV equipment, and integrated IT infrastructure add to renovation costs.
Project Timeline
Rush jobs and tight deadlines often require overtime work and expedited material delivery, increasing costs by 10-20%.
Building Constraints
Older buildings, structural limitations, and building management restrictions can impact renovation scope and costs.
Cost by Office Type
Different types of offices have varying renovation requirements and cost structures.
Small Office (500-1,500 sqft)
Higher per-sqft costs due to minimum project sizes and setup costs
Medium Office (1,500-5,000 sqft)
Optimal size range with balanced costs and feature requirements
Large Office (5,000-15,000 sqft)
Economies of scale reduce per-sqft costs for bulk work
Corporate HQ (15,000+ sqft)
Lowest per-sqft costs with bulk purchasing and standardized specifications
How to Reduce Office Renovation Costs
Smart strategies to maximize your renovation budget without compromising on quality or functionality.
Phase the Project
Complete renovation in phases to spread costs over time and minimize business disruption.
Standardize Specifications
Use consistent materials and fixtures throughout to benefit from bulk pricing.
Retain Existing Infrastructure
Work with existing HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems where possible.
Off-Peak Scheduling
Schedule work during contractor's slower periods for better rates.
Value Engineering
Work with contractors to find cost-effective alternatives that achieve the same result.
Focus on High-Impact Areas
Prioritize client-facing areas and employee common spaces for premium finishes.
Multiple Quotes
Compare detailed quotes from multiple contractors to ensure competitive pricing.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Invest in LED lighting and efficient HVAC systems for long-term savings.
Get Accurate Cost Estimates
Connect with experienced contractors for detailed quotes based on your specific requirements.
Cost-Related FAQs
What's typically included in the per-square-foot cost?
Per-square-foot costs usually include materials, labor, basic furniture and fixtures, and project management. They don't typically include permits, design fees, or high-end custom elements.
Are there additional costs beyond the per-square-foot rate?
Yes, additional costs may include: Design and architectural fees (S$5-15/sqft), permits and approvals (S$2-5/sqft), temporary office setup, moving costs, and contingency (10-20% of total budget).
How accurate are these cost estimates?
These are typical market ranges based on standard projects. Actual costs can vary ±20% depending on specific requirements, site conditions, timing, and contractor selection. Always get detailed quotes for accurate pricing.
When should I expect cost overruns?
Common causes include: design changes during construction, unforeseen structural issues, building compliance requirements, and rushed timelines. Budget 10-15% contingency for standard projects.
How do Singapore office renovation costs compare regionally?
Singapore costs are comparable to other major cities like Hong Kong and Sydney. They're typically 20-30% higher than regional markets like Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, but 15-25% lower than premium markets like Tokyo or New York.