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happe /'hapi/

A design studio that seamlessly integrating aesthetics and functionality to create cohesive spatial experiences.

Established in 2012 by a group of enthusiastic designers that are driven to create maximum impact within the constraints and functionality.

Teamwork is our bedrock, it is put together by experiences, communications and passion for design. Architecture &amp; interior design is a multi-faceted profession. Our principals Kelvyn and Choo Yih with different design backgrounds are particularly important in our studio.

We work together to craft space and environment aesthetically and functionally which enhance the users&rsquo; experience. It shows through the space we created, every elements is designed thoughtfully, connected and planned as a whole.

Planning a home renovation in 2024 or 2025? Our comprehensive guide on home renovation costs in Singapore will help you budget effectively for your own home reno. In our breakdown, we cover expenses for carpentry, flooring, countertops and other miscellaneous items to ensure you’re better prepared for your renovation journey.&nbsp;<h4>Breakdown of Renovation Costs in Singapore</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/718;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/c4b725d3-5f80-4aab-a069-b9626826f417-blob" width="1080" height="718"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-real-design">The Real Design</a>&nbsp;Flooring As one of the largest surfaces in your home, your flooring can definitely put a big dent in your home renovation budget. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular flooring materials and their corresponding costs.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Material</td><td>Estimated cost (per square feet)</td></tr><tr><td>Vinyl</td><td>$4 to $10</td></tr><tr><td>Tiles (Porcelain/Ceramic/Homogeneous)</td><td>$3 to $6</td></tr><tr><td>Cement screed</td><td>$9&nbsp;to $30</td></tr><tr><td>Hard wood</td><td>$10 to $40</td></tr><tr><td>Marble</td><td>$15 to $70</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;Except for vinyl, these materials usually require an extra installation fee because they are more complex to put in place. Also, if you’re interested in adding wall skirting, there is usually an extra charge for that.&nbsp;Countertops and backsplashesAnother cost that can vary significantly depending on the material is the cost for your countertops and backsplashes. These are typically used in kitchens, but if you’re also considering vanity counters for your bathroom or even the bedroom, these are some of the expenses to keep in mind.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Material</td><td>Estimated cost (per foot run)</td></tr><tr><td>Kompacplus</td><td>from $85</td></tr><tr><td>Quartz</td><td>$90 to $450</td></tr><tr><td>Sintered Stone</td><td>from $180</td></tr><tr><td>Stainless Steel</td><td>from $75</td></tr><tr><td>Granite</td><td>from $100</td></tr><tr><td>Marble</td><td>from $200</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;CarpentryAnother bulk of your renovation cost will go to carpentry. This can vary widely depending on how much you do, the amount of detail and design that go into the project, the laminate used (e.g. anti-fingerprint ones usually cost higher) as well as the brand of hinges. As a general guide, here’s what you can expect for more basic renovation works.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Type of carpentry</td><td>Estimated cost</td><td>Unit</td></tr><tr><td>Top and bottom kitchen cabinets</td><td>from $105 to $130</td><td>per foot run</td></tr><tr><td>Kitchen tall units</td><td>from $270 to $320</td><td>per foot run</td></tr><tr><td>Wardrobe with casement doors</td><td>from $210 to $250</td><td>per foot run</td></tr><tr><td>Wardrobe with sliding doors</td><td>from $230 to $270</td><td>per foot run</td></tr><tr><td>TV console with drawers</td><td>from $110 to $130</td><td>per foot run</td></tr><tr><td>Feature wall for TV mount</td><td>from $20 to $25</td><td>per square foot</td></tr><tr><td>Bed frame</td><td>from $600 to $750</td><td>for a queen-sized bed</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;Painting works Typically, painting the entire house can range from about $1,650 for a 2-room flat to $2,500 for a 5-room HDB flat using standard paints. If you opt for paints with special properties like anti-mould or anti-bacterial, the costs will go up.One of the most popular trends this year is limewash walls, but it's not the most budget-friendly option. A limewash job can cost between $10 to $20 per square foot, with a small bedroom wall around $900 and a larger living room wall around $1,800.&nbsp;<h4>Other costs to keep in mind</h4>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/761;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/861b0faa-20e9-4fb3-87dd-a5d50a258fc2-blob" width="1080" height="761"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/happe-design-atelier-pte-ltd">Happe Design Atelier</a>&nbsp;Electrical costs: Don’t forget about these—electrical costs can really add up. Depending on your needs, they could make up 10 to 15% of your renovation budget. For example, installing a lighting point could start at $38, while a power point supply and installation might range from $65 to $75. If you're looking to add a heater point, that could start at around $120, and adding a ceiling fan on top of a ceiling point might cost around $105. Just something to keep in mind as you plan your renovation.Plumbing: When you buy shower fixtures from local manufacturers, they typically include installation as part of the package. However, if you choose to purchase your fixtures from Taobao or another source that doesn’t include installation, your interior designer will charge a fee for the service. This fee can range from about $80 for installing a rain shower to around $100 for a standard toilet bowl installation.Glass works: These will include things like your bathroom shower screens, which can go for around $650 to $900.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/719;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/9af21117-aab1-46fd-841e-d7af7d0285e4-blob" width="1080" height="719"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/sg-renovate">SG Renovate</a>&nbsp;Hacking: When it comes to hacking works, it’s a good idea to allocate about 5-10% of your reno budget if you have a new home and 15-20% for a resale apartment. Your interior designer will likely give you a total cost without breaking it down into specifics. But for something like taking down a wall, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,000, depending on the size.Chemical wash and general cleaning: Renovation works are messy jobs. Dirt smears, workmen’s boot prints and leftover wood shavings aren’t going to clean themselves. If you do any floor tiling works, an acid wash or chemical wash will also be included. Plan to set aside around $150 to $400.Haulage Fees/Debris Removal: If you have an HDB flat, it’s worth checking with your Town Council to see if they offer haulage and debris removal services, especially if it's a new BTO. You'll need to pay the fees directly to the person provided by the Town Council. If your Town Council doesn't offer this service or if you own a private home, your interior designer will most likely include an additional fee in your contract. The cost will depend on the extent of your renovation work, with fees potentially increasing if there's a lot of hacking involved or if existing structures like kitchen cabinets need to be removed. This fee will also cover the transportation of materials such as sand and raw cement. These can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000.Design fees: Design fees can really vary depending on the interior design company you choose. You’ll want to make sure that the design they provide is worth the fee they are asking for. Some companies include the design fee in the overall cost, while others have a separate fee. When working with contractors, you probably won't have to worry about paying a separate design fee as they typically follow your design preferences.&nbsp;<blockquote>In search of an interior designer who can work within your home renovation budget? Just fill out the form <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">here</a> and we'll connect you with up to 5 recommended firms that fit your needs perfectly.</blockquote>&nbsp;<h4>So, how much should you budget for your home renovation?</h4>&nbsp;The cost of your home renovation will vary depending on the extent of the work you plan to do. For example, a 5-room renovation could end up being cheaper than a 4-room one if you choose to do fewer carpentry. It all really depends on how much you want to spruce up your space.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1080/720;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/62a528cd-96db-49c2-9e1c-1e6774484189-blob" width="1080" height="720"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/createmake">Createmake</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Here’s a rough estimate of what you might expect to pay for an average project in 2024 and 2025, assuming you’re looking to do a moderate amount of renovation work.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td colspan="2">BTO</td></tr><tr><td>3-room</td><td>$30,000 to $55,000</td></tr><tr><td>4-room</td><td>$50,000 to $65,000</td></tr><tr><td>5-room</td><td>$60,000 to $75,000</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Resale HDB</td></tr><tr><td>3-room</td><td>$40,000 to $65,000</td></tr><tr><td>4-room</td><td>$60,000 to $75,000</td></tr><tr><td>5-room</td><td>$70,000 to $85,000</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">New condo</td></tr><tr><td>2-bedder</td><td>$25,000 to $35,000</td></tr><tr><td>3-bedder</td><td>$30,000 to $45,000</td></tr><tr><td>4-bedder</td><td>$40,000 to $50,000</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Resale condo</td></tr><tr><td>2-bedder</td><td>$40,000 to $70,000</td></tr><tr><td>3-bedder</td><td>$50,000 to $90,000</td></tr><tr><td>4-bedder</td><td>$70,000 to $105,000</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Home Renovation Costs in Singapore: A Detailed Breakdown

If you hate cleaning as much as I do, you’ll know that a dream bathroom = a bathroom that’s easy to clean. I compiled a few tips to design a bathroom that will make your lives a lot easier. You can thank me later.&nbsp;<h3>Forgo the glass shower screen</h3>&nbsp;I have had bathrooms with glass shower screens and bathrooms without, and if I’m going to be designing my next bathroom, you can be sure that it will be WITHOUT a glass shower screen. They are a nightmare to keep pristine thanks to the combination of limescale and soap scum. The only solution is to squeegee it down every time after a shower, but ain’t nobody got time for that.I like my shower area partition free, but if you prefer keeping the rest of your bathroom splash-free, I would recommend a non-tiled shower wall instead as a splashguard. Keeps the splashes in and no icky stains to clean.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:963/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/c8d16e25-2739-46be-98f8-cd644eba2bfa-blob" width="963" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/blend-by-imc">Blend by ImC</a>&nbsp;<h3>Make room between fixtures&nbsp; &nbsp;</h3>I’ve learnt this the hard way when I tried (and failed) to wipe down the tight space between my bathroom vanity and toilet bowl. Unless you have tiny and really flexible hands, be sure there’s enough room between your fixtures for you to reach and clean the sides.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:900/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b93a3d38-1ca5-4de2-8129-da37e9273695-blob" width="900" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-interior-lab">The Interior Lab</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Pick tiles with minimal texture</h3>&nbsp;Going for larger tiles to minimise grout lines is a no-brainer if you want a bathroom that’s easy to clean. But the type of tiles you choose is also important. Opt for ones with smoother surfaces with minimal texture (yes, steer clear of those ones with deep woodgrains!!) to avoid stains and dirt getting stuck between the grooves. But always keep in mind safety. Bathroom floor tiles should have a minimum resistant rating of at least R10 to minimise slip risks.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/ff8bda2a-298b-49a1-9a0a-86a986b24b0f-blob" width="800" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/monocot">Monocot</a>&nbsp;<h3>Don’t go for white grout</h3>&nbsp;When choosing a grout colour, steer clear of white because it can easily show dirt. Instead, go for a light grey shade that already has a slightly worn appearance, making it easier to maintain its new look without excessive scrubbing.If you want to avoid scrubbing altogether, opt for epoxy/acrylic grout instead of cementitious grout. Made from epoxy resins and a filler, this type of grout is resistant to moisture, doesn’t stain easily, and is perfect for use in bathrooms.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/5a0d86cb-45e1-4d63-afc6-851805bc84ca-blob" width="800" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/ethereall">Ethereall&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;<h3>Minimise carpentry in your bathroom</h3>&nbsp;If your bathroom doesn't have a separate wet and dry area, I wouldn't recommend doing any carpentry work in there. The humidity can cause problems with wood, leading to potential issues like mould and rot in the long run. When it comes to vanities, it's best to stick with waterproof options like <a href="https://www.herabathroom.com/collections/vanity">these</a> or go for freestanding basins made of materials like porcelain. And for bathroom storage, stainless steel mirror cabinets can be a good choice.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:800/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/43908894-d33d-408d-954b-11c8b904f4ce-blob" width="800" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/charlottes-carpentry">Charlotte's Carpentry</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Go for a wall-hung WC</h3>&nbsp;A wall-hung toilet bowl with a hidden tank is great for cleaning because there is less surface to wipe down. Since it is not on the floor, there is also no caulking to scrub. You can even create enough space between the toilet and the floor for a robot vacuum to clean underneath.&nbsp;Wall-hung toilets are more commonly found in condos rather than HDBs due to how our bathroom drainage is designed, but a skilled plumber can make it work in an HDB bathroom as well. Keep in mind that this may increase your renovation expenses. One drawback is that replacing a wall-hung toilet can be more challenging if it malfunctions.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1199/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/c70d374a-80ff-4dec-87ac-796d61629d96-blob" width="1199" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-interior-bureau">The Interior Bureau</a>&nbsp;<h3>Pick the shapes of your fixtures wisely</h3>&nbsp;When choosing your bathroom fixtures, things like your faucet, shower head, sink, toilet bowl, always pick ones with as little crevices and sharp edges as much as possible. Embrace curvier shapes not only for the aesthetic but also because they are just easier to clean.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/622774ce-9716-4e5e-aab3-74fe53a75716-blob" width="1200" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/comfort-home-renovation">Comfort Home Interior</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Flat tiled surfaces should be sloped</h3>&nbsp;Make sure all the flat tiled surfaces are slightly sloped to avoid water from pooling. This goes for not just the flooring but also things like your custom-made shower shelves. Your tiler probably already knows this, but a little reminder never hurts!&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:960/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/0598e91b-bab9-46a0-ac76-f4e222ef91a5-blob" width="960" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/threehaus-works">Threehaus Works</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Install a detachable shower head</h3>&nbsp;Remember how you loved that awesome fixed shower head in that Bali resort? Well, before you decide to go for one for your own bathroom, keep in mind that fixed shower heads aren't always the most practical for cleaning or hosing down the bathroom. Consider adding a detachable shower head alongside a fixed one for the best of both worlds.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:961/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/e5fee145-3ae9-4e1c-8635-09977ece7352-blob" width="961" height="1200"></figure>Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/happe-design-atelier-pte-ltd">Happe Design Atelier</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Don’t use precious materials like natural stone</h3>&nbsp;Sure they look fabulous. But they are also a pain to clean, stain easily, require regular sealing, and limit the cleaning products you can use. Don’t make your life more difficult than it needs to be and go for manmade lookalikes instead. They can look just as chic and are much more practical to maintain.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:960/1200;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/61d2d04e-17ee-44d5-b143-c10a355bb683-blob" width="960" height="1200"></figure>Design: INTR Studio&nbsp;

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Happe Design Atelier

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