A kitchen renovation in Singapore takes 3 to 8 weeks, depending on how much is replaced. A new BTO kitchen with no hacking is the quickest. A resale kitchen that is hacked, re-tiled and replumbed takes the longest.
Most of the time goes into two things that happen off site: making the cabinets and cutting the countertop. Both start only after the design and measurements are final, so decisions made early save the most time.
Kitchen renovation timeline by type
| Type of kitchen renovation | Typical timeline | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| BTO kitchen (no hacking) | 3–5 weeks | New cabinets, countertop, sink, hob and hood |
| Cabinet and backsplash replacement | 4–6 weeks | Old cabinets out, new cabinets, countertop and backsplash |
| Full kitchen renovation | 6–8 weeks | Hacking, new tiles, plumbing and electrical changes, cabinets and countertop |
| Imported or fully custom kitchen | 8–10 weeks or more | Imported cabinets or materials with longer lead times |
For what each option costs, see our kitchen renovation cost guide.
Full kitchen renovation, week by week
This is the timeline for a full renovation of a resale HDB kitchen, the longest common case.
Before work starts: design and choices
Choose your cabinets, countertop and appliances before the design is finalised. Cabinet drawings depend on the exact sizes of your oven, fridge, hob and hood, so changing an appliance later can mean redrawing the cabinets.
Week 1: hacking and disposal
Old cabinets, countertop, tiles and any non-structural walls are removed and the debris cleared. This usually takes 2 to 4 days. In an HDB flat, the work must be done by an HDB-licensed contractor, who applies for any permit needed.
Weeks 1–2: plumbing, gas and electrical
Pipes and power points are moved to match the new layout:
- Sink and dishwasher plumbing
- Gas pipe changes, which must be done by a licensed gas service worker
- Power points for the oven, induction hob, fridge and small appliances
- Under-cabinet lighting circuits
Plan every socket now. Adding one after the cabinets are installed is much harder.
Weeks 2–3: floor and wall tiling
New floor and wall tiles are laid. Once tiling is done, the kitchen is measured again for the cabinets, because finished walls and floors set the exact sizes.
Weeks 3–5: cabinet fabrication
Cabinets are made to measure in the factory. Local fabrication usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Imported brands or unusual sizes can take 6 to 8 weeks, which is why the type of cabinet affects the timeline more than anything else.
Weeks 5–6: cabinet installation and countertop
Cabinets are installed in a day or two. The countertop is then templated on the installed base cabinets and cut to size, which takes about 1 to 2 weeks for quartz and can take longer for sintered or natural stone.
Weeks 6–7: sink, hob, hood and appliances
The countertop goes in, followed by the sink, tap, hob, cooker hood and built-in appliances. Gas and water are reconnected and everything is tested.
Weeks 7–8: backsplash, cleaning and handover
A tiled backsplash is usually done with the wall tiles; a glass or stone backsplash goes in after the countertop. The kitchen is cleaned, cabinet doors are adjusted and any touch-ups are listed before handover.
BTO kitchens: 3 to 5 weeks
A BTO kitchen comes with tiles and plumbing points already in place, so there is no hacking or tiling. The timeline is mostly cabinets and countertop: about 2 to 3 weeks to make the cabinets, a day or two to install them, then 1 to 2 weeks for the countertop. If you are renovating the whole flat, the kitchen fits inside the overall BTO renovation timeline.
Condo kitchens
Condo kitchens often follow the full renovation timeline, with two extra factors. The condo management must approve the works before they start, and working hours are restricted, which can stretch each stage. Premium materials such as sintered stone, natural stone or imported cabinets also add lead time.
What makes a kitchen renovation take longer?
- Changing your mind after fabrication starts. New door colours or layout changes send cabinets back to the factory.
- Late appliance choices. Cabinets cannot be finalised without exact appliance sizes.
- Moving the sink or hob. Plumbing and gas changes add days and may need approval.
- Imported cabinets and stone. Lead times of 6 to 8 weeks are common.
- Countertop material. Quartz is the quickest; sintered and natural stone take longer to cut and install.
Living without a kitchen
You will have no working kitchen for most of the renovation, and no water or gas at the sink for part of it. Plan for this:
- Set up a temporary corner with a kettle, microwave and an induction cooker if you are living in the flat.
- Schedule the renovation around festive periods and family events.
- For a whole-home renovation, the kitchen is usually done alongside everything else, so you move in once it is complete.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Singapore?
About 3 to 5 weeks for a BTO kitchen, 4 to 6 weeks to replace cabinets and backsplash, and 6 to 8 weeks for a full renovation with hacking, tiling and plumbing changes.
How long does it take to make kitchen cabinets?
Usually 2 to 3 weeks for locally made cabinets after the final measurement. Imported or fully custom cabinets can take 6 to 8 weeks.
How long does a quartz countertop take?
About 1 to 2 weeks from templating to installation. Templating happens after the base cabinets are installed.
Can I renovate only the kitchen?
Yes. Kitchen-only renovations are common in resale flats. In an HDB flat the works must still be done by a licensed contractor.
Planning your kitchen?
See the kitchen renovation cost guide for budgets and prices per foot run, kitchen design ideas for layouts and styles, and our guide to how long renovations take in Singapore for other rooms.
Want a timeline and quotation for your kitchen? Request a free quote and we will plan it with you.
