Living and dining area flooring choices in Singapore
Updating the living and dining area of an Executive apartment is a big step, and the flooring choices deserves careful thought. This HDB Renovation Guide Singapore covers the flooring choices for the living and dining area of an Executive apartment, from HDB rules and costs to the practical steps that keep the project on track.
understanding the flooring choices for your living and dining area
The floor in the living and dining area of an Executive apartment takes daily wear, so the material should match both the budget and the rules. Overlay flooring is generally allowed with approval, while hacking the original reinforced concrete screed is restricted in many flats.
what to do before you start
- List what the living and dining area must do for your Executive apartment and set a clear budget.
- Engage an HDB registered contractor and confirm CaseTrust and RCI cover.
- Apply for the HDB renovation permit through e-Services and RCRS.
- Schedule noisy works Monday to Saturday, 9:00am to 6:00pm, for the living and dining area.
- Inspect the finished living and dining area and keep dated photos of the Executive apartment.
costs and HDB rules
Budget is where plans meet reality. An executive flat renovation generally costs S$60,000 to S$90,000, with carpentry such as wardrobes and kitchen cabinets taking up about S$8,000 to S$20,000. Renovation loan is available up to S$30,000 or six times monthly household income, whichever is lower, for Singapore Citizen resale buyers over up to five years.
practical tips for the living and dining area
- Vinyl overlay is a practical, quieter option for an Executive apartment and sits within HDB limits for many layouts.
- Tile gives a hard wearing finish but adds weight, so check load and permit rules first.
- Keep a consistent flooring height between rooms to avoid trips, and leave expansion gaps as specified.
planning the flooring choices

Plan storage with real numbers. In a typical Executive apartment, a built in wardrobe runs about 2.4 metres wide and 0.6 metres deep, while overhead cabinets sit 0.35 to 0.45 metres proud of the wall. Keep a 0.9 to 1.2 metre clear path in the living and dining area so the Executive apartment stays easy to move through.
faq
Do I need an HDB permit for flooring choices in the living and dining area? Any work touching walls, floors, windows, pipes, or fixed fittings in your Executive apartment needs a permit, and only HDB registered contractors may do it.
How much should I budget for the living and dining area? An executive flat renovation generally costs S$60,000 to S$90,000, with carpentry such as wardrobes and kitchen cabinets taking up about S$8,000 to S$20,000. Add a buffer for surprises and keep carpentry, often S$8,000 to S$20,000, in view.
What are the noise rules for the living and dining area? Noisy works such as hacking and drilling are allowed Monday to Saturday, 9:00am to 6:00pm, with none on Sundays or public holidays.
Getting the flooring choices right in the living and dining area of an Executive apartment comes down to planning, permits, and a contractor you trust. Stick to HDB's rules, budget with the published ranges in mind, and the living and dining area will serve your home well for years.
