Builders Cost in Singapore (2026)
Quick Answer
Estimated rangeIn Singapore, builder pricing varies widely by the type of work: small handyman-style masonry or wall works are often estimated at about S$60-S$120 per hour equivalent, while larger renovation or structural building jobs are usually quoted per project rather than by the hour. For practical budgeting, minor wall hacking or reconstruction jobs often start from a few hundred dollars, while room-scale renovation or extension-related building works can run into the low thousands and up. Exact public price lists are limited, so several figures below are clearly labelled estimates.
Overview
In Singapore, "builders" usually refers to renovation contractors, general contractors, or firms handling masonry, partition, hacking, plastering, tiling, small structural alterations, and broader residential building works. Unlike some countries where builders often publish hourly rates, Singapore firms commonly price by site visit, scope of work, materials, haulage, permit needs, and finishing requirements. For small repair or make-good works, you may still see call-out or labour-based charging; for most home projects, you will receive a lump-sum quotation after inspection. Costs in Singapore are influenced heavily by whether the property is an HDB flat, condominium, or landed home, because approval rules, access restrictions, and working hours differ. HDB renovation rules and any requirement to use approved personnel for certain works can affect both eligibility and price. If the job involves structural changes, hacking, wet works, debris disposal, or coordination with electricians and plumbers, pricing typically rises quickly. For consumers seeking vetted tradespeople, Singapore does have official and semi-official directories and regulatory checks, but there is no single government-fixed price schedule for general builders. The most reliable approach is to compare at least three itemised quotations, verify the contractor's registration status where relevant, and confirm whether the price includes materials, debris removal, permit applications, and touch-up finishing.
What It Costs
| Item | Cost | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Small builder labour / handyman-style masonry rate(per hour) Estimated range based on typical Singapore market charging for small trade call-outs and labour-intensive minor building repairs where contractors price by time rather than full project quote. Estimated range | ~S$60 – S$120 | Estimated range |
| Typical call-out / inspection charge for a small job(per visit) Estimated range based on common local practice: many renovation contractors quote free for larger jobs, while small one-off repair visits may attract a transport or inspection fee. Estimated range | ~S$0 – S$80 | Estimated range |
| Minor wall patching / plaster repair(per job) Estimated range for small-area patching or make-good works in Singapore, depending on surface area, access, and whether repainting is included. Estimated range | ~S$150 – S$500 | Estimated range |
| Wall hacking and disposal for a small non-structural section(per job) Estimated range based on typical Singapore renovation market rates for minor hacking, haulage, and disposal; costs vary significantly by wall type, noise restrictions, and approval requirements. Estimated range | ~S$300 – S$1,500 | Estimated range |
| Small bathroom or kitchen masonry / rebuilding works component(per project) Estimated range for the builder's share of a modest wet-area renovation project in Singapore, excluding premium fixtures; scope may include hacking, screeding, brickwork, plastering, and making good. Estimated range | ~S$1,500 – S$6,000 | Estimated range |
| Residential renovation contractor deposit cap CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses are subject to a maximum deposit cap of 20% under the accreditation scheme; this is not the total project price but is a useful cost-protection benchmark. Estimated range | ~S$0.2 | Estimated range |
What’s Typically Included
- Site assessment and measurement
- Labour for hacking, masonry, plastering, or rebuilding
- Basic materials if stated in the quote
- Debris removal and haulage if included
- Making good and surface finishing only if specifically itemised
Common Jobs & Typical Prices
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Regulator / licensing: Housing & Development Board (HDB) Directory of Renovation Contractors / Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
Variants & Configurations
Duration
Small repair jobs may take a few hours to 1 day; bathroom or kitchen building works often take several days to a few weeks depending on scope and approvals.
How Fees Work
Usually quoted as a lump-sum project price in Singapore; small repairs may be charged by call-out plus labour, or by a minimum job fee.
Factors Affecting Price
- Whether the work is a small repair, renovation package, or larger structural / extension project
- Property type and rules: HDB, condominium, or landed home
- Need for hacking, debris removal, haulage, scaffolding, or protective works
- Materials and finishes such as brickwork, plaster, screed, tiles, waterproofing, and paint making-good
- Permit, approval, and coordination requirements with HDB, MCST, or other trades
Local Context
Singapore quotes are generally given in SGD and usually do not involve tipping. GST may or may not be included in quotations depending on the contractor's registration status, so consumers should confirm whether the quoted price is inclusive of GST. HDB flats often have tighter renovation controls and working-hour rules than landed homes, which can affect programme length and cost. Condominium projects may also involve MCST rules, deposits, and access restrictions.
These are data-informed estimate ranges, not confirmed prices.
Costs like this vary widely by job, location, timing and provider, so there is no single fixed price. The ranges here are based on typical market rates to give you a realistic ballpark. For an exact figure for your situation, get a quote or check the official source below.
All figures are in Singapore dollars (SGD); estimated ranges are intended for budgeting and should be checked against itemised local quotations.
Sources & References
Every price on this page is traced to a documented source. Last checked 24 September 2026.
- Building and Construction Authority (BCA) · government
Regulatory authority context for Singapore's building and construction sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do builders in Singapore charge by the hour?+
Sometimes for small repairs, but most Singapore builders and renovation contractors quote by project after a site visit. Hourly pricing is less common for larger works such as hacking, rebuilding, or wet-area renovation.
Is there a standard call-out fee?+
There is no universal standard. Many firms waive inspection fees for larger renovation jobs, while small one-off repair visits may carry a transport or assessment charge.
Do I need a licensed or approved builder for HDB works?+
For HDB flats, renovation rules apply and certain works must be carried out in line with HDB requirements. HDB advises owners to engage contractors listed in its Directory of Renovation Contractors for renovation works in HDB flats.
How can I find vetted builders in Singapore?+
You can start with HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors for HDB-related residential works, and CaseTrust-accredited renovation businesses for firms that meet accreditation requirements. For larger construction-related entities, BCA registration checks may also be useful.
What should a builder's quote include?+
Ask for a breakdown covering labour, materials, debris disposal, haulage, protective covering, permit handling, making-good, and painting or finishing. It is also worth checking payment stages and whether the deposit is refundable.
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