A typical office renovation takes 6 to 10 weeks, depending on landlord approval, MCST rules, SCDF requirements, M&E coordination and whether noisy works must be done after office hours.
Office renovation in Singapore typically costs:
$50 – $80 psf for a basic office fit-out
$80 – $130 psf for a mid-range office renovation
$130 – $200+ psf for premium or Grade A office interiors
Timeline Breakdown
Office Renovation Cost by Size
Office Renovation Cost by Size
Small office (800 – 1,200 sqft)
Estimated cost: $40,000 – $100,000
Suitable for startups and small teams with a simple open-plan layout, basic flooring, lighting, limited partitions and minimal built-in carpentry.
Mid-size office (1,500 – 3,000 sqft)
Estimated cost: $100,000 – $300,000
Usually includes meeting rooms, a pantry, reception counter, glass partitions, more electrical points, data cabling and air-conditioning adjustments.
Large office (3,000 – 5,000 sqft)
Estimated cost: $250,000 – $800,000
Requires heavier project coordination, more workstations, acoustic treatment, feature walls, storage, M&E works and phased handover planning.
Corporate / Grade A office (5,000 sqft+)
Estimated cost: $800,000 – $2M+
Often involves premium finishes, branded reception areas, boardrooms, specialist lighting, AV systems, strict building rules and more detailed authority coordination.
What Makes Up the Cost
Real office renovation cost in Singapore by office size. Includes cost breakdown, timeline, landlord approval, M&E works and hidden costs explained by a BCA-registered contractor.
Partition works, including drywall rooms, glass meeting rooms and acoustic partitions
Electrical and data points for workstations, meeting rooms, server racks and pantry equipment
Lighting and ceiling works, including office lighting layout and sprinkler coordination
Flooring such as carpet tiles, vinyl, raised flooring or existing floor protection
Carpentry such as reception counters, storage cabinets, pantry cabinets and feature walls
Air-conditioning modification, especially in buildings with central aircon or after-hours usage needs
Fire safety and SCDF-related compliance when partitions, ceiling or fire systems are affected
Common Cost Mistakes
Underestimating electrical and data cabling cost, especially when every workstation needs power and network access
Ignoring landlord, MCST or building management requirements before confirming the renovation budget
Forgetting future reinstatement cost, which can affect the real cost of taking over an office unit
Rushing the timeline and paying extra for night works, weekend works or urgent material coordination
FAQ
How much does a 1,000 sqft office renovation cost in Singapore?+
A 1,000 sqft office renovation in Singapore usually costs around $50,000 to $120,000. A simple open-plan office sits near the lower range, while offices with meeting rooms, glass partitions, pantry, data cabling and aircon works will cost more.
Why do office renovations become expensive?+
Office renovations become expensive mainly because of electrical loading, data cabling, glass partitions, aircon modification, fire safety requirements, after-hours restrictions and landlord or MCST submission requirements.
Do I need approval before renovating an office?+
Yes. Most Singapore office buildings require landlord, MCST or building management approval before renovation starts. If partitions, ceiling, sprinklers, fire alarm or escape routes are affected, SCDF-related review may also be needed.
Can office renovation be done after office hours?+
It depends on the building. Many CBD and Grade A buildings restrict noisy works, lift access and loading bay usage. Night or weekend work may need approval and can increase labour cost.
What should I check before signing an office lease?+
Check power capacity, aircon operating hours, ceiling condition, sprinkler layout, reinstatement clause, loading access, floor loading, data point requirements and whether the landlord allows your planned layout.
Is reinstatement part of office renovation cost?+
It is usually not part of the initial renovation cost, but it should be planned from the start. Reinstatement can cost around $10 to $40+ psf depending on landlord handover requirements and how much was built during the fit-out.
How long does an office renovation take in Singapore?+
Most office renovations in Singapore take around 6 to 10 weeks, including design, landlord approval, site works, M&E coordination and handover. Larger offices or stricter buildings may take longer.
What is included in an office renovation quotation?+
An office renovation quotation usually includes partition works, flooring, ceiling, lighting, electrical points, data cabling, carpentry, pantry works, painting and project coordination. M&E and authority-related items should be clearly stated.
Do office renovation costs include furniture?+
Loose furniture is usually quoted separately from renovation works. Built-in carpentry, reception counters, pantry cabinets and storage cabinets may be included if they are part of the confirmed scope.
Can I renovate an office while staff are still working?+
It is possible for some partial office renovations, but it requires careful phasing, dust control, noise planning and after-hours work. Full office fit-outs are usually easier when the space is vacant.
What hidden costs should I prepare for?+
Common hidden costs include extra electrical loading, aircon modification, after-hours work, landlord requirements, protection works, fire safety adjustments, reinstatement obligations and changes after site inspection.
How can I reduce office renovation cost without making it look cheap?+
Keep the layout efficient, reuse suitable existing services where possible, focus premium finishes on key areas such as reception or meeting rooms, and avoid unnecessary custom details in low-visibility zones.
Commercial content cluster
Helpful guides before you renovate
Commercial renovation has more approval and lease-risk considerations than residential work. These guides explain cost and timeline in more detail before you speak to a contractor.
Timeline guide
Office Renovation Timeline Singapore
Understand planning, approval, site works and handover sequencing.
Read GuideOffice
Office Renovation Solutions for Productivity
Optimized layouts for hybrid work, ergonomic workstations, and collaborative zones. We handle office reinstatement and full fit-outs.
Read GuideCommercial Renovation
WhatsApp for Office Renovation Quote
Planning an office renovation? Send us your floor plan, lease condition and rough headcount. We can help you estimate a practical office fit-out budget before work starts.