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.
What documents should I prepare before asking for an office renovation quote?+
Prepare the floor plan, current site photos, lease agreement or fitting-out handbook, preferred move-in date, headcount, workstation count, pantry needs, meeting room requirements and any landlord reinstatement conditions. With these details, the quotation will be much closer to the real project cost.
Will glass partitions increase my office renovation budget?+
Yes. Glass partitions usually cost more than basic drywall partitions because of aluminium framing, glass specification, door hardware and installation accuracy. They are common for meeting rooms and manager rooms, but the quantity should be planned carefully if the budget is tight.
Do office renovation costs include furniture and workstations?+
Not always. Some quotations include loose furniture, system furniture and workstations, while others only cover renovation works such as partitions, flooring, ceiling, electrical, carpentry and painting. Always check whether office chairs, desks, filing cabinets and loose furniture are included before comparing prices.
Can I keep my existing office flooring, ceiling or aircon to save cost?+
Yes, if they are in good condition and accepted by the landlord or building management. Reusing existing flooring, ceiling grid, lights or aircon layout can reduce cost, but the contractor should check whether they fit the new layout and whether any reinstatement or compliance issue will remain.
How early should I start planning an office renovation before moving in?+
Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before your target move-in date. This gives time for layout planning, quotation, landlord or MCST submission, material selection, authority checks and actual renovation works without paying unnecessary rush charges.
What causes office renovation delays in Singapore?+
Common delays include late landlord approval, MCST restrictions, missing as-built drawings, sprinkler or fire alarm changes, delayed carpet or furniture delivery, after-hours access limits, loading bay booking issues and last-minute layout changes by management.
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.