Insights from Interior Designers Who Have Seen It All

As interior designers who have helped many first-time BTO homeowners bring their dream BTO flats to life, we’ve seen it all. From smart design choices to costly mistakes, most issues could have been avoided if a few questions were asked early on.

If you are collecting your keys soon or planning to start your BTO journey, here are some questions to get you started, so you know some basic renovation mistakes to avoid.

1. “Will my home layout accommodate a helper, multi-generational living, or kids?”

Why this matters in Singapore:
Our homes inevitably see us through different seasons of our lives. As we welcome family members into our homes, we need to consider if our homes can accommodate future change. Whether it is a domestic helper, children, or elderly parents, we have encountered homes that were renovated with very little flexibility for adjustment.

What to consider:
Designing with change in mind can save big headaches down the road. This includes electrical points in potentially partitioned areas, using sliding doors to reshape spaces without major hacking. In fact, we always recommend couples err on the safer side. When in doubt, design with flexibility in mind, where a current study room or hobby room can be converted into other key areas like a kid’s nursery or a second bedroom in the future.

2. “What is our actual renovation budget?”

Why it matters:
The renovation quote you receive rarely ends up being the final price. Electrical works, lighting fixtures, carpentry adjustments, haulage, permit applications – there are all these and so much more that can add up quickly. We have seen homeowners underbudget by up to 30% and having to cut corners midway through their renovations.

What to consider:
If your BTO renovation budget is $40,000, set aside at least $5,000 as a contingency. Ask your designer for a breakdown by category (carpentry, electrical, flooring, painting) so you can make informed trade-offs without compromising the entire project. You should be cautious of all-in-one packages that gloss over the details.

3. “What are the actual usable square metres, and where is space being lost?”

Why this matters in Singapore:
Newer BTO flats may have the same technical square footage as older units but feel noticeably smaller due to thicker walls, structural beams, and awkward layouts. A 92 square metre four-room flat today can feel tighter than a 10-year-old equivalent.

What to consider:
You need to study your floor plan in detail and mock up furniture placement to truly visualise how much space is useable. With smarter living, modern homeowners are learning to maximise under-utilised areas, like corners behind doors, oddly shaped service yards (space designated for laundry or other utility functions), and finding ways to utilise it with vertical storage, or built-in cabinetry to make full use of awkward dimensions. Don’t hesitate to ask your interior designer for more of these helpful, space-saving options too!

4. “How does the west sun affect my unit, and is my air-conditioning plan future-ready?”

Why this matters in Singapore:
Flats that face the west can become extremely hot between 3:00pm and 6:00pm, resulting in warm living spaces and higher energy bills. Without proper planning, you may find yourself constantly adjusting your living habits or using your aircon 24/7.

What to consider:
Ask your real estate agent or interior designer if your unit will be affected by the sun. If your unit faces the west, plan for thermal control early. Invest in heat-reducing curtains or blinds and consider investing in better air-conditioning systems that can last the years. If you are adding false ceilings or built-ins, make sure the trunking for your air-conditioning is accessible and future-proofed.

5. “What is actually worth hacking, and what is not?”

Why it matters:
There is a common misconception that hacking is the hallmark of luxury. In reality, hacking walls or floors can cost between $5,000 to $10,000 and is not always necessary. We have seen homeowners remove walls only to discover that it negatively affected natural lighting, storage, or even regretted how it affected the overall practicality of their home’s design.

What to consider:
Prioritise hacking that improves the liveability of your space, such as opening up a small kitchen or combining rooms for better accessibility. Avoid hacking purely for aesthetics if the functional benefits are not clear. Sometimes, simple layout shifts, mirrored panels, or flexible furniture arrangements can create the same visual effect at a fraction of the cost.

Final Thoughts from the Studio

Purchasing your first BTO flat is a major milestone, and we recognise that we won’t build the perfect home right from the start. Despite that, the best outcomes for new homeowners always come from asking the right questions early and making deliberate choices in how you want to live, not just how you want your home to look.

If you are working with an interior designer, do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to (it’s our job to help you anyway!). But if we can leave you with a final tip, we’d say: don’t be afraid to push for practicality. A beautiful home that functions well will always be more satisfying than one that looks good but lives poorly.

We hope this article helps you take your first step to be a better first-time homeowner. 

Whether you’re planning your next home renovation or just looking for design inspiration, stay connected with us. Visit our studio, explore our portfolio, or follow us on social media for the latest projects, design tips, and exclusive insights.

Let’s bring warmth and character to your home.

📩 Contact us for inquiries: +65 8224 2612
📍 Visit our studio: 625 Aljunied Road Aljunied Industrial Complex #02-02 Singapore – 389836
🌐 Website: janreno.com
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @jan_renovation