Planning a commercial renovation in Singapore involves more than picking finishes and furniture. Beyond aesthetics, there are significant costs behind the scenes that influence your budget. At Pivot, we often advise clients to approach budgeting thoughtfully, balancing design ambitions with practical realities.

Commercial Renovation Costs Have Changed

Since Covid-19, renovation costs have increased considerably due to supply chain challenges, rising material prices, and labor shortages. Items that once seemed affordable, such as timber, tiles, or metal finishes, can now take a larger slice of your budget. It is essential to factor in market fluctuations and allow some buffer for unexpected costs.

Hidden but Significant Costs

One area clients often underestimate is Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) work. These drawings and installations are critical for compliance and functionality, yet they are largely invisible. Clients may not see the value, but without proper M&E planning, your design cannot be executed safely or efficiently. Allocating sufficient budget here ensures the project runs smoothly and meets regulatory requirements.

Design and Finishing Costs

On the visible side, design and finishes will naturally vary depending on ambition, location, and brand positioning. For example, our work with King Grouper Fish Soup demonstrated that impactful branding does not always require a huge budget.

We collaborated with the client to creatively source inexpensive yet meaningful elements:

• – Upcycled beer baskets from local hawker stores became kelong-style stools
• – Fish nets hung from the ceiling added texture and storytelling without high costs
• – Artificial plants and furniture sourced from Taobao helped create a lively, cohesive environment at a fraction of the usual cost
  

By focusing on strategic touches rather than expensive materials, we delivered a memorable space that aligned with the brand story while keeping costs in check.

Approximate Cost Breakdown for a Commercial Renovation in Singapore

While every project is unique, here’s a rough guide to what commercial renovations typically entail:

This breakdown helps clients visualize how costs are distributed and plan their budget realistically.

Tips for Budgeting Your Commercial Renovation

• – Start with a clear brief – Understand what your renovation needs to achieve, whether operational efficiency, staff experience, or brand storytelling
• – Separate visible and invisible costs – Allocate funds for M&E work, structural modifications, or permits, in addition to finishes and furniture
• – Be creative with materials – Upcycling, sourcing smartly, or mixing high and low finishes can reduce costs without compromising quality
• – Plan for contingencies – Factor in 10–15% extra to cover unexpected price increases or additional work
• – Think long-term – Budget for durability, maintenance, and flexibility, ensuring the space remains functional and relevant
  

Conclusion

Budgeting for a commercial renovation is a balancing act between design ambition, operational needs, and regulatory requirements. By planning carefully, understanding hidden costs like M&E, and using creativity in finishes and furniture, you can achieve a space that is functional, on-brand, and cost-conscious. King Grouper shows that even small, budget-conscious touches can communicate a strong brand story effectively.