Toilet Renovation Singapore

Every toilet renovation starts with one decision: tile over what is there, or strip it back.

• Overlay. New tiles go over one existing layer with adhesive, at most 13mm thick. No HDB permit is needed. It is faster, cheaper and quieter, and suits a toilet that does not leak.
• Hack to screed. Old tiles and screed come off and a new waterproofing membrane goes in. It needs an HDB permit and is the right choice for a leaking or very old toilet.
• Fittings only. Keep the tiles and change the toilet bowl, basin, vanity, shower screen and taps. Good value when the tiles are fine.

Our HDB toilet renovation guide goes through the trade-offs in detail. If the main problem is a leak, see waterproofing.

Typical 2026 ranges per toilet. Tiles, fittings and toilet size move the price most.

Overlaying usually saves about 10 to 20% because there is less hacking, debris and waterproofing. Get a range for the hacking part with our hacking cost calculator.

• The 3-year rule. Toilet floor and wall finishes can only be replaced after the first 3 years from the date the block was completed, with a permit.
• Waterproofing. New floors need pre-packed waterproofing screed and a membrane turned up at least 150mm against the walls, kerbs and pipes, plus a UPVC floor trap grating with a long collar.
• Thickness limits. Floor finishes and screed together must not exceed 50mm. Wall finishes including plaster must not exceed 25mm.
• Toilet bowls. Installing or replacing a WC must be done by a PUB Licensed Plumber, and vent pipes must not be removed.
• Bathtubs and shower trays. The void underneath must not be filled, and weep holes are needed. A bathtub also needs an inspection opening.
• Enlarging a toilet. Only after 3 years, with a permit, and limited to 600mm wide and 0.6 square metres, as a dry area.

Renovation works are carried out by our partner V On Construction Pte. Ltd., listed in HDB's Directory of Renovation Contractors. Read the HDB renovation permit guide for how the permit works.

• Tile size. Large-format tiles look clean but take more work to lay to a fall. Smaller tiles slope to the floor trap more easily.
• Wet and dry areas. A shower screen or a low kerb keeps the rest of the floor dry. A cement kerb up to 100mm high and 100mm wide needs no permit.
• Vanity. A floating vanity with a solid surface or quartz top is easy to clean under. Vanities are priced per foot run; see carpentry.
• Ventilation. A toilet that stays damp tends to grow mould on the ceiling, so plan for an exhaust fan or a window that opens.
• Concealed or exposed pipes. Concealing pipes in the wall finish looks neat but adds cost and makes future repairs harder.

1. Photos of each toilet from the door, plus the floor, shower area and ceiling.
2. The rough size of each toilet, or your floor plan.
3. Your flat type and the block completion year, so we can check the 3-year rule.
4. Whether you want an overlay, a full hack, or fittings only.
5. Photos of tiles or fittings you like, and any leak or stain you have noticed.

WhatsApp them to +65 8561 0630 and we will scope it before a site visit. Planning the kitchen as well? See kitchen renovation.

We take toilet renovation jobs islandwide. Our workshop is at Mandai Estate, so Woodlands, Yishun, Sembawang and Admiralty are the quickest for us to reach, and we regularly cover Punggol, Sengkang, Ang Mo Kio, Tampines, Bedok, Jurong and the rest of Singapore.