Electrical planning is one of the easiest things to under-budget during an HDB renovation — and one of the most expensive to fix afterward. Here's a checklist to go through before your contractor starts hacking and wiring.
Before renovation starts
- Plan socket positions around actual furniture layout, not just "standard" spacing
- Decide on lighting zones (living, dining, bedrooms) and dimmer requirements upfront
- Check if your DB box needs upgrading to support additional circuits (kitchen appliances, air-con, EV charger if applicable)
- Plan data/network points if you work from home or want wired internet in specific rooms
Kitchen-specific points
Modern kitchens often need dedicated circuits for the hob, oven, fridge and hood — bundling them onto one circuit risks frequent trips.
Bathroom-specific points
Water heater circuits should be isolated and properly rated, and any sockets near wet areas need appropriate IP-rated fittings.
Don't forget
- USB charging points at the bedside and study areas
- Exterior/balcony lighting and weatherproof sockets
- Smoke detector wiring if hardwired units are preferred over battery units
Getting this right at the planning stage — before walls are closed up — avoids costly retrofitting later.