Rebuild, Reconstruction or Additions and Alterations - Understanding the different options from the perspective of a Singapore property owner

Introduction

If you are looking for a modern house for you and your family, you might be wondering about your options for renovation or reconstruction. There are many benefits to rebuilding a new home rather than renovating the old one, but it may not be suitable for everyone.

If you’re looking to renovate your property in Singapore, it’s essential to know what constitutes an addition and alteration versus reconstruction. This article will explore the differences and when they would be appropriate so that you can make a more informed decision.

Understanding the different rebuilding options for your home

Many ways are available when it comes to rebuilding or reconstructing your home. Here, we take a look at the three main types of rebuilding and their respective pros and cons:

Rebuild: This is the most common type of rebuilding and involves tearing down and rebuilding the house. So this means everything is demolished. This also means rebuilding is the costliest mode of construction because the entire old house is demolished and new one is built. This applies if the existing house is too old to be livable.

Reconstruction: This option is typically cheaper than rebuild but may not be as comprehensive. Basically, the existing concrete structure of the floor slab and columns have to be retained. There can be changes to the walls, extension to various areas, addition of a new attic level or changes to the roof.

Addition and Alteration: This is the least major type of rebuilding and involves minor changes to the existing house. It involves adding or altering certain areas without completely replacing it. This option is usually cheaper than reconstruction or rebuilding but may not offer as much options or flexibility.

What do you need to consider when making this decision?

Rebuilding or reconstructing a property can be expensive and time-consuming, so deciding what’s best for your property and situation is essential. Consider the following things when deciding which option is best for your property:

• What are your current and future needs for the house?
• How much cost can you afford?
• What is the timeline for the completion of the project?
• What kind of damage or defects is the house suffering from?
• Do you want to rebuild or reconstruct the same site or sell it and move the project location?
• Do you want to change the look of the house because it is getting old and dated?
• Will the new construction look good?

What are the benefits of Rebuilding and Reconstructing?

There are many benefits of rebuilding and reconstructing an old Singapore property. Here are a few:

• It can improve the livability of your home and it will suit your current or new requirements for the house. This could be a new addition to the home, such as children; or it can be elderly parents moving in.
• It can improve the power and energy efficiency of the house. This includes building with better materials, good orientation, or simply installing solar panels for energy generation for the long term. In some houses, there are modern technology and intelligent systems that can also improve how the lights or aircon is controlled.
• It can also increase its resale value because it will look more appealing to potential buyers.
• Finally, the reconstruction process can be very cost-effective, especially if you have an existing house. You may rather rebuild or reconstruct than buy a new house at today’s prices.

Planning and Budgeting for Renovations

Renovating your home is a big decision – one that can have a significant impact on your lifestyle. Before starting any renovation project, it’s crucial to clearly understand what you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Here are some tips for budgeting for renovations:

1. Get organized

Ensure you have all the information you need before starting your renovation – from estimates to floor plans. This will help reduce confusion and speed up the process.

2. Understand your needs

When considering how much to spend, be specific about what you want to change or improve. This will help you pinpoint what upgrades are necessary and which are luxury enhancements that you can live without.

3. Choose the right contractor

There’s no shame in using a contractor who offers affordable rates and quality artistry. Many homeowners prefer this approach because they know their bills will stay controlled.

4. Save money on materials

Renovating your home can be cost effective if you plan and use economical and durable materials. Good material does not mean expensive. Likewise, using sustainabile or recycled materials does not mean it has to be costly. Check with your architect for the latest materials and technology that can save you money in the long run.

Finding a Qualified Contractor

When making any major renovation or reconstruction project on your property in Singapore, you’ll need to find a qualified contractor or builder..

• Make sure the contractor is qualified and registered with the Building Construction Authority of Singapore.
• Ask for references from previous clients.
• Make a clear definition of the scope of work before signing on the dotted line.

Always get a written contract specifying all the project details, including estimated costs and completion dates. Check quality assurance measures, such as daily check-ins by the contractor, to make sure everything is proceeding as planned.

How Much Time is Required for Rebuilding versus Reconstruction versus Addition and Alterations?

When it comes to rebuilding or reconstructing your Singapore property, you may wonder how much time is required. Here are different options from the perspective of a Singapore property owner:

Rebuilding: This takes the longest period and it is good if you are not in a rush to complete the rebuilding of the house. Depending on the size of the house, this can take up to 2 years.

Reconstruction: This work can vary depending on the requirements. In some cases, reconstruction can be similar to a new rebuilt house. That is probably because the reconstruction is very major and involves replacing a lot of the house except the structure. Generally, reconstruction will take between 1 to 2 years.

Addition and Alterations: A&A work as it is commonly known means making minor changes to an existing building excluding the existing structure. Before the COVID pandemic, A&A work used to take a much shorter period of time. Most people expect it to be done in 4-6 months’ time. However, in today’s situation, such work may take 6-10 months depending on the extent of the work.

Conclusion

When it comes to rebuilding or adding to your Singapore property, there are a few different options open to you. ADX Architects is here to help you make an informed and well-organized decision when making alterations or additions to your property in Singapore. Thank you for reading!