🐱 My Pine Ville @ AMK SERS Renovation Story
Today is 10 January 2026, and even though my new home’s TOP is only Q3 2027, this chonky cat has already placed a $3,500 renovation deposit with a well-known local Interior Design & Renovation company (let’s call them WhiskerWorks Studio — not their real name).
🐾 “Eh Cat, Why So Early?”
Very simple reasons, hooman. This cat has seen things.
🐟 1. Inflation Is a Bigger Monster Than the Vacuum Cleaner
Materials, labour, tiles, cabinets — all getting more expensive faster than my appetite.
If I wait until 2027, prices will likely go 📈, quotes become “today promo only, tomorrow more expensive,” and my fried rice budget gets affected (very serious).
By locking in a package now, I get price certainty, less inflation stress, and I sleep better (important for a cat).
The Trade-Off:
- ✅ Protected against rising costs
- ✅ Know exactly how much fish I can still eat
- ⚠️ Money paid early means less for toys right now
- ⚠️ Betting that prices will rise (usually safe bet in Singapore, but still a bet)
Worth it? Meow yes.
🐾 2. Avoiding Last-Minute Renovation Madness
I have watched many hoomans near TOP time: rush here rush there, everything “urgent,” sign things without thinking, end up regretting layout, colours, storage.
This cat does not do impulse decisions. Except when fried rice is involved.
Planning early means time to think, time to change mind, no pressure from “slot running out” sales talk. I can browse Pinterest at 3am (when I’m most active), compare different kitchen layouts, and really think about where the litter box should go.
The Reality Check:
- ✅ Calm, thoughtful planning
- ✅ Better design decisions
- ⚠️ Tastes might change over 18 months
- ⚠️ Need to remember details for a long timeline (but cats remember food schedules very well, so I’m confident)
🧰 What's Included in My "Premium BTO Package"
Renovation involves space planning, kitchen workflow, storage for cat treats, sunlight spots for afternoa
(Yes, this cat read the fine print. Twice.)
🐱 Professional Services
- Space planning & furniture layout (they make sure my nap zones are optimized)
- Project management & coordination (someone else deals with the hoomans)
🧱 Masonry Works
- Kitchen base with tiling finish
🪚 Kitchen Carpentry
- 10ft top & bottom cabinets (high-grade laminate)
- Quartz worktop (fancy!)
- Soft-close hinges & drawers (won’t wake me during naps)
- Tempered glass backsplash
- Stainless steel dish rack
Translation: Plenty of storage for rice cooker. Very important.
🛋 Bedroom & Living Carpentry
- 5ft full-height wardrobe
- 5ft TV feature wall
- TV console
Perfect for watching bird videos in 4K.
💡 Electrical Works
- Install ceiling lights to existing HDB points
🚰 Plumbing Works
- Kitchen sink, tap, hood & stove labour
- Pipe extension works
- Heater installation
- Toilet accessories installation
🪟 Window Works
- 3-track sliding window in Non-Aircon colour (sunbeam access approved ✓)
🎨 Painting
- Entire house walls & ceiling
- Up to 4 colours (thinking: Beige, Cream, Off-White, and… Slightly Different Beige)
🚿 Bathroom
- Glass shower enclosures for 2 bathrooms
🧼 Other Works
- Floor protection, general cleaning, construction debris removal
🛠 Warranty
- 1-year workmanship warranty
on naps. All these take time. Starting early = less stress, more control.
Plus, good contractors get booked up fast. By securing my spot now, I’m not scrambling in 2027 when every other SERS homeowner suddenly realizes they need a contractor.
❌ What's NOT Included (Add-On Territory)
This cat is honest — not everything is included, and that’s actually good because I only pay for what I actually want, not forced upsells.
You’ll need to budget separately for:
- Flooring (vinyl, tiles, laminate — depends on your nap comfort preference)
- Actual light fittings (package only covers installation labour)
- Extra electrical points (for robot vacuum, air purifier, cat water fountain)
- Premium appliances
- Curtains & blinds
- Fancy bathroom fittings beyond basics
- Furniture & décor
- Smart home features
My strategy: Price these out separately, prioritize what matters (good flooring >>> fancy light fixtures), and avoid overspending on things I won’t use.
💰 The Honest Math
Let’s talk numbers, because this cat is transparent.
Initial Deposit: $3,500 Estimated Total Package: ~$35,000 – $50,000 (verbal quote, waiting for detailed breakdown)
My Budget Strategy:
- Set aside renovation funds in high-yield savings account until needed
- Track add-on costs carefully (flooring, lights, extras)
- Buffer 10-15% for unexpected changes or upgrades
- Protect fried rice budget at all costs 🍚
Total realistic budget including add-ons: ~$35,000 – $57,000
Yes, it’s a lot of kibble. But for a 4-room SERS flat that will be home for many years (and many naps), it’s an investment in quality of life.
🤔 Things I'm Still Thinking About
Being early means I have time to consider:
Smart Home Integration? Do I want smart lights, automated curtains, voice-controlled air-con? Or will I just knock things off the counter anyway?
Kitchen Layout Optimization Should the fridge be here or there? Does the workflow make sense? Can I reach the treats?
Storage Maximization Where do all the delivery boxes go? (For sitting in, obviously)
Future-Proofing What if I adopt another cat? What if I need a home office? What if fried rice prices skyrocket and I need a bigger pantry?
Having 18 months to think about these questions = luxury.
🐟 Final Thoughts From a Fat Orange Cat
Putting down a renovation deposit early is not about being kiasu. It’s about:
- 🧠 Planning smart (not panicking later)
- 💰 Managing inflation risk (prices only go up)
- 🧘 Avoiding last-minute stress (stress affects appetite)
- 🐱 Protecting fried rice budget (non-negotiable)
- ⏰ Giving yourself time to make good decisions
By the time TOP arrives in Q3 2027, this cat will already know the layout, already know the cost, already know where to nap, and most importantly, won’t be scrambling to find a contractor while every other SERS homeowner is doing the same thing.
Is this approach for everyone?
No lah. Some considerations:
- ✅ Good if you: hate last-minute stress, want price certainty, have cash flow for early deposit, know roughly what you want
- ❌ Maybe not if you: prefer to wait and see final prices, want to keep options open, worry about contractor going MIA before TOP (do your research!), might change mind about design
My Advice to Fellow Future Homeowners:
Do your homework. Read reviews. Compare at least 3-4 contractors. Understand what’s included and what’s not. Ask about payment terms. Check their portfolio. Talk to past customers. And if you’re paying a deposit way before TOP, make sure the company is established and reliable.
Also, take your time to plan. Renovation is not just about looking pretty — it’s about living in the space. Think about your daily routine, your habits, what annoys you about your current home, what you love. A nap-optimized home is a happy home.
Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s almost dinner time. 🍚😼
P.S. If you’re also a Pine Ville @ AMK SERS homeowner and want to talk renovation over some imaginary fried rice, let me know. This cat is always happy to share wisdom (and complain about vacuum cleaners).