Office Renovation Guide in Singapore: Partition, Flooring & Electrical Setup Explained

Renovating an office in Singapore is very different from a home. You have to balance productivity, safety regulations, and budget. Whether you’re setting up a new startup or upgrading a corporate suite, here’s your complete guide to partitions, flooring, and electrical systems.

Partition Wall Options: Drywall (gypsum board) is the most common. It costs $30 to $60 per sq ft and allows electrical wiring to run inside. For soundproofing between rooms, add rockwool insulation. Glass partitions (frameless or aluminum-framed) cost $120 to $250 per sq ft. They create an open, modern feel but require professional cleaning. Avoid full-height glass in noisy areas like call centers.

SCDF and URA Regulations: Any partition that creates a new room or obstructs exit paths requires a permit. For offices above 300 sq m, you need fire-rated partitions with minimum 1-hour fire resistance. Always hire a registered architect to submit renovation plans. Skipping permits can result in fines up to $10,000.

Flooring for Singapore Offices: Carpet tiles ($4 to $10 per sq ft) are quiet and hide dirt, but they trap humidity and need replacement every 3-5 years. Vinyl planks ($3 to $8 per sq ft) are durable and easy to clean – best for pantries and high-traffic walkways. Polished concrete ($10 to $20 per sq ft) looks modern but is loud and hard on feet. Pro tip: Use carpet in meeting rooms and vinyl in workstations.

Electrical Setup – Critical for Productivity: Plan for at least 2x more power points than you think. Each workstation needs 2x 13A sockets – one for the computer and one for the monitor. Factor in shared printers, server racks, pantry appliances, and phone chargers. Budget $120 to $180 per power point installed. Ensure your distribution board has enough spare ways for future expansion.

Data Cabling (Cat6 or Cat6a): Run at least 2 data ports per desk. Future-proof with Cat6a (10 Gigabit capable) for video conferencing and large file transfers. Use raised flooring or ceiling trays – never run cables across walkways. Hire a licensed cabling provider approved by IMDA. Test every line before closing up ceilings.

Lighting Requirements: BCA Singapore requires minimum 500 lux at desk level for offices. Use LED panels with 4000K colour temperature – this keeps staff alert without causing eye strain. Install motion sensors for meeting rooms, toilets, and pantries. Motion sensors save up to 30% on energy bills annually.

Air Conditioning Integration: Coordinate electrical and partition work with your AC contractor. Partitions must not block return air paths. Each additional room needs its own thermostat. Budget $2,000 to $5,000 for rebalancing airflow after adding walls.

Typical Timeline and Budget: A 1,000 sq ft office renovation takes 4 to 8 weeks. Budget $25,000 to $60,000 fully fitted (excluding furniture and GST). Breakdown: Partitions $8k–$15k, Flooring $5k–$10k, Electrical and data $7k–$15k, Lighting $3k–$8k, Permits and design $2k–$5k. Always add 20% contingency for unexpected electrical upgrades or fire safety system integrations.

Final Checklist Before Moving In: Test every power socket and light switch. Verify fire alarm and emergency lighting. Check that all partitions are plumb and corners are clean. Obtain handover documents including as-built electrical drawings. Clean all AC filters and ducting. Your office is now ready for productivity.