When planning a renovation, most homeowners focus on design, colours, and layout. But what truly impacts your home long-term is something you don’t see — the materials used inside your carpentry . One term that’s becoming more common in renovation discussions is E0 boards . But what exactly are they, and why are more homeowners in Singapore choosing them? What Are E0 Boards? E0 boards are wood-based panels (such as plywood or particle board) manufactured with very low formald

When planning a home renovation, most homeowners focus on design, colours, and layout. But one important factor that is often overlooked is the material used inside your carpentry  — especially the boards. You may have heard terms like E0, E1, or E2 boards. But what do they actually mean, and is upgrading to E0 boards  worth it? Let’s break it down. What Are E0 Boards? E0 boards refer to wood-based panels (such as plywood or particle board) with very low formaldehyde emission

When renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or flooring in Singapore homes, one common question homeowners ask is: Should we hack the existing tiles or overlay new tiles on top of them? Both options have their advantages and limitations. The right choice depends on factors such as the condition of existing tiles, renovation budget, timeline, and long-term durability. Here’s a practical guide to help you decide. What Does Hacking Tiles Mean? Hacking involves removing the existing til

When planning a home renovation, many homeowners focus on design, materials, and cost. However, one factor that significantly affects the quality, timeline, and overall renovation experience  is often overlooked — whether the contractor has in-house carpentry  or outsources the work. In-house carpentry means the renovation company manages its own carpentry team and production, instead of relying on third-party suppliers. This difference can greatly impact the outcome of your

Renovating your kitchen is exciting, but it’s also one of the most complex areas in your home. With appliances, plumbing, electrical points, storage, and finishes to consider, mistakes can quickly become costly. To avoid headaches and ensure your renovation goes smoothly, here’s a comprehensive checklist of what to confirm before work starts . 1. Kitchen Layout & Work Triangle The layout affects workflow and daily efficiency. Confirm: Placement of sink, stove, and fridge  (th

Sustainability is no longer just a trend — it’s becoming an essential part of modern living in Singapore. With rising electricity costs, environmental awareness, and growing health concerns, more homeowners are asking: “How can we renovate smarter and greener?” The good news is that sustainable renovation doesn’t mean compromising on design. With the right planning, you can create a home that is beautiful, energy-efficient, healthier, and future-ready. Here’s how. 1. Choose L

Renovating an HDB flat is exciting, but it comes with strict guidelines, limited space, and many decisions that affect daily living for years. Many homeowners start with big dreams but end up facing delays, unexpected costs, or functional issues. The good news? Most HDB renovation problems are predictable and avoidable with proper planning. Here are the most common HDB renovation pitfalls and how to avoid them. 1. Not Understanding HDB Renovation Rules HDB flats have strict r

In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, ventilation is not a “nice-to-have” feature — it’s a core part of good home design . Yet, many homeowners only focus on layouts, carpentry, and finishes, overlooking how airflow affects daily comfort and long-term maintenance. At the renovation stage, how a home breathes  can make the difference between a cool, healthy space and one that feels stuffy, damp, and uncomfortable. In this article, we break down why ventilation is so important

Renovating your home is exciting — but it’s also full of confusion and misconceptions. Many homeowners fall into traps because of what they hear online, from friends, or from unverified renovation sources. Here, we separate fact from fiction and bust some of the most common renovation myths in Singapore. Myth 1: Renovation Always Costs More Than the Quote Reality: A reputable contractor provides a transparent quote , including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and other essent

Renovating a home is exciting — but it can also be stressful. Even with careful planning, many homeowners experience regrets after completing their renovation. These regrets are often preventable . By understanding common mistakes and how to avoid them, you can save time, money, and frustration, while ensuring your dream home actually works in daily life. 1. Not Planning Enough Power Points Many homeowners regret not installing enough electrical outlets, especially near: Sofa

One of the most common regrets homeowners have after renovation is not adding enough power points. Once carpentry and finishes are done, adding sockets later usually means hacking — extra cost, dust, and inconvenience. Planning power points properly during renovation makes daily living more comfortable and future-proofs your home. Here’s how to plan it right — and the spots people always wish they added more. Why Power Point Planning Matters Modern homes use more electrical d

Bathroom leaks are one of the most common — and costly — renovation problems in Singapore homes. What starts as a small water seepage can quickly turn into damaged ceilings, mould issues, neighbour complaints, and expensive repairs. Most bathroom leaks are not caused by old buildings — they are caused by renovation mistakes . Here are the most common ones, and how proper planning can prevent them. 1. Poor or Incomplete Waterproofing This is the number one cause  of bathroom l

Electrical rewiring is one of the most important — yet least visible — parts of a renovation. While it doesn’t affect how your home looks on the surface, it directly impacts safety, functionality, and long-term reliability . Many homeowners only think about rewiring after moving in, when problems start appearing. This guide explains when rewiring is necessary, what it involves, and how to plan it properly during renovation. What Is Electrical Rewiring? Electrical rewiring inv

Every year, interior design evolves — shaped by lifestyle shifts, new materials, and homeowner expectations. As 2025 unfolds, several key trends are emerging in Singapore homes that combine functionality, comfort, sustainability, and timeless appeal . Whether you’re planning a renovation soon or simply seeking inspiration, here’s a snapshot of the top interior trends dominating Singapore in 2025. 1. Soft Minimalism: Calm & Practical Spaces Minimalism has evolved beyond stark

Many homeowners focus heavily on carpentry, colours, and furniture — but overlook one of the most powerful design elements: lighting . Good lighting doesn’t just brighten a space. It shapes mood, enhances materials, improves functionality, and can make even a modest home feel premium. Poor lighting, on the other hand, can make a well-renovated home look flat or uncomfortable. Here’s a practical guide to lighting design — and how to get it right. Why Lighting Matters More Than

For HDB & Condo Homeowners in Singapore When planning a renovation, one of the biggest questions homeowners face is this: Should I invest in built-in carpentry, or save money by buying loose furniture? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your space, lifestyle, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Here’s a practical breakdown to help you decide where built-in makes sense, and where loose furniture is the smarter choice. What Is Built-In Furniture? Built-i

Small homes are becoming the norm in Singapore — from compact 4-room BTO units to 2-bedroom condos. Because of this, homeowners often struggle with choosing an interior style that makes their space look beautiful without  feeling cramped. Two of the most popular choices today are Modern Luxury  and Minimalist  design. Both can work well in smaller homes, but each creates a very different experience. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the right one. What Is Modern Lux

Renovating your home is exciting, but it can also be stressful — especially if it’s your first time planning an HDB, condo, or landed renovation. Many homeowners jump into the process not knowing what to expect, and by the time mistakes happen, it’s too late (or too costly) to fix. To help you avoid unnecessary headaches, here are the most common renovation mistakes Singapore designers wish every homeowner understood before  starting their project. 1. Not Defining a Clear Sty

When homeowners start planning a renovation, one of the most common confusions is understanding the difference between modern  and contemporary  design. While many think they are the same, these two styles have distinct characteristics — and choosing the right one can completely change the mood of your HDB, condo, or landed home. What Is Modern Design? Modern design refers to a specific design era — typically the mid-1900s. It focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and function

Renovating your home can be one of the most exciting projects in your life—but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. At How 2 Design, we believe that a well-planned renovation journey should be transparent, efficient, and stress-free. Here’s a clear step-by-step look at how we bring your home from 3D design to handover, ensuring quality, communication, and confidence at every stage. Step 1: Consultation and Space Planning Everything begins with a con