FAQ: Design, Construction & Sustainability for Landed Homes in Singapore

This is Part 2 of our comprehensive FAQ on rebuilding landed homes in Singapore. Here we cover design, construction, sustainability, and more about Hitomo Construction. For questions on planning, costs, and approvals, see Part 1 of our FAQ.

Timeline & Process

1. How long does it take to rebuild a landed home in Singapore?

A typical landed home rebuild takes 15 to 24 months from construction mobilisation to move-in. This breaks down into: design and planning (3–6 months), regulatory approvals from URA and BCA (2–4 months), demolition (2–4 weeks), construction (9-12 months), and inspection and handover (1–2 months). The timeline depends on project complexity, decision-making speed, approval processing, weather conditions, and material availability.

2. Should I hire a builder or an interior designer for my landed home rebuild?

For a full rebuild or new erection, you need a builder (general contractor) as your primary partner. A builder handles structural works, M&E systems, regulatory compliance, and overall project management — things an interior designer cannot do. An interior designer focuses on aesthetics, space planning, finishes, and furnishing — important but secondary to the structure itself. At Hitomo Construction, we work collaboratively with interior designers and design professionals to deliver a complete home, handling the full construction and structural design work in-house.

Design & Planning

1. How do I design a multi-generational landed home?

Key considerations include an accessible ground-floor bedroom suite with ensuite bathroom for elderly family members, wide doorways and corridors (minimum 900mm) for wheelchair accessibility, private living zones on separate floors connected by a home lift, shared common areas designed for the whole family, separate entrances or kitchenettes for independent living, and future-proofing with barrier-free design. Hitomo Construction has experience designing and building multi-generational landed homes that balance togetherness with personal space.

2. What smart home features should I plan during my rebuild?

Plan for CAT6A ethernet cabling to every room, dedicated circuits for smart lighting systems (KNX or smart switch compatible), conduits for motorised curtains and blinds, CCTV camera locations with power and network cable runs, a central smart home hub in a dedicated ventilated closet, and EV charger wiring to your car porch. Installing this infrastructure during construction typically costs SGD 8,000 to 20,000 — a fraction of the retrofit cost.

3. Is it worth building a basement for my landed home?

A basement can be worth it if you have maximised your above-ground GFA and need additional space. Basements are typically excluded from GFA calculations (if fully underground), giving you bonus square footage for entertainment rooms, home theatres, wine cellars, gyms, or parking. However, basement construction is expensive (SGD 350,000 to 650,000) due to excavation, earth retention, waterproofing, and ventilation requirements. Singapore's high water table adds complexity.

4. How do I plan for a swimming pool in my landed home?

Pool planning requires understanding BCA and PUB regulations (setback requirements, drainage, safety fencing), choosing the right pool type for your plot (plunge, lap, or full-size — concrete or fibreglass), budgeting accurately (SGD 80,000 to 250,000+ depending on size and type), and planning for maintenance in Singapore's tropical climate. Pool structures like pump rooms count toward GFA, so discuss placement with our design team early.

Technical & Construction

1. Do I need a soil investigation before rebuilding?

Yes, a soil investigation (SI) report is essential. It determines your soil type, bearing capacity, and water table level — all critical for foundation design. The SI report tells your structural engineer what type of foundation your home needs (pad footings, strip footings, or piled foundations) and affects construction cost significantly. Singapore's soil conditions vary dramatically by location.

2. How do I plan the electrical load for my landed home?

A 3-storey landed home with air-conditioning, a home lift, pool pump, and modern appliances can draw 60 to 100+ amps on a three-phase supply. Plan your electrical load during the M&E design phase. Key considerations include main supply capacity from SP Group, distribution board sizing with room for expansion, dedicated circuits for heavy loads (air-con compressors, EV chargers, home lift), and smart home infrastructure. Under-sizing your electrical supply is a common and expensive mistake to rectify after construction.

3. How do I soundproof my landed home?

Effective soundproofing addresses both airborne noise (traffic, voices) and structure-borne noise (footsteps, vibrations). Solutions include thicker external walls (200mm concrete for homes near roads), double-glazed acoustic windows with laminated glass, floating floor systems to reduce footstep noise between storeys, acoustic insulation in internal walls, and vibration isolation mounts for air-con compressors and pumps. Soundproofing during construction adds 3–8% to build cost but dramatically improves daily comfort.

Sustainability & Future-Proofing

How do I make my landed home more energy efficient?

Energy efficiency starts with good design: orient your home to minimise direct sun on large glass facades, use overhangs and shading devices, choose high-performance double-glazed windows, and insulate your roof. For systems, specify inverter air-conditioning with high energy efficiency ratings, LED lighting throughout, and consider solar panels. Smart home automation for lighting and climate control further reduces energy waste.

Should I install solar panels on my landed home?

Solar panels are increasingly popular for Singapore landed homes. A typical 10 kWp rooftop system costs SGD 15,000 to 25,000 and generates enough electricity to offset 30–50% of household consumption. Singapore's net metering scheme allows you to sell excess electricity back to the grid. Flat roofs are ideal for solar panel installation. Plan the structural loading and electrical connections during your rebuild for seamless integration.

How do I plan for an EV charger during my rebuild?

Install a dedicated 40A circuit from the distribution board to the car porch, a conduit run (minimum 32mm diameter) for future cable upgrades, and a weatherproof mounting point. A 7 kW wall-mounted AC charger costs SGD 2,000 to 4,000 for the unit plus SGD 500 to 1,500 for installation during construction. Even if you don't drive an EV today, future-proofing costs only a few hundred dollars.

About Hitomo Construction

What does Hitomo Construction specialise in?

Hitomo Construction Singapore (2010) Pte Ltd is a BCA-registered builder and developer specialising exclusively in landed residential properties. Our core services include new erection (complete demolition and rebuild), reconstruction (partial retention and rebuild), and additions & alterations (A&A) for terrace houses, semi-detached homes, and bungalows across Singapore. We handle the full construction scope: structural works, M&E, roofing, waterproofing, tiling, carpentry, painting, and external works.

Does Hitomo Construction work with architects and interior designers?

Yes, we collaborate regularly with interior designers and design specialists. Hitomo Construction is a design-and-build company, meaning we handle both design and construction in-house. Many of our clients benefit from our integrated approach where our design team and construction team work seamlessly together from concept through completion. Our experience in landed home construction means we can advise on buildability, cost implications, and practical considerations from the start.

Need More Help?

If your question isn't answered here, check out Part 1 of our FAQ covering planning, costs, and regulatory approvals. Or visit hitomoconstruction.com to view our completed projects, read our blog for detailed guides, or submit an enquiry through our contact form.