Frequently Asked Questions

The cost to rebuild a landed house in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 300 to 600+ per square foot, depending on design, specifications, material, and site conditions. A full rebuild project can range from SGD 800,000 to over SGD 2 million, depending on the size and complexity of the house. See our cost guide for a full breakdown, or contact Ming Sia Construction for us to better understand your requirements.

A typical landed house rebuild takes 12 to 24 months, including design and approvals (4–8 months) and construction (8–16 months). The timeline may vary depending on project complexity and authority approvals.

The typical first steps are: define your requirements and budget; engage a contractor or consultant; conduct a site assessment; and proceed with design and authority submissions. Early planning helps avoid delays and cost overruns.

A&A (Addition & Alteration) works involve modifying an existing structure, while rebuilding involves demolishing the entire house and constructing a new one. A&A is usually faster and more cost-effective, while rebuilding offers full design flexibility.

Yes, extensions such as adding a room or attic are possible under A&A works, subject to URA planning guidelines, setback and site coverage limits, and structural feasibility. Approval from relevant authorities is required before construction.

This depends on the structural condition of the existing building, the extent of changes required, and compliance with current regulations. A site assessment by a contractor or Qualified Person is usually needed to determine feasibility.

It depends on the scope of works. Minor renovations (painting, flooring, non-structural partition walls) generally do not require planning permission. Any structural works — extensions, additions, or changes to the building envelope — require submission to BCA and potentially URA. Our team can advise you on what approvals are needed for your specific project and handle all submissions on your behalf.

Yes. Both rebuilding and A&A works require approval from authorities such as BCA (Building and Construction Authority), URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority), and PUB (Public Utilities Board). A Qualified Person (QP), such as an architect or professional engineer, will handle the submission process. See our step-by-step permit guide for the full walkthrough.

A Qualified Person (QP) is a registered architect or professional engineer responsible for designing the project, submitting plans to authorities, and ensuring compliance with regulations. A QP is required for all rebuilding and A&A projects.

No. Carrying out works without approval is illegal and may result in stop-work orders, fines or penalties, and a requirement to reinstate works at your own cost. Always ensure proper approvals are obtained before starting any construction.

Both approaches are commonly used in Singapore. Design & Build offers a single point of contact and better coordination, while Build-Only (engaging a separate architect and contractor) gives you more design independence. Read our blog Design & Build vs Build-Only (Architect + Tender): How to Choose for Your Landed Home? to find out more about the differences.

For major works such as rebuilding or extensive A&A, homeowners are typically required to move out due to safety and practical considerations. For minor works, partial occupation may still be possible.

Variation Orders (VOs) are changes to the original scope of work after construction has started. They usually occur due to design changes by the owner, site conditions differing from drawings, or coordination issues. VOs can increase project cost, so proper planning upfront is important.