Renovation diaries
Starting this online journal to document our first and hopefully forever home.
Day one of hacking works took place while we were abroad during the December holidays.
Excited for this project because of how old the unit was, yet the potential I saw in transforming it.
This is basically a gut renovation where everything had to go. We even hacked away one of the room walls because in the original layout the wall obscured light from the dining area making it really dim and dark. We also hacked away the original store room as it ate into the bedroom a little too much.
#renovationsg #renovation #hdbresale #hackingworks #interiordesign
Renovating an older resale home, especially a 4-room HDB unit, is always both challenging and rewarding. From my experience diving into a gut renovation project, one of the first realizations is just how much potential there is to reimagine interior spaces that once felt cramped or dull. For instance, removing obstructive walls can dramatically improve natural light flow, which makes the dining or living areas feel brighter and more inviting. During such renovations, it's common to tackle structural changes like hacking away storerooms that encroach on bedroom space, helping to create a more open and functional layout. It’s important to plan the demolition work carefully and coordinate with professional contractors experienced in HDB resale renovations and hacking works regulations, ensuring compliance and safety. The choice of construction materials also matters significantly. For example, products like Nippon E·MIX and Weber 2IN1 Floorscreed—mentioned on renovation product labels—are excellent options for flooring and surface leveling, offering durability and smooth finishes suited to renovation demands. Throughout the renovation journey, keeping a detailed journal or online diary can be invaluable. It documents progress and decisions, allowing reflection on design choices and helping others considering similar projects. Sharing one’s renovation experience, from initial hacking works to the final interior design touches, empowers the community and provides practical insights into the complexities and joys of home transformation. If you’re embarking on a similar renovation, I recommend researching SEO-friendly renovation hashtags like #renovationsg, #hdbresale, #hacking, and #interiordesign to connect with resources and fellow renovators. It’s a rewarding process, turning an old home into a lasting, personalized space filled with light and love.






