DirectHome buying guides reference library

Reference library

Buying Guides for Singapore Home Upgrades

Plan the work, compare your options and ask better questions before committing. Explore guides to interiors, structural work, access, exterior improvements and home systems, with sources linked beside the advice.

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17 buying guides

Buying Guide·5 min

Attic Conversion in Singapore: A Buying Guide

A worthwhile attic conversion creates a room the household can reach, use and maintain comfortably within the constraints of the existing house.

Buying Guide·19 min read

Can you build a basement under your landed house?

What URA, PUB and BCA set for a landed basement, how the dig is kept from moving the house next door, who runs any pumps afterwards and which floors cope below ground.

Buying Guide·16 min read

Choosing bathroom fixtures and fittings for a landed home

In Singapore a PUB Licensed Plumber must install or move a toilet, while a handyman may fit a shower enclosure or swap a tap.

Buying Guide·12 min

Choosing waterproofing for your roof

Choose roof waterproofing by how the water gets in and how the roof will be used, and know what the quote should cover before anyone starts work.

Buying Guide·10 min read

Does your landed home need a facade inspection?

What a thorough check involves, which defects to repair before painting, and how to weigh repainting, replastering and cladding quotes.

Buying Guide·9 min read

Home Lifts in Singapore: A Landed Home Buying Guide

Compare home-lift suitability, landing space, building works, quotations, BCA owner duties and ongoing care before choosing a system.

Buying Guide·15 min read

How to choose an auto gate for your landed home

Choose an auto gate that fits your driveway and parked car. Know what to check in the motor, remote control and installation quote before you buy.

Buying Guide·13 min read

How to choose the best carpentry for wardrobes and cabinets

Before you sign, give two carpenters the same tricky detail, such as a drawer behind a sliding door, and see whose drawing actually solves it.

Buying Guide·14 min read

How to choose the best vinyl flooring for your home

Know which vinyl to lay in each room, where tile or real parquet does the job better, and which old floors can stay underneath.

Buying Guide·15 min read

Is ducted aircon right for your landed home?

Ducted aircon hides the unit in the ceiling but needs depth, a return air path and access doors. Here is when a cassette or wall-mounted unit suits better.

Buying Guide·13 min read

Landed interior design from terrace house photos to handover

Start with the photos you’ve saved, then see which drawings the design fee should buy, how it differs from the building quote and what to check at handover.

Buying Guide·8 min read

Staircase Renovation in Singapore: A Buying Guide

Define staircase scope, finished levels, materials, handrails and structural responsibilities. Plan safe household access, quote comparison and handover.

Buying Guide·9 min read

Stairlifts in Singapore: A Practical Buying Guide

Choose a stairlift around the user, stair geometry, landing access and local aftercare. Compare rail layouts, quotations, safety and handover.

Buying Guide·9 min read

Swimming Pools in Singapore: A Landed Home Buying Guide

Plan a home pool around actual use, site levels, equipment access, safe operation and ongoing care. Compare scope, approvals and handover evidence.

Buying Guide·12 min read

Wet kitchen or dry kitchen for your landed home?

Each sink, hob and appliance in a second kitchen needs its own pipes, power, gas or duct, and some of that work needs a licensed plumber, electrician or gas worker. Here is what each side needs, and which cabinets cope with the wet side.

Buying Guide·12 min read

What A&A works mean for your landed house

The room you're missing can come from the house you have, from the garden or from starting again. Each route asks something different of the structure, the drains and the neighbours.

Buying Guide·13 min read

Which type of false ceiling is best for your home?

Before a false ceiling goes up, settle whether a ceiling fan can hang from it, which LED lights work with your dimmer, and where the access panels for the aircon and drivers will go.

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