Planning Electrical Works in Singapore: Scope, Cost and Timeline

Most cost overruns on electrical works are not pricing problems — they are scope-definition problems. The contractor quoted for what was said on the call; the building actually needed something different. A short planning step fixes most of this.

Step 1 — define the scope on paper

Write the scope as points of work, not as outcomes. "Rewire the kitchen" is an outcome. "Two new 13A double sockets at counter level, one dedicated 20A radial for the oven, isolator above hood for exhaust fan" is a scope. Quotes against a defined scope are comparable. Quotes against an outcome are not.

Step 2 — confirm access windows

• HDB units — works during permitted renovation hours per HDB rules; some scopes need a renovation permit
• Condominium units — MCST renovation deposit, permit application, working-hours window per the by-laws
• Landed houses — fewer access constraints, but still subject to noise and waste-removal rules
• Commercial premises — landlord fit-out manual, after-hours work for live-tenant areas

For HDB jobs, confirm whether the scope falls inside the HDB renovation guidelines. For condos, the MCST will usually require a copy of the LEW licence before issuing the permit.

Step 3 — take three quotes against the same paper

Give all three contractors the same written scope. Their quotes will differ on price but also on inclusions — accessories, reinstatement, testing scope, warranty. The cheapest line price often hides the missing inclusions. The cleanest quote is the one that uses your scope structure and answers every line.

Realistic timing

• Single power point or light fitting — half-day, plus reinstatement if chasing needed
• DB upgrade in HDB / condo unit — typically a full day (isolation, removal, install, test, label, energise)
• Whole-unit rewire — three to seven working days, plus reinstatement
• Commercial fit-out electrical — site-dependent, planned around the M&E sequencing