Wall hacking is one of the most common renovation tasks in Singapore — whether you are opening up a HDB flat, clearing a BTO unit, or stripping out a commercial office. Prices range from $3/sqft for basic tile removal to $14/sqft for thick concrete wall hacking, depending on material, scope, and access. This guide breaks down every variable.
Quick Reference: 2025 Hacking Prices
- Wall hacking (partition): $6–$10/sqft
- Wall hacking (brick/concrete): $8–$14/sqft
- Floor tile removal: $3–$5/sqft
- Marble floor hacking: $5–$8/sqft
- False ceiling removal: $4–$7/sqft
- HDB full interior hack: $3,500–$6,500
- BTO space clearance: $2,800–$4,500
- Commercial office strip-out: $6–$10/sqft
Wall Hacking Cost in Singapore — Full Price Table
The following rates reflect 2025 market pricing from BCA-registered contractors in Singapore. All prices include labour and debris removal unless noted otherwise.
| Type of Hacking Work | Unit | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-structural partition wall hacking | per sqft | $6 | $10 | Drywall, lightweight partitions |
| Brick / concrete wall hacking | per sqft | $8 | $14 | Load-bearing excluded; permit required |
| Floor tile hacking (ceramic/homogeneous) | per sqft | $3 | $5 | Standard residential tile |
| Marble floor hacking | per sqft | $5 | $8 | Thicker slab; risk of substrate damage |
| False ceiling removal | per sqft | $4 | $7 | Plaster or gypsum board systems |
| Suspended ceiling strip-out | per sqft | $5 | $9 | M&E capping included |
| Full HDB interior demolition | flat | $3,500 | $6,500 | 3-room to 5-room; scope-dependent |
| BTO space clearance | flat | $2,800 | $4,500 | Developer fixtures & partitions |
| Commercial office strip-out | per sqft | $6 | $10 | Partitions, raised floor, ceiling |
Rates are indicative 2025 Singapore market prices. Actual cost depends on site survey.
What Affects Wall Hacking Prices in Singapore?
Two contractors can quote very different prices for what looks like the same job. Here are the variables that move the number up or down.
1. Wall Material
Drywall and lightweight plasterboard partitions are the cheapest to hack — a single crew member can clear a room-sized partition in a day. Brick walls require jackhammers and more labour. Reinforced concrete structural walls are the most expensive and require engineering assessment before any work begins.
2. Wall Thickness
A 75mm drywall partition takes a fraction of the time of a 200mm brick wall. Thicker walls mean more passes, more dust extraction, and more debris — all adding to cost.
3. Floor Level and Lift Access
High-rise floors in Singapore HDB estates and condominiums often attract a surcharge of $200–$600 depending on building access. Equipment hoisting, booking of cargo lifts, and longer debris transport distances all add time and cost.
4. Scope — Isolated vs. Full Hack
Hacking a single feature wall costs more per sqft than a full-flat strip-out. Mobilisation, dust protection, and debris removal are partly fixed costs — spread across a larger scope, the per-sqft rate falls significantly. A full HDB interior hack is always better value per sqft than a piecemeal approach.
5. Debris Disposal
Always confirm whether the quoted price includes debris removal and disposal to NEA-approved facilities. Some contractors quote hacking-only and add a separate disposal charge of $300–$800. At Bellevill, debris clearance is always included in our quote.
HDB Wall Hacking Cost — What to Expect
For a typical 4-room HDB flat, a full interior demolition (kitchen, bathrooms, built-in furniture, non-structural walls, false ceilings) ranges from $3,500 to $5,500. A 5-room flat runs $4,500–$6,500. Scope variations — whether you retain certain walls or fixtures — shift the price accordingly.
Important: structural wall hacking in HDB flats requires prior HDB written consent and can only be carried out by a BCA-registered contractor. If a contractor offers to hack structural walls without this, walk away — the liability falls on you as the flat owner.
BTO Demolition Cost — New Flat Clearance
BTO units from HDB come with developer-installed fixtures including bathroom fittings, kitchen cabinets, and sometimes internal partition walls. Clearing a BTO unit before full renovation typically costs $2,800–$4,500 depending on the extent of developer fixtures and whether any permitted walls are being removed.
BTO demolition is time-sensitive — renovation contractors cannot start until the space is cleared. Bellevill specialises in fast-turnaround BTO clearance, typically completed in 3–5 days.
Commercial Wall Hacking and Strip-Out Costs
Commercial office strip-outs — removing partition systems, raised flooring, suspended ceilings, and M&E capping — are typically priced at $6–$10/sqft for standard office spaces in Singapore. Full commercial demolition including structural elements is quoted separately based on engineering assessment.
Retail and F&B spaces have similar pricing. Reinstatement demolition (restoring a space to original condition for landlord handover) typically runs $5–$8/sqftdepending on the extent of tenant fit-out.
How to Get an Accurate Hacking Quote in Singapore
The only reliable way to get a fair price is a free on-site survey. Photos and floor plans miss too much: wall thickness, material type, presence of hidden services (pipes, conduits), and access constraints all significantly affect cost.
When comparing quotes, check:
- Is debris removal and disposal included?
- Is the contractor BCA-registered? (Required for structural works)
- Is HDB/BCA permit submission included for structural works?
- Are dust and lift protection charges itemised?
- Is there a written quotation, or just a verbal estimate?